16 vs. 17 rims

Okay I don't know a lot about tires but am trying to learn. Are there any sites out on the web that will break down tires to me like treadwear, and other tire terms? I know about the sizes so far like on a 205/45/16 the first number is width, second is sidewall and last is the actual size. I have a 96 civic cx and have no power steering but I was told with bigger tires it would be easier to steer my car. My main thing is I want to be able to autocross a couple times a month, the occasional stop light drag, and still look better in it then in my 13 inch rims. I understand that 205/45/16 fit my car and 205/40/17 will fit as well. I was bent on getting 16 inch but then I saw those new protege 5 with 16 inch on and I wanna be somewhat different. Thanks

Actually larger wheels and tires WITHOUT power steering will be harder to turn (the steering wheel) than a 13" wheel/tire. More friction equals more power to turn the steering wheel.

Check out http://www.tirerack.com for tread wear ratings.

So do you think I should add power steering to my cx then? I wonder how hard that would be. Maybe I made a mistake buying the cx. Is there any way really to have nice rims on a cx?

Originally posted by h82lose
So do you think I should add power steering to my cx then? I wonder how hard that would be. Maybe I made a mistake buying the cx. Is there any way really to have nice rims on a cx?

I had a 1988 CRX Si (no power steering) and 17" wheels and the only problems you run into is when you are going slower than 5mph or trying to park. I would get some 15s with 205/50x15" as a compromise. 16s are ok, but tires are difficult to get for those.

The CX is a great car to start with and just drop in a B16A motor and you will be flying :)

Well after researching the engine of choice for my car ( B18C1) I'm turning now to the wheels. I want my car to look nice but still be drivable without having to swerve in all sorts of directions just to avoid a pothole. Maybe the 16's are better for my car. I would like to try autocross (drag is not my thing except ocassionally at a stoplight) so do you have any recommendations for a tire. I know I want white rims for my red cx.

16"s will be a good combo of looks and performance, I am partial to 15" for weight, price etc.

But if you want a good tire the following are the best, not only IMO but from most of the racers on many forums.

(Total Balls out max performance Summer Tires)
In order of general opinion as being the best in order
1.)Falken Azenis RS
1.)Bridgestone Potenza PPS03
2.)BFG gforce KDW2 (expensive)
3.)Potenza PPS02
------------------------------------------------
Less agressive but good and cheap in some cases for autox

1.)Potenza RE730-2
2.)Sumitomo HZRII
3.)Kuhmo 712s
--------------------------------------------------

Those last three are really a toss up, I have not tested the Sumitomos, but they are supposedly a better all around tire than the Kuhmo.

The PPS03 and the Falken Azenis I won't make a judgement at which is better, because, at that level of performance it is really hard to make a judgement there. The Falkens are cheaper, overall better value, but wear really fast.

The S03s are just as sticky, maybe less, but they are the king of water evacuation.

Originally posted by Dezoris
16"s will be a good combo of looks and performance, I am partial to 15" for weight, price etc.

But if you want a good tire the following are the best, not only IMO but from most of the racers on many forums.

(Total Balls out max performance Summer Tires)
In order of general opinion as being the best in order
1.)Falken Azenis RS
1.)Bridgestone Potenza PPS03
2.)BFG gforce KDW2 (expensive)
3.)Potenza PPS02
------------------------------------------------
Less agressive but good and cheap in some cases for autox

1.)Potenza RE730-2
2.)Sumitomo HZRII
3.)Kuhmo 712s
--------------------------------------------------

Those last three are really a toss up, I have not tested the Sumitomos, but they are supposedly a better all around tire than the Kuhmo.

The PPS03 and the Falken Azenis I won't make a judgement at which is better, because, at that level of performance it is really hard to make a judgement there. The Falkens are cheaper, overall better value, but wear really fast.

The S03s are just as sticky, maybe less, but they are the king of water evacuation.

I would pick the KDs over the KDWs for maximum stick.

Also I wouldn't do an engine swap. You would be in Street Mod where people are buying Audi S4s and adding on another $10,000 in mods.

I know I'm knew here but I have a set of Falken Azenis' on my modded, but I know that it's still slow, 4th gen civic. I had Toyo Proxies as my previous set and I have to say that the aziens are incredible. The amount of grip I now get is amazing over the last set of Toyos and they weren't all that cheap. By the way I'm running 195/15/50's

They are that good that my dad who drives a Saab 9000 Aero, 2.3 turbo running 17 psi of boost has also decided to use Azeiens, although in a slightly larger (225/17/40) form. Those tyres and his eibach springs and Koni shocks makes the thing stick like is should.

As for tread wear... I can't really tell you, I haven't had them for any more than 3 months... I can't see much ware as yet, but that's no indication.