245/50...235/60... or stock?

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magic_marker

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I'm looking to replace my stock Michelin MXV4+ 225/60 tires, and I'm not sure which way I want to go.

I must be getting OLD, because I think I would like to move to a tire size that rides softer and quieter and has better traction than the stock Michelins.

Any pros or cons for the 235/60 vs 245/50? I'm considering these sizes in the BFG Traction T/As...
 
RE: 245/50...235/60... or stock?

I'm running 245/50-16 Nitto 555R Drag Radials in the rear and stock size P225/60R16 Michelin Pilot XGT H4 series in the front. With the Michelins all around, there were no complaints. When I had the drag radials put on there was a definite decrease in ride quality. Of course I forget all about that when I get to the track! :7

The previous two brands(Conti's & ???) in stock size were no comparison in ride quality to the Michelins. I don't know if they have the Pilot XGT in 245/50-16, I think it would be an awesome choice for a street tire. My 2 cents.
 
RE: 245/50...235/60... or stock?

I put a set of stock size BF Goodrich Traction T/As on my car a couple of months ago and I really like them. They are quiet and work very well in the rain. They hook up so good on dry roads it bogs the motor a little and doesn't break the tires loose.

98 Mark VIII LSC
04 Honda Pilot (Wife's)
00 Harley Softtail
 
RE: 245/50...235/60... or stock?

I'm actually using the BFG Traction TA's in a 245/50 16 and am very happy with them. Ride much better than the previous tires I had on it, and are quieter as well. Previous tires were Yokohama AVS ES100 in a 245/50 16 size.
 
RE: 245/50...235/60... or stock?

I vote 245/50/16, they look great and are a little wider. I think the shorter sidewall and wider tread give a better appearance and I'm sure a little more grip too.
 
RE: 245/50...235/60... or stock?

I hope you are willing to lower it once you change over to 245/50's to fill the gap. They look great, and I LOVED the extra grip with my ZR tires. I didn’t really miss them till I got in the LS 400 and noticed lack of grip with the 225/60 Michelins Mx4 energy or something. (but they are much quieter and smoother).

Mind had a harsh ride, but looked great.
 
RE: 245/50...235/60... or stock?

Thanks for all of the replies!

I'm most interested in a tire that provides (1) a soft ride and (2) excellent traction.

JP - that's good to know about your experiences with the pilot XGTs. They appear to get a bum to lukewarm rap (depending on the speed rating) on Tirerack.com:
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/surveyresults/surveydisplay.jsp?type=UHPAS

It sounds like the Traction T/As in 245/50s will give me the traction, and possibly a decent ride. Plus, the tirerack.com survey gives them high marks:

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/surveyresults/surveydisplay.jsp?type=HPAS

The reason why I'm considering 235/60s is because they should theoretically give me a softer ride (they were oem tires on the BMW 740s), and they wouldn't leave a huge gap between the tire and fenderwell.

Thanks again, and I'll update you when I pull the trigger on a new set of shoes. :)
 
RE: 245/50...235/60... or stock?

+1 on the Traction T/As. I just got a set installed a week ago. Not only they smoothed out all the vibration I had been fighting with for the last year, but also provide decent traction in wet or dry conditions. I went with 245/50/16s.
 
RE: 245/50...235/60... or stock?

I'm looking to purchase some new tires as well. Could some of you post a picture with the 245/50/16's mounted...with the car stock? I would like to see how much of a gap is left.
 
RE: 245/50...235/60... or stock?

Update: I wound up buying a set of H-rated BFG Traction T/As in the 235/60 size.

Looks: Very aggressive tread pattern! The extra sidewall height helps fill out the stock fenderwell gap. Car looks a tiny bit "shorter".

Ride: Amazingly quiet, especially given the tread pattern. The car feels more solid or "chunkier" when going over bumps and when changing lanes. The ride seems to be a little bit stiffer, so I might have to drop the tire pressure a bit to soften it up.

They're the same tire size used by the '98-'99 MB CL600, so they're clearly capable of hauling the Mark VIII's weight.

Overall first impression? Thumbs up! :) (I paid $415 installed and balanced at Sears Auto Center.)
 
RE: 245/50...235/60... or stock?

Congrats on the choice. If I wasn't so "hard" on my car, i probably would have gone with the H rated Traction TA's. I just found that with the H rated tires that came on the car when I bought it that i could melt them at will, so I went with the V rated Traction TA's. One think I learned this weekend, my car launches suprisingly well on "icy" Minnesota roads. }(
 
RE: 245/50...235/60... or stock?

I am stuck between choosing either the Traction T/A's, or Yokohama Avids. How are the TA's doing? Anyone out there with use on both of these tires?:) Currently running 235/60/16 on stock rims.
 
RE: 245/50...235/60... or stock?

Phranquy,
Are you getting better traction wet AND dry with the Traction TA's over the Yokohamas? What king of launch are they giving you? road noise? Vibrations? I'm loving the sound of the TA's more and more.
:D
 
RE: 245/50...235/60... or stock?

Well, it's been over 7 months and 18,000 miles with the 235/60 Traction T/As. Very satisfied customer. On my last oil change, I asked to have the tires rotated. The tech said, "Are you sure? There's no wear on any of the tires!"

These tires will outlast the car. I can feel it.
 
RE: 245/50...235/60... or stock?

Dear Magic Marker,
Have you had any problems with the H-rated tire? Since the Mark is a V-rated car, I'd hate to put an H on it without feeling VERY,VERY comfortable about it. The Traction TA's in a 235 size only seem to come in an H rating. Anybody seen otherwise? Because I like the 235 size I am also considering the Yokohama Avids to get a V rating. By the by, how are the TA's in wet handling? Anyone out there with the Yokos please chime in.
:)
 
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