[stressdoc]

I made the plunge. Put on a set of Michelin Pilot Sport 4S and Acer titanium lug bolts.

Sizes: front 235/40 20, rear 265/35 20. Fronts are pretty tight, only about 1 or 2 mm clearance on inside. Tires are about 2 lbs. heavier each, 20 mm wider. Car sits about 1mm lower.

Acer bolts are 1.75 lbs. for full set (20); stock are 3.25 lbs., so some of the weight gain from wider tires is offset.

Initial impressions: ride, noise, steering, and handling are significantly affected.

Ride: much smoother.

Noise: much quieter, almost no rumble from moderate or even rough surfaces. Pavement divisions and lane divider dots have clear 'thump' sounds, more noticeable given the much reduced background noise.

Handling: I have not sorted this out yet. Clearly more grip, but the car tilts a bit more from the extra outside grip, so this will take some getting used to. Reduced understeer - the front does not break easily. I have not pushed beyond about 8/10ths so this is still unexplored.

Steering: heavier, more precise, better feel, less vibration. Smooth.

[MGRMLN]

Give the tires some miles to wear off the mold release compound and get to the real tread before you go pushing too hard