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Installed Lexus CT200h 17" wheels and 205/50/17 tires

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Accessories and Modifications' started by F8L, Sep 18, 2012.

  1. a priori

    a priori Canonus Curiosus

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    Thanks, F8L. I'm thinking the XL rating is what is giving you the rougher and noisier ride. These are two things I'm seeking to avoid.

    I'm also thinking the Toyo Proxes are very good at giving LRR MPGs boost, but I've heard of too many sidewall problems that I can't imagine buying a new set. They also don't feel particularly safe in the rain (OK, they don't fee safe at regular speeds on wet surfaces.)
     
  2. F8L

    F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

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    I agree with you. I am going to do a bit more research and see what I come up with. I'll produce a safe recommendation for you. This is one of these reasons I wanted to try this tire first. It seems so good on paper but I didn't want to fully recommend it until I tried it personally.
     
  3. F8L

    F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

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    a priori,

    Watch these videos if you have not already.



     
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  4. a priori

    a priori Canonus Curiosus

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    Thanks, F8L. I hadn't watched the videos before. I've only read the TireRack summaries. The comparisons are very handy ways of looking at the tires.
     
  5. F8L

    F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

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    Good. :)

    If you get rushed to get a new tire then go for the Primacy MXM4. They will give you the low noise and comfortable ride you're looking for. I am not going to suggest another tire until I find something guaranteed to be better. Unless you just want max mpg and don't mind giving up handling. Then the EP422 is the choice. :p
     
  6. a priori

    a priori Canonus Curiosus

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    I don't care so much about holding on a slalom course, but I am very interested in wet and cold weather traction. And low road noise. And FE.
     
  7. F8L

    F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

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    I'm pretty sure I am going to return these tires. Another benefit of working with America's tire company.

    I think in the long run the fuel economy will be ok and I like the way they fill the wheel well but they are just too damn hard. Even at 36/34psi they are too hard on anything but new asphalt. I really think this is a side effect of the XL (Extra Load) rating and now I fear buying any other 205/50/17 because they are all XL rated.

    So I will have to decide on a new tire. The only thing I hate about the 215/45/17 is the way they look on stock height cars. Grrrr
     
  8. SageBrush

    SageBrush Senior Member

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    Well now, that is a pain.
    How long do you have to decide on exchange ? I just wonder if the harsh ride does not attentuate as the tyres are broken in.
     
  9. WE0H

    WE0H Senior Member

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    Time for some springs. Maybe just take out a loan and buy the whole Plus Performance kit so your car will look cool like mine [​IMG]

    Mike [​IMG]
     
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  10. The Critic

    The Critic Resident Critic

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    The Plus springs are still in my closet. :whistle:


    iPhone ?
     
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  11. Codyroo

    Codyroo Senior Member

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    Has the handling of your closet improved with the springs in it? You're evil....tempting Justin like that.....lol
     
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  12. F8L

    F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

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    I was resisting the temptation until I realized I might have to go back to the smaller 215/45/17 which increases wheel well gap. :(

    Must resist..... Must.... Resist........
     
  13. WE0H

    WE0H Senior Member

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    Try it, one time wont hurt you :)

    Mike
     
  14. F8L

    F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

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    You're bad!

    Maybe the springs would soften the ride a bit with the harder tires. Hmmm
     
  15. WE0H

    WE0H Senior Member

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    IDK, my car handles and rides very very nice :D Yours can too with some springs and tires to go with your already fancy wheels :) Do it do it do it...

    Mike
     
  16. WE0H

    WE0H Senior Member

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    Think of it as an early Christmas present to yourself [​IMG]

    Mike
     
  17. WE0H

    WE0H Senior Member

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    Then come spring time you can order that Plus Perf body kit you dream about every night [​IMG]

    Mike
     
  18. WE0H

    WE0H Senior Member

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    Just stare at this and say to yourself, I gotta have it now :)

    [​IMG]

    Mike
     
  19. a priori

    a priori Canonus Curiosus

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    Any further update? I've looked for decent tires in the 205/50 world that aren't XL rated, and I haven't found any. I have a little bit of time, but not too much. The snow will start to fly too soon, and I need to change shoes.
     
  20. F8L

    F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

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    A few moments ago I ordered the Primacy MXM4 87V 215/45/17 as my replacement tire. I considered trying the Ecopia EP422 in the 205/50/17 but chickened out because it too is an XL tire. I considered it in the 215/45/17 but it is a W speed rated tire. Generally speaking, the higher the load index and speed rating the worse the fuel economy assuming you are using the same model tire. The Ecopia EP422 87W may be more fuel efficient than the Primacy MXM4 87V but I doubt it is enough to overcome to the worse handling and traction. So I am playing it safe and going with the MXM4. You should too. LOL
     
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