Tire Question

[Polish Don]

My '07 Magnum SXT hit a wonderful pothole and slit the sidewall of the goodyear Intergerty tires. Now, I only have 19K on them, and I don't like to say that I hate Goodyears, but the words I'd like to use are not proper on a public forum !

Anyways, I went there and there wasn't much a a choice for a 215/65/17 tire. Either two goodyear models or Michelin Hydroedge or a Cooper, both of which needed to be ordered. Great! so I purchased another Intergerty.

Now, my question is this.... They sold a Michelin tire that was 215/60/17, but the sales guy tells me that I cannot switch to that due to rim/tire/suspension issues. They would do it, but would not be responsible.

Would a chance from 65 series to 60 series be that harmful ? I use to switch from 75 to 70 all the time.

Comments ? I'd like to ditch the Goodyears for Michelins/BG Goodrich (non-Hydro type) if possible

[TheBeastMaster]

It's not advisable to change to a 215/60/17. That would lead to a speedo error. Currently, you run a 215/65. This means that the sidewall has 65% of the 215 width of the tire. Your sidewall is 140mm high. Going to a 215/60 means your now 60% of 215. Sidewall is now 129mm high. It will cause a speedo error of 2mph. You're better off going with a 225/60. Speedo error will now be less than 1mph. People frequently change tire sizes w/no probs w/susp issues. Only if you were going to upsize your wheels, or go radically wider w/tires would there be any susp. issues. Here's some more info:http://www.discounttiredirect.com/direct/brochure/info/tmpInfoTireMath.jsp

If you wanted, either buy a Predator, allowing you to adjust for new tire sizes, or just have the dealer Starscan a new size to avoid speedo errors.

[formerice]

You might try upgrading to the RT 18" wheels. I found a good deal right here for a set with new tires. You can go to 255/55/18's with those rims. Many choices in that size also. Put some Hotchkis sway bars on and you'll be tearing up the local autocross track. PM me if you want to see what they look like(meaty). All my pics are hi res.

[Polish Don]

Thanks for your help !

I'm on a budget (Wife's will not let me spend Big Bucks !) So changing the rims is probably out of the question.

So 225/60/17 would be my best bet? I do not own a Predator so reprogramming the ECM is not an option right now.

Any brands recommended ?

[formerice]

Don, check out the General Altimax HP. They offer in 215/60/17 225/55/17 235/55/17 and 235/65/17. Top rated tire according to Tire Rack. If I had your car, I would opt for the 235/55's. I don't think your speedo will know the difference. I have had 2 sets of General Grabber UHP's in 255/55/18's on my RT. General makes some good tires. Another somewhat pricey tire is the Michelin Hydro Edge in 225/60/17 at $131. Not all Goodyear tires are crap btw, The Wrangler HP's on my 4X4 Ram went 75,000 miles! Don't be afraid to ask the guys at Tire Rack, just tell em what your looking for.

[Polish Don]

Thanks for the info, but I purchased a set of General Altimax RT for my old 1996 Town Car. worst mistake I ever made! I de-fanged it! Before then, I could plow through snow drifts. After these tires were installed, I couldn't back up a muddy driveway incline! I got stuck three times in one winter season before I traded the car in on the Magnum.

The Altimax HP look a little better, but their rating for snow/ice is not very good. And being in Michigan, I need traction !

[TheEricHarris]

The General Altimax HP is rated #1 on tirerack.com. It has one of the best snow/ice rating. Also the cheapest tire too.