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Old 03-30-2003, 03:53 PM   #1
FastWagon
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Question New tires on stock rims??

I like the stock rims just fine, of course the stock rubber... sucks. So I want to get new tires, I've narrowed it down to:

205/55-16

Bridgestone S-03 Pole Position (281.00 CDN)
OR
Toyo Proxes T1-S (215.00 CDN)

Question is, which tire... and is it worth it to put them on stock rims?

I do 90% paved road driving, but I do like dirt/gravel for some fun

so what's the verdict from the masses ??

thanks
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Old 03-30-2003, 03:57 PM   #2
FastWagon
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ok I know the "Bling Bling" factor is not that important, but personally the Toyo's look damn good !!


TOYO


Bridgestone
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Old 03-30-2003, 03:59 PM   #3
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i don't think either would be good for non-paved surfaces. the s-03s have a bigger tread section width than the toyos, and i'm pretty sure the s-03s have stronger sidewalls. i think the blocky tread tires work better in those conditions (ie look at snow tires).
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Old 03-30-2003, 04:03 PM   #4
FastWagon
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Ok, I assumed that neither would be ideal for non-paved surfaces, (could they be worse than stock ????).

I guess my biggest question really is about the rims, stick with the stock 16's or go up to a 17" ?
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Old 03-31-2003, 08:05 AM   #5
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Quote:
Ok, I assumed that neither would be ideal for non-paved surfaces, (could they be worse than stock ????).

They may very well be worse than stock. I have the T1S in 215-45-17 and they are floaty in gravel, and are too soft a compound to endure much of it. They are fine for the 200 meters of gravel alley to my garage, but thats about it.

Quote:
I guess my biggest question really is about the rims, stick with the stock 16's or go up to a 17" ?
I just bought a used set of WRX rims and Michelin Pilot Sport A/S for spring dirt runs, the 17"s were that unpleasant - floaty, rough on bumps, and shredding to bits. The 17"s might go on later in the summer, but I don't think I'll use them a whole lot anymore, the Michelins are quite good on tarmac with the OBS suspension.

Having said that, the 17"s T1S are phenomenal for tarmac cornering and stopping, and would be great on your WRX. If you just need to creep slowly on a gravel driveway now and then, they would be fine, you just can't enjoy them at a rallycross or anything. Maybe keep your stock rims for winter and gravel runs and get a set of A/S, either your RE-92s or trade in for a max performance A/S like I did.

As far as which tire, the T1S is lighter than the SO3 by at least 2-3 lb IIRC. For a feeble OBS that matters for acceleration, less of an issue with the WRX. Unsprung weight may be a factor for you. Both great tarmac tires, but the SO3 supposedly has an edge in handling.


Jim
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Old 03-31-2003, 08:53 AM   #6
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I like the S-03's better
NASIOC tire search
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Old 03-31-2003, 11:38 PM   #7
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Of course, you do! Your business doesn't even carry the Toyo's! (Which, btw, are not as easy to find as they should be given their popularity... Miata guys love them!)
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Old 04-01-2003, 10:53 AM   #8
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Default Tires

I have the S-03s mounted on my stock rimes and I love them. They grip incredibly in dry or wet. I would definately recommend them. After a few thousand miles they do tend to get a little noisy at highway speed though, but that's what a good stereo is for, right?
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Old 04-01-2003, 12:20 PM   #9
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... or exhaust!
Actually, I have the S0-3's also and love them! Took second in my class with them at the auto-x a week ago!
...of course, there wasn't a whole lot of competition, but still!
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Old 04-01-2003, 12:42 PM   #10
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if you're not concerned about looks or don't need extra clearance for brakes, i'd stick with the stock rims. i've driven on 17s and 18s, not on my subaru but regardless they woudl have had the same aspect ratio. i think if you get a tire with a good strong sidewall there isn't much difference between a 16" and a 17" tire in terms of handling (tread width everything else equal). used stock rims are fairly cheap as well and you won't get mad if you get scuffs from gravel.
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Old 04-01-2003, 02:08 PM   #11
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Just installed a new set of so-3 pols on 17" wheels. Big difference in performance and handling. Probably a better idea to go with the 17's, and keep you 16's for the winter. My 16's have a set of Nokian snow tires mounted on them.

Good luck.
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Old 04-01-2003, 09:06 PM   #12
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just put some 215/45/17zr yokohama AVS sports on ,and man o man do they ever grip ,stickey, stickey sweet. excellent wet or dry
two thumbs up, it was a choice between AVS sports and proxes for me. however they would both suck on dirt. get a set of steelies with some snows for the dirt
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Old 04-21-2003, 07:10 PM   #13
FastWagon
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Talking

Thanks everyone for your input. I actually ended up going another route completely , OZ Crono Evolutions 17" with Kumho Ecsta-MX 225/45-17. They should be her tomorrow, I'll post pics soon !

Thanks again,

Last edited by FastWagon; 04-23-2003 at 02:00 PM.
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