best "high performance" tires for stock 235/55/16?

[lostatlantis]

It's been a while, but I was surprised that a search on Tirerack for high performance summer & all-season tires had two listings for 235/55/16. I guess this dimension isn't "performance" anymore?

My current set is Firestone Firehawks Indy 500. I think I got them back in '03 or maybe '02. Back then, they were "high performance" tires, at least for all-season. I drive below average mileage and keep up with rotation, so they still have decent treads. I want to try autocrossing later in the year, so I thought it could be useful to get a refresher course on what's in and what's not. (btw I am sure there are special autoX tires, but probably impractical for the street)

So, to define "high performance", I want to focus on dry/wet performance, low noise. Tread life is less important, although it is my daily driver so need a decent balance. Would be nice to have some snow ability, since I have family up north and I *may* drive up for visits from time to time.

Obviously I will read through Tirerack more, but I am interested in your opinions.

[TheGr8Schlotzky]

Re: best "high performance" tires for stock 235/55/16?

There is a ton more options in the 245/50/16 size. Stock on the Z28s. Most guys run this size. I'm running on Bridgestone Potenza G009s, which are a good tire, but I can't compare heads up to anything else, seeing as my previous tires were utter crap to begin with. You'll find a selection on tirerack though in this size and read up on reviews and such.

[pv-camaro]

Re: best "high performance" tires for stock 235/55/16?

hi,

I changed my tires (215/60/R16) last january to 245/50/ZR16.
i am living in the Netherlands (Europe) and there is not much to buy in the size 245/50/ZR16.

The only tire i could buy was the Cooper Zeon 2XS 245/50/ZR16.
I had drove some 1000 miles with them, i like them, it's a good tire, in rain and dry.
And important the price is right.

in combination with my new shocks (Koni's front and rear) and my new swaybars (SS-camaro 32mm and 19mm), the handling and tracktion is great.

Patrick

[lostatlantis]

Re: best "high performance" tires for stock 235/55/16?

Netherland? Cool. Must be interesting to drive a big, long & wide car like the camaro over there!

I definitely won't mind going up to 245/50/16 (I think I am going to stick with my stock wheels, for the near future anyway). The speedometer would be off by a little bit - what's the cheapest way to have my firebird recalibrated? I understand the difference is small, but still...

[TheGr8Schlotzky]

Re: best "high performance" tires for stock 235/55/16?

Your speedometer would 60 when you are actually traveling at 58.8. It's such a small difference, that it really won't matter. But if you really want it corrected, you will need to get a tuning program like HP Tuners to correct it. Not cost effective for the purpose, unless you have bigger tuning plans.

[pv-camaro]

Re: best "high performance" tires for stock 235/55/16?

Hi,

i Corrected my speedometer with a Hypertech 32002 (bought by Summit racing).
You can also reset your speed limiter.

When you drive a Camaro in the Netherlands, it's great, everybody is looking at you.
I have also a 2001 Oldsmobile Alero 2.4, before the Alero i had driven a Chrysler Neon (in Amerika it's a Dodge) and before the Neon, i drove a Chevrolet Corsica (was a great car, drove it 6 years).
Before i bought the 2001 Camaro, i completely restored a 71 Camaro, which i sold last year.



Patrick