Replace Stock Tires or Upgrade Wheels?

MiaViper · Feb 24, 2016

The tires on my new to me 96 GTS are pretty worn out. Initially I was hoping to buy myself some time with the current tires on the stock wheels until I came across some aftermarket wheels I liked. My plan was to wait it out until someone put up some nice 18s or 19s for sale. This would give me some time to figure out what wheels I want and recoup from all the expenses I've incurred from buying the car.

If I buy new new tires for the stock wheels now I'll feel compelled to leave them on for a while after dishing out $1600 for just tires. From my understanding, there are more options for 18" tires and cheaper.

The current tires seem to grip ok and they dont feel too hard but I'm no expert. Any ideas on how I can buy myself some time with the current tires or should I just take the plunge and replace them on the stock wheels?

Javi

broomrider · Feb 24, 2016

Javi,
I know you would rather wait but they are what meets the road. Buy new tires and give yourself a fighting chance in the event of rain, stopping hard etc etc.
It is better to have them and not need them, than to need them and not have them. You can always replace them at a later date. Just my thoughts.
Broom

white out · Feb 25, 2016

Your best bet for options (and price) is to find 18/19 set up. The 18" rears are starting to become obsolete like the 17" rears.

CWhiteRun · Feb 25, 2016

I have a set of SRT Razors with good front tires, will need rears, but will sell cheap. PM me

MiaViper · Feb 25, 2016

Thanks for the advice broom and whiteout. I'm going to price out tires for the original wheels and see how much they will set me back. I know the PS2s are the go to option but are there any other tires that you would recommend?

Thanks CWhiteRun but I'm going to pass on the Razors. I'm looking for something a little different.

Bird325 · Feb 25, 2016

I vote with Broom on getting those tires as soon as you can. Give Jon B a call at Parts Rack ... he can give you some good input on the differences between tires and usually has pretty good prices. There are tires other than the PS2's, each with their own pluses and minuses and all cheaper than the PS2's.

Paul Hawker · Feb 25, 2016

The Blue/White 96 GTS you purchased is a classic design. The stock wheels look perfect on it. You want to keep those, no matter which aftermarket wheels you might add.

Just slap on some fresh rubber and enjoy your ride, at least until you burn those off in time.

If you want some more bling, consider having your stock rims chromed. Still look great and are easier to clean as a bonus.

Glad you are enjoying your new VIPER!

denniskgb · Feb 26, 2016

New tires are a must on your viper if you want to see your grandkids grow up, regardless the cost. BTW 18" tires are not cheaper. A set would run between $1500-$1600. enjoy your new viper....and just remember its only money

MiaViper · Mar 1, 2016

Thanks for the all the advice. I'm going to replace the tires for now and will consider swapping out the wheels later on. I'll give JonB a call and figure out what tires to buy.I'll definitely be keeping the stock wheels regardless if I upgrade in the future or not.

The car is still in the shop waiting on a new radiator. The stock one was looking pretty bad so we decided to be proactive and swap out the stock one.

ViperJohn · Mar 1, 2016

I haven't checked in a few months, but the last time I did, the only PS2's out there in the 18 inch size had been produced almost 2 years ago. I have been debating on whether to upgrade to Gen 4/Gen 5 wheels to have more tire choices.

Replace Stock Tires or Upgrade Wheels?

MiaViper

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broomrider

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white out

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CWhiteRun

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MiaViper

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Bird325

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Paul Hawker

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denniskgb

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MiaViper

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ViperJohn

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