Downsize for comfort

[stingerbeagle]

I'm finding the stock 19 inch setup on my GT2 RWD a bit too stiff. I'm looking into downsizing to an 18 inch setup. My current stock setup is 225/40/19 front and 255/35/19 rear with Michelin Pilot 4 summer tires.

It seems a straightforward option is to stick with the current widths and go to 225/45/18 front and 255/40/18 rear. I could also go square, at 225 or maybe 235/245 if they'll fit, which seems to open up many more tire choices.

Priorities:
- Increase comfort over bumps
- Decrease (or at least maintain) noise level
- Maintain safety (braking distance, avoid excessive tail happiness)

Not important:
- Absolute cornering ability. I'll never go to the track, and I don't canyon carve.
- Tread life
- Snow (SF Bay Area)

Nice to have:
- Maintain ability to stab at the throttle in a straight line without spinning wheels. I don't canyon carve but I do enjoy accelerating hard on a straight road or freeway onramp.
- Minimal impact to speedometer/odometer

I've never done wheel / tire changes before so I'd appreciate suggestions. Thanks!

 

[MerlintheMad]

I stick with the same OD. Changing to different sized tires than the OE recommendations is messing with the original design. Owners do it all the time for different aesthetic reasons. When I went to Nitto Motivo UHP A/S tires, their 225/40 has an overall width of 9.06; and the 255/35 rear has an overall width of 10.24. I find the tire to be quieter and softer riding than the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 that came on the car; but not much different than the PS 4S that I replaced the original tires with; both ride and noise level seem about the same as the A/S.

 

[Bauser]

I stayed with a staggered setup and went down to 18's 235/45r18's front and 265/40r18's rear. They work out very close to the same OD

 

[Ozstung]

'm finding the stock 19 inch setup on my GT2 RWD a bit too stiff. I'm looking into downsizing to an 18 inch setup. My current stock setup is 225/40/19 front and 255/35/19 rear with Michelin Pilot 4 summer tires.

I'm finding this the polar opposite to everything else I've read on the forum. From what I understand and have experienced the Gt2 RWD Stinger is a true Gt car with plenty of bounce , wobble and flex. Admittedly Aussie versions are tuned looser than other markets, but I'm finding it hard to imagine why anyone would want a Stinger any looser?
I don't mean to sound critical but this is the first such post I've read of this nature.

 

[stingerbeagle]

I stayed with a staggered setup and went down to 18's 235/45r18's front and 265/40r18's rear. They work out very close to the same OD

That sounds like a pretty nice setup. Did you find that comfort improved by going to 18s?

 

[stingerbeagle]

I'm finding this the polar opposite to everything else I've read on the forum. From what I understand and have experienced the Gt2 RWD Stinger is a true Gt car with plenty of bounce , wobble and flex. Admittedly Aussie versions are tuned looser than other markets, but I'm finding it hard to imagine why anyone would want a Stinger any looser?
I don't mean to sound critical but this is the first such post I've read of this nature.

That's a very fair point. I'm coming from a 2017 BMW X3 35i with MSport Suspension, which I happen to have for another week so I've been driving them back-to-back. I don't really know how to describe this, but the BMW is simultaneously both more firm, and yet more comfortable. I get a lot of suspension travel and bounce in the Stinger which I don't like, but it is also harsher on bumps. For lack of a better word, the BMW setup is just "better". That said, the BMW was way more expensive and is an SUV (it really doesn't drive like one though) so it's not a fair comparison.

In any case, I can live with the softer/bouncier suspension, but I'm hoping that a bit more sidewall will reduce the impact harshness that is bugging me.

 

[Ozstung]

That's a very fair point. I'm coming from a 2017 BMW X3 35i with MSport Suspension, which I happen to have for another week so I've been driving them back-to-back. I don't really know how to describe this, but the BMW is simultaneously both more firm, and yet more comfortable. I get a lot of suspension travel and bounce in the Stinger which I don't like, but it is also harsher on bumps. For lack of a better word, the BMW setup is just "better". That said, the BMW was way more expensive and is an SUV (it really doesn't drive like one though) so it's not a fair comparison.

In any case, I can live with the softer/bouncier suspension, but I'm hoping that a bit more sidewall will reduce the impact harshness that is bugging me.

Fair enough, having both vehicles simultaneously gives you a good comparison.

I changed out to Eibach springs and that removed a lot of that bounce you've been feeling. They have added a more luxurious feel to the ride I thinks it because they are progressive springs.

 

[Bauser]

That sounds like a pretty nice setup. Did you find that comfort improved by going to 18s?

Its a softer ride than the factory 19's forsure, road noise is about the same. There is more movement during "spirited" driving but I wanted it for the terrbile roads we have up here in Canada.

 

[CKeeler]

I’d think that if you went with the 18’s and a 225 tire you’d be happy. Especially if you’re not looking to maintain or increase cornering ability.

