I was wondering how much more performance I would see with some 17x7.5 Gram Light 57-c with 225/45/17 Goodyear F-1 GS-D3 tires or just the stock rims with the same Goodyear tires upgrade. The reason I ask is because im kinda on a budget and I would rather spend the extra 1g on Hotchkis sway bars and a new exhaust. Would the Gram Lights really make that much of a difference? Also are the Goodyears the way to go for good wet/dry performance with not too much tread wear. I mainly drive back and forth from school but I go to the track ever once in a while. I live in Tennessee so snow is no worry. If anyone has any other suggestions please let me know.

Thanx in advance

Clayton

 

If the wheels are wider than stock, the wider wheels will allow you to use a wider tire, thereby improving your handling. Measuring that improvement is very difficult; I'm not even sure if it can be objectively assessed. I will say that the tires you have selected are exceptionally sticky. I have a set on my xA, and even when there is an inch of water on the ground, it feels like my car is sticking to the road with Velcro.

My suggestion: Go ahead and get the sway bars and exhaust. Wait until you wear through the tires you have now, then get new ones. There's no sense in tossing aside a perfectly useful set of tires when there's other things you can spend your money on. If you have the money and the inclination when the stock tires are done, go ahead and replace the rims, as well.

 

AHHH I like the way your thinking. hehehe went ahead and bought my Hotchkis sway bars already. I will most likely upgrade the tires at the end of the summer. Thanx a lot.
BTW do you like the F-1s? or would you reccomend something else

 

Those F1 tires are great. I bought them for wet traction, and man do they do their job! Only down side to those tires is the road noise. Gets pretty loud in my xA at highway speeds.

 

I think the wheels would be well worth it, as long as you get the proper size and offset.

Think flush!!!

 

Fuzion tires, inexpensive and has alot of it's big brother technology into it. once you get over the name, the tire is just awesome. check it out!

 

Wheels would be worth the money, yes! I agree with fomula02! But tires....if you are just driving around. Dont spend extra money on better tires. Try to read the tread wearing ratings!