Heckie naw... I found two very easily... Was a few month struggle on the last two... calling 13 different yards, scanning used ads, multiple incorrect listings and then finally I gave up the ghost and bought two separate ones brand new from dealer depot. Kind of dumb spending money on OEM sport wheels, but I've always appreciated OEM+.

 

After reading through, I think I will stick to 245/40 & 285/35 setup for 19 Rays staggered. Let me know your thoughts.

 

I went with powder coated gloss black. The wheel gap is significantly more on the front. Thinking about Swifts on the front. I have lots more chrome to delete before that

 

^looking sharp (and welcome to the powdercoated couple 19s crew).

info on center caps? Did you just rattle can spray paint them? If so, how do they look up close? I hypothesize that painting these OEM center caps won’t work well because the finish is ridged kinda like a vinyl record

 

The powdercoater did the center caps. I don't remember the exact wording but it was liquid something. They look exactly like the powder coating. It must not be expensive because I had 3 extra caps and he did those too for no charge. Ill call tomorrow to see what it is

 

I've acquired what are a set of all matching front 19's from a coupe (4 fronts basically). 19x8.5 with an offset of 43
I'm going to take them in to be refinished.

I'm trying to decide what size tires to put on them.

From my research:
*Stock tire size would have been 225/40/19
*My rims currently have 225/45/19 worn out blizzak snow tires.
*An upgraded size, from this thread, is to go 245/40/19
*wider, 245, tire size would be .7 inches wider and .4 shorter sidewall than 225's

I'm a little torn on what size to go, and tire type. My goals are to have a car that is sportier yet still rides nice. I'm getting too old to have some Eibachs and harsh *** shocks and like it. I put the 19's on, and even with the worn out snow tires the car was a lot more fun! Much better turn in and even grip than my stock 17's with all seasons. I found that very surprising. 19's FTW.

I'm going to keep my stockers for snow tires, and the 19's will be summer tires, so I can go with a more dedicated fun tire.
Tires with a 45 sidewall are more 'touring' tires from the choices on tire rack but they do have some decent summer performance tires.
I test drove a coupe with 19's and sport suspension before I bought my X. It rode too harsh, it felt like Infiniti did the old 'throw on some high rate springs and high compression shocks' and the numbers are better, but it rides fairly ****.

My goals are: make the car more fun for the summer. Not too harsh a ride. Wider tire is always better. I don't want it to tramline if that's an issue.


Which sized tires do you think?
stick with the stock 225/40's - keep it simple, still an upgrade
go to wider 245/40's - more grip, looks better
go to wider and taller 245/45's- more grip, better ride, not as sharp looking

I know the tire choice will effect not only the handling but also the ride, but I'll do my research and find a good handler that isn't too harsh.

What do you think?

 

The 40 series on 19s isn't too harsh of a ride, IMHO. If it is, shoulda bought an M37 LOL.

Worth it keeping accel and speed indication closer to accurate, IMHO, and I don't think you'll get appreciably more suspension compliance out of the extra tire height with the 45s.

I'm running 245/40 front and 275/35 rear on coupe staggered, btw.

 

thanks rotarymike that's helpful. forgot about the speedo. Yeah, the bit of sidewall and ride will probably depend more on which tire I choose. Looking at the Firehawk Indy 500's - great bang for the buck. General GMax RS is getting good reviews too; also a rebate (I do love a deal). I'd not usually pick either brand but again, bang for the buck.
Or maybe something softer for a little more comfort.

 

I did 255/40 all around, I feel as though that size checked enough boxes for what I wanted...width, more side wall/smoother ride, performance, looks, odo accuracy, still able to rotate the tires for longer tread wear, etc.

 

I've had Firehawks before and they were OK (1991 RX7 Turbo on 17s). I've not had good luck with Generals, but the last time I had a set was 1992 or so. Currently I have Kumho PS91s, they're... grippy, and a bit noisy. I'd suggest something equivalent to their MX line if that is still a thing - had original MXs and MX4s on the RX8 and Mini Cooper, and they were good street tires. Not sure where you live, but I'm in the southern US so no snow or ice issues for me, but the MX4s were M&S rated. The PS91s... not so much.

 

[QUOTE=hjmata07;4293847]I did 255/40 all around, I feel as though that size checked enough boxes for what I wanted...width, more side wall/smoother ride, performance, looks, odo accuracy, still able to rotate the tires for longer tread wear, etc.


sharp, sharp. 255, that's a good idea for a happy medium.

What do you think of the General GMAX RS's?

 

rotarymike, we may be of the same era, I used to run RE71's when that was a hot tire ' showing my age there. I always see Generals as a cheap-o tire; reminds me the General Lee maybe. Those tires do get some good reviews. I just looked it up and they're owned by Continental, the big german company. Of course I've had mixed luck with Continentals too; they're a german bang for the buck; couple great pairs and a few tires that could not be balanced. Sort of the VW of german tires maybe?

Never been much of a fan of Firestone either, were yours the Indy 500 version? They've been a fairly hot tire the last few years it seems.

 

*I used to track/autox on Kumho's, so I have an affinity for the brand. The PS91s have some decent reviews, but a lot of complaints that they wear out very quickly, and noise.

 

They’re great, never had any issues with them. Definitely a bang for your buck type of deal, rebate and all. Dry traction is great, no complaints with wet traction. Drove in rain with near 32 degree temperatures because Maryland doesn’t make up it’s mind in terms of seasons and I had zero issues. I’d 100% buy these tires again.

 

Yeah, I had RE71s, and then autocrossed on Kumho Victorracers that were SCCA race day take-offs. LOL. I remember when the Falken Azenis were coming out, and they became the hot tire for lighter cars. I had Generals (no idea what type, this was 30 years ago) on a Mk1 MR2 and they were no bueno.

The PS91s are noisy, but... I have RHFCs and an FI full catback so... noise is subjective. as to wear - had them a year, no autox or track days because <gesticulates at everything> but they're holding up OK. I used to be happy to get 1 year out of a set of tires.