re: Tire Rack for 5x98 wheels, 17in all season tires

["Sedon, Doug (OD/ORS)" <sedond@domain.elided>]

hi dave, ewe said:
>Does anyone have experience buying wheels from the Tire Rack for an >Alfa with
the 5x98 pattern? All they say is "it will fit" and the "locator >pin" will have
to be removed.
>
>The wheels in question are OZ, and the Alfa is a 95 164Q.
>
>Any advice re good all season tires in the 215/45/17 size is also >appreciated.
Tire Rack offers only the Pirelli P7000 Supersports which >aren't very good in
the snow or the Bridgestone RE910 with only a TR >speed rating.
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i don't have specific experience w/these wheels, but i've generally gotten good
service from tire rack, & also discount tire direct.  what i would ask them is
if the wheel is a true 5x98.  5x100's will fit, but not well, & *i* woodn't use
'em - can't center 'em well, they'll ride on the studs, and the flared nuts
(bolts?) won't center on the wheel holes.

re: tires, if yer gonna get a second set of rims, don't compromise on the
performance tires - get the best 3-season tire you can get for the performance
rims.  that way ya don't have to compromise on the winter tires either - get
regulation snow tires for your stock rims.  and higher-profile, skinnier tires
work better in snow anyways...

one person's opinion,

doug s.

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