GR86 New rear Tyres - 215's or 225's??

K

Knotty

Absorbed member
May 21, 2024
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So, the inevitable consequences of sliding around at every opportunity mean I'm starting to look at replacement rear tyres :)

I notice that several of you have gone for 225 width rather than the OEM 215 width that came with the car... Any downsides to the increased width? Is the car still adjustable (using the right foot)? Any increased tyre roar or fouling of the arches on manoeuvres?
 
I've noticed no downsides. I've felt some subjective differences (slightly quieter and more compliant, more grip) but that could be due to switching brands (from Michelin PS4 to Goodyear F1AS6). Some say 225s will be slightly less responsive, but as a road driver, I can't really tell the difference.

One objective improvement - my speedometer used to over-read +1MPH compared to GPS. Switching to 225 increased the profile, and thus the tyre diameter went up a tiny amount, which caused the speedo to now be absolutely bob-on accurate. Great news if you have your speed displayed on Waze or something, and have OCD.
 
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leosayer said:
I wouldn't run different widths front and rear.

Wider rears could promote some undesirable handling characteristics like understeer.
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Likewise, Although I've never tried it in the 86. I especially wouldn't want to have different brands at different widths.

@Knotty do you have enough tread left on them that would allow you rotate your tyres - swap fronts for backs - then you can wear them all down equally and swap all 4 at a later date?
 
GRistopher said:
Likewise, Although I've never tried it in the 86. I especially wouldn't want to have different brands at different widths.

@Knotty do you have enough tread left on them that would allow you rotate your tyres - swap fronts for backs - then you can wear them all down equally and swap all 4 at a later date?
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Hmm, nearing the legal limit on the rear tyres. Fronts have way more tread depth left..
 
I went with replacing all 4 - Conti Sport Contact 7's, 225/40/ R18. I can report that the Steering directness and linearity seems to have improved vs the Michelin 215's, but that the steering "feel" is a little heavier. Traction seems much stronger overall and the car needs to be provoked more aggressively into a slide. Breakaway is more abrubt than the michelin tyre when you do provoke it, and the car tends to regain traction quicker. In summary, it feels more secure, but less "playful" than the Michelin 215's to me.
 
Anyone using 35 profile when going to 225?
I'd prefer a smaller diameter to reduce gearing and there are some nice tyres available in 225/35.
 
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