[lkaufmann319]

I recently switched to all-season DWS06 on my stock wheels and am not happy at all with the turn in. I was spoiled by the instant turn in and stability of the Goodyear F1 tires, so I am looking at getting a set of aftermarket wheels strictly as a summer set. 17's are a lot cheaper, but will I be terribly disappointed with the handling of 235/45R17 tires? I am looking for opinions from those who switched from a summer tire like the OE Goodyear to a comparable 17" summer tire. I am not really worried about the looks of a higher sidewall. I am strictly looking for the performance and feel. I appreciate it!

 

[TORA]

You should be fine as long as you are getting a good tire. Race cars, for example, only run as big a wheel as they need to fit a brake system. If you have a stiff sidewall a little extra height shouldn't make a difference. If you run something like a Falken RT615k in the summer or similar type tire you will be satisfied with the handling.

 

[Dean the Machine]

I switched to aftermarket rims and 17" Goodyear F1's. I hardly notice a difference in turn in or ride. I did it cause of potholes around here and I thought the ride would be better but I don't really notice that either. Sorry not much help

 

[lkaufmann319]

Thanks to both of you for the advice. I am not too concerned with the ride, just disappointed since the sharp car I remember has gone soft with these all seasons! I will scour the interwebz for a nice lightweight set of 17's. I have all winter to do so....

 

[TORA]

I was thinking - https://www.tirerack.com/wheels/Whe...=Focus+ST&autoYear=2015&autoModClar=&visLoc=1

With a 245/45R17 Falken RT615K.

 

[betterthansx]

The stiffness of the wheel and the stiffness of the sidewall are going to be what gives you the turn in.

Go with a Michelin Pilot Super Sport. They last a long time, but have amazing grip and great feel.

As for the wheels, get a decent set. You dont have to spend a fortune, but if you get a cheap set made in the orient, they won't feel as good as a nice set of Enkei's or comparable sets. Enkei is great because they aren't stupid expensive, but they are really well made.

 

[Ianh]

Yeah I have the same issue. When I put the hankook rs3 V2s on (17x255) it's like driving around on marshmallows. It all depends on sidewall stiffness and PSI. You may find that adding 5-10lbs of pressure will help a little, especially if you've already bought the tires. There's just so much more sidewall on the 17"s though. Honestly, for road driving I'd save your pennies and get another set of the goodyears. They're hard to beat for price vs. wear vs handling. If you aren't worried about wear...the new federal rsrr just came out and they're pretty cheap. Sticky as hell.

 

[Ianh]

I have the 17x8 Modas. Nice cheap light wheel.

 

[FoCuSTar27]

I was able to score a set of 17 x 8 OZ formula HLTs last year on TireRack and that was when I made the full switch to 17's all year round. Currently run Hankook 245/40ZR-17 V12 evo2 tires, which gave me great grip at a cheaper cost than buying michelin super sports. I didn't notice too much differences in comfort. These tires are perfectly suited for daily driving and give a good blend of performance and daily livability for the price.

 

[froSTy]

I have 17 x 8 OZ formula HLTs. Currently run Hankook 245/40ZR-17 V12 evo2 tires.

This sounds like the setup I'm leaning towards... You got any pics? Thanks!

 

[ST.DJ]

For what it's worth, I would recommend the Continental Pro Contacts *hands down* over the Goodyear F1. When I had my 2012 Titanium, I had the Conty Pros ? then had F1s on my 2013 Titanium. Big difference, and not for the better. The Continentals had better grip, and much better feel, without feeling every tiny pebble in the road. They also eeked out around 3 more mpg than the F1s.

(That said, it made me appreciate everything about the ST that much more when I upgraded!)

 

[pandahater]

Anyone got pics of their setups? I'm strongly considering switching to a 17 myself.


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