Anyone running 225/45/17's on the front?

[gerrygug]

Just wondering if anyone is running 225/45/17 on the front of your Boxster. I am thinking about Dunlop Star Spec's but they don't come in 205/50/17. What would the effects be on handling with this setup. Rears will remain 255/40/17.

[Bladecutter]

I am!

Handling effects?

Well, the reason why I switched tire sizes this summer was due to the amount of wear on the outer edges of the 205/50-17 front tire after a couple half day sessions over at High Plains Raceway. The outer edges of the tires were just completely shredded.

Plus, I just wasn't getting enough grip in certain corners, and the car was just understeering, while other Boxsters and Porsches were having no trouble at all in the same corners. Also, the 205 size tires would just scream bloody murder as I killed them.

After switching to the 225/45-17 size, the traction increase was quite noticeable, and the outer edge of the tires were no longer being shaved clean off. Plus, much less complaining from the tires!

For regular day to day driving, I honestly can't feel a difference between the two sizes. Maybe the steering is a touch heavier, but I can't really say that I notice it.

BC.

[kabel]

Lot of us are running a 225/45/17 on the front & works just fine.
If you autocross you see a small but measurable reduction in understeer with that size on the front. Quite a few posts about it around here too. Let us know how you like the star specs, I have heard good things about them.

[drem914]

Running Michelin Pilots Sports PS2 225/45/17 in the front with 265/40/17 in the rear.
so far have over 20K on them in the last year and the rears are wearing very evenly. Still have maybe another 5k of tread left before I have to think about new ones. Still have another 20K for the fronts at this rate.

[timothy]

My DE wheels have Star Specs 225/45 front 255/40 rear. The tires have been good both on the street and track and have not let me down regardless of rain or shine. Enjoy!

[Adam]

I'd recommend going to the 225/45 as it will help reduce some of the inherent understeer the car has and increase front end grip. +1 on the Star Specs as well. I have a set for my Mazda 3 and use them when I autocross the car. Very good tire.

[stateofidleness]

Ah! I was wondering the same thing! Was looking at getting the Dunlop Star Specs all around with all these "Buy 3 Get One Free" deals goin around. I noticed they didn't have it in the stock size (for a 17" wheel)

So a 225 will fit without ANY issues at all?? how does that 265 look/fit?

EDIT: where are you guys finding these tires?? I checked Tirerack.com, Discounttire.com and NTB.com.. nada

[Adam]

Originally Posted by stateofidleness

Ah! I was wondering the same thing! Was looking at getting the Dunlop Star Specs all around with all these "Buy 3 Get One Free" deals goin around. I noticed they didn't have it in the stock size (for a 17" wheel)

So a 225 will fit without ANY issues at all?? how does that 265 look/fit?

EDIT: where are you guys finding these tires?? I checked Tirerack.com, Discounttire.com and NTB.com.. nada

I got my Star Specs from TireRack. I'm surprised they don't have them in stock.

[stateofidleness]

What is the actual name of these tires on Tirerack? not the direzza or sport maxx right?

[Adam]

They have them all in stock. Here's the link.

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/Sizes.jsp?make=Dunlop&model=Direzza+Sport+Z1+Star+Spec

[stateofidleness]

nm, looks like they are Direzza Sport Z1 Star Spec
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Dunlop&tireModel=Direzza+Sport+Z1+Star+Spec

looks like they're in stock. website kinda sucks... when you do a search (filter) for that size, they don't show up.