First off, I cannot believe that I have ~43,000 miles on these tires and they aren't slicks yet. Second off I cannot believe how well the factory (GT) tires performed since they LOOK like they belong on a Windstar or Taurus not a GT.
But the time is approaching when I'll need new shoes, I figure in the next 4-8 weeks the tread will be in the danger zone.
I'm planning on getting aftermarket wheels with the tires since the factory upgrade wheels for 2005 are fugly. Visually speaking I'd always thought that getting 20s would be the way to go but I'm hearing they are a bad choice for anything other than the cosmetic appeal. I'm guessing that is due to unsprung weight increase. Anyone wanna argue with that?
it seems that 18s are the way to go from a performance and ride quality standpoint, but going from 17 to 18 is a small visual gain with a high price tag, and they still wont clear big brakes like the 19/20s will. 19" wheels limit tire choice in a big way too.
I'd like to get 9-10 inch wide wheels so I can put a bigger contact patch down, but do not want to do serious damage to the wonderful fuel economy I'm getting with the skinny factory tires (22-24MPG in mixed driving is awesome). I'm also not in favor of the usual approach of 10s in back and 8.5s in front since then I cannot rotate even directional rubber.
I'd like to hear the various viewpoints and argument in favor of and against all of my preconceived notions. I've always respected and trusted the advice i get here.
But the time is approaching when I'll need new shoes, I figure in the next 4-8 weeks the tread will be in the danger zone.
I'm planning on getting aftermarket wheels with the tires since the factory upgrade wheels for 2005 are fugly. Visually speaking I'd always thought that getting 20s would be the way to go but I'm hearing they are a bad choice for anything other than the cosmetic appeal. I'm guessing that is due to unsprung weight increase. Anyone wanna argue with that?
it seems that 18s are the way to go from a performance and ride quality standpoint, but going from 17 to 18 is a small visual gain with a high price tag, and they still wont clear big brakes like the 19/20s will. 19" wheels limit tire choice in a big way too.
I'd like to get 9-10 inch wide wheels so I can put a bigger contact patch down, but do not want to do serious damage to the wonderful fuel economy I'm getting with the skinny factory tires (22-24MPG in mixed driving is awesome). I'm also not in favor of the usual approach of 10s in back and 8.5s in front since then I cannot rotate even directional rubber.
I'd like to hear the various viewpoints and argument in favor of and against all of my preconceived notions. I've always respected and trusted the advice i get here.