 

[Waynerm002]

The Stinger ride isn’t hard, or shouldn’t be. Have you checked the tire pressure to make sure it isn’t too high, sometimes the dealers put the pressure up higher than it needs to. Get the Mando unit and tune the ride to be more comfortable. Would be a lot less cost wise than getting new wheels and tires.

 

[MerlintheMad]

Have you checked the tire pressure to make sure it isn’t too high, sometimes the dealers put the pressure up higher than it needs to.

Lol, we always mention this last for some reason. To be strictly accurate: the dealer LEAVES the psi too high, at 50+, which is how the car is delivered to the dealer. In prepping the car for the buyer, most "detailers" (an inaccurate title for the casual job most of them do) overlook tire psi entirely. I was driving around on 50+ psi for nearly two weeks before I thought to check, then ask "what's up with this"? I asked my salesman, and he jokingly said that was "above [his] pay grade".

 

[stingerbeagle]

My tires are at correct pressure, per the prescribed value on the door jamb. I wish it were that easy a fix.

I actually drove home from the dealership with them at 10 psi below. I was surprised TPMS did not flag it. Got a good workout with the bicycle pump that night

 

[Never thought]

When I upgraded to Eibach springs the ride was noticeably smoother over road imperfections. If you go to 18s, I think you would feel a significant improvement on the ride being smoother over bumps as well. I had a Stinger loaner that had 18s and I could feel the difference. As others stated, you could go with softer tires like the Continental DSW06 as well. I plan on trying the Continentals next, but I think if you swapped out your springs and put on the Continentals you could be happy.

 

[stingerbeagle]

I’d think that if you went with the 18’s and a 225 tire you’d be happy. Especially if you’re not looking to maintain or increase cornering ability.

I see random posts about how going square will make the RWD Stinger even prone to break loose at the rear. Is that something that only people who drive aggressively would notice?

 

[westcoastGT]

I see random posts about how going square will make the RWD Stinger even prone to break loose at the rear. Is that something that only people who drive aggressively would notice?

Yes , the wide rear tires will hold/grip better , but I dont think this is an issue that will impact you given your driving style , you'll also appreciate the xtra inch of side wall to protect you from wheel damage ( pot holes !! etc )

 

[stingerbeagle]

had a Stinger loaner that had 18s and I could feel the difference. As others stated, you could go with softer tires like the Continental DSW06 as well.

Thanks, that's very helpful. I was indeed looking to switch to a tire that's less tuned for performance. It's wasted on me unfortunately.

 

[Dan1028]

Find a set of AWD 18's and call it a day at 225 at each corner. Get the Continental DWS06 for a softer sidewall if you want an all season tire (you live in the SF Bay area, so this may make less of a difference, but higher performance summer tires will have harder sidewalls).

A staggered setup is designed by the manufacturer to reduce oversteer by giving the rear higher grip than the front. This is a safety element as most drivers can deal with understeer more easily than oversteer. If you aren't cornering aggressively, I wouldn't think this would make a difference to you. Since you're already compromising the cornering ability of the car anyway, you may as well get the added benefit of being able to rotate all four tires.

 

[stingerbeagle]

Find a set of AWD 18's and call it a day at 225 at each corner.

Yes, that is a good option. I suspect I could find someone willing to do that trade.

I actually regret not getting AWD. What happened is that I test-drove an AWD (loved it) and then when it came time to hunt for the deal, I opened up RWD as an option (lower base price, dealers more willing to discount heavily), not realizing that there was a difference in wheel size and tire selection. I definitely have some buyer's remorse on that front. I will also miss the AWD dynamics, and zero-drama launches of my outgoing car. Hopefully I'll grow to enjoy RWD one day (it's my very first one).

Lesson learned.

 

[westcoastGT]

Yes, that is a good option. I suspect I could find someone willing to do that trade.

I actually regret not getting AWD. What happened is that I test-drove an AWD (loved it) and then when it came time to hunt for the deal, I opened up RWD as an option (lower base price, dealers more willing to discount heavily), not realizing that there was a difference in wheel size and tire selection. I definitely have some buyer's remorse on that front. I will also miss the AWD dynamics, and zero-drama launches of my outgoing car. Hopefully I'll grow to enjoy RWD one day (it's my very first one).

Lesson learned.

dont even think about it ! Its great but the GT is a great RWD as well , your driving style will reward you with RWD , no worries , just enjoy !!

 

[MerlintheMad]

Yes, that is a good option. I suspect I could find someone willing to do that trade.

I actually regret not getting AWD. What happened is that I test-drove an AWD (loved it) and then when it came time to hunt for the deal, I opened up RWD as an option (lower base price, dealers more willing to discount heavily), not realizing that there was a difference in wheel size and tire selection. I definitely have some buyer's remorse on that front. I will also miss the AWD dynamics, and zero-drama launches of my outgoing car. Hopefully I'll grow to enjoy RWD one day (it's my very first one).

Lesson learned.

You have "reverse remorse". That is to say, everyone who expresses any regret about the 18" wheels is on about the reduced top speed that they missed. And here you are, being a maverick about it.