Polonius

So, at 42,000 miles, my tires are in their death throes, but instead of simply replacing the standard issue 245/45s I was thinking about making a slight performance compromise for the sake of aesthetics, but I need some opinions before I make my final decision. I have a 98 Vert Gt and I think the Stang is absolutely beautiful save for the fact that it sits too high in stock form. I was thinking that perhapos putting something with a 50 or 55 profile might fill out the wheel well a bit more and generally make that aspect of the car more visually appealing, so my questions are:
1. Would this increase in profile make enough of a difference in visual appeal to offset the smaller width (because I have yet to find any 245/55s UHP all-season tires)
2. Is there a particularly noticeable difference in handling/traction in going to 235s
3. What brand/model would you recommend (I'm leaning towrads the Pirellis on the 05 atm)

SOHCtimes2

The taller the sidewall gets, the less rigid it is and thus making the car handle worse while cornering, also the tire is going to be thinner and not have as much traction when you are launching the car aswell. AND the profile of the tire is really like a percentage of the width of the tire, so by going down to a 235 and upping profile to 55, you will most likely barely even notice a difference in the heighth of the tire. I think your best bet would be to go some nice lowering springs, a 1.5" drop would most likely satisfy you.

n/a_threat

I just replaced my stock tires with same spec Pirelli P Zero Nero M+S, and it made a huge difference in steering, cornering and over all driveability. I'm about to install some Steed Sport springs so I can fix the stance of the car.

IMO get a good UHP replacement stock spec and lower it!

gt96stang

I don't think it'll look as good with a larger sidewall. Lowering the car would look a lot better.