It can't hurt to ask.

Noteworthy: Bing.com has 10% cash back from Discount Tire Direct... So if I went with the $89 Nankang NS-II 245/40/18, they'd be shipped, minus valve stems, for $360. Now that's a good price for 4 tires.

 

40 series is to short of sidewall imho.
Is there anyway to trim/ bend where the original rs-a's were rubbing?
Aside from this, i would check with a tire shop and see if they will test fit for the closest to stock as possible as previously stated by chibiblacksheep.

 

Just curious, I really don't understand how the 50 series is rubbing THAT much to the point that your ruining tires, but you don't hear these things rubbing when you drive!? It sound like if they are infact rubbing, they are just barely rubbing.

I would think a 235/45/18 would be just enough to clear. I definitely think that 40 series is way to low profile for this car.

 

Ted, can you give me more details on the 10% off at discount tire direct? I'm kinda curious where you got that from, I went to Bing.com, and did not see it anywhere???

Thanks!

Also, you may try Treadepot.com, they alway advertise on the forum. I've been to their website, good deals, and they are offering $25 off all orders $250 or more. Shipping to CA is kinda expensive, but for you it might be much cheaper because you are closer to the main office.

I'm assuming you already looked at tirerack.com? always a great place to buy tires.

 

MAMONTE,
Check this link out. It's called Bing Cashback.
http://www.bing.com/shopping/pages/h...px?FORM=R5FD31

About the rubbing, I think it only happened when I turned. I think I remember hearing some noises last summer, just didn't think a whole lot of it until I had the wheels changed and noticed the balding spot. So, I'm really not sure what it could have been hitting, I looked inside the fender and I didn't notice anything worn in there...

Edit:
From www.Treadepot.com, GoodYear Eagle RSA, OEM tires, just smaller. 225/45/18 for $87. $382.24 shipped (minus road hazard).

 

I'm running Goodyear Eagle F1 245-45-18 on Eagle alloy 077 18x8" wheels. No problems, and the tires were under $500 installed

 

I don't know how you get them so cheap, on www.tirerack.com they're $184 each.

 

https://www.tiresavings.com/tireShop...season=Regular

i bought these couple days ago. just had them mounted hook good. quiet ride. handle better then the rsas. a few guys on LS1 tech have them. they all had good things to say about them. plus there cheap. i went 245/45/18. you prolly shouldnt go lower profile if your not going to drop the car its going to look goofy.

 

How are those Federal tires in the rain? They are priced nicely, that's for sure. Around $400 shipped. Thanks!

Also, I found some pictures in an eBay listing that show how the 225/45/18 will look on an 8" wide wheel. Check it out...
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/18-5x...Q5fAccessories

 

your not looking at the all season tires are you? prices between summer only and all season tires are wayyyy different. make sure your going for the right use.

im running 245/45/18 on my car with it lowered and i only really rub when i hit a huge dip going decently fast. should work out just fine for you. dont think i could handle the horrible driveability of a 40 series tire. like your riding on rocks lol.

last week i just grabbed new tires, keep in mind i went with all seasons. Goodyear eagle RSA's. so far so good. GREAT in the rain. havent had much dry weather to really give them a solid test yet.