The stock tires because the size is odd is like $225+ per tire. That will pretty much buy you any tire on the market.

In terms of maximum traction (cost no option) :

Michelin Pilot Sport 2's
BF Goodrich Comp TA KD's
Goodyear GS-D3's
Bridgestone S03 Pole Positions
Falken ST615 (though this tire is cheaper than the ones listed above, but treadwear is only 200)

Ultra High Performance tires :

Toyo T1S (great tread wear rating of 280, good price)
Kumho MX (220, good price)
Bridgestone RE 050 (level above the 040's)
Yokohama AVS Sport

Ultra High Performance All season Tires :

BF Goodrich Comp TA KDW2's
Pirelli P Zero Nero's

These seem to be the most popular tires in the categories. Again I would recommend 245/40/18 as the 225/45/18 is an oddball size & they charge more for it (not to mention less variety of tires)

 

I wouldn't recommend this. There is already a significant gap in the wheel well with the 45 series tire. Ask him if he carries the 245/40/18. Also I don't know if there is a Costco around you, but the carry the BF Goodrick Comp TA KDW2's. Those are very good as well.

 

The KDW2's are NOT all season tires. Don't even think about using them on snow.

 

lol, yeah I got caught in snow once w/ the Potenza's... it wasn't pretty... I think I'm going to buy the Toyo Proxes 4 since they're on sale. Buy 3 get the 4th free. It'll be about $10 more than the dealer wanted for only 2 OEM tires.

 

None of these tires are snow tires. That's not how they classify them. By all season ultra high performance they usually mean they can run in dry & wet conditions (so maybe 3 season is more appropriate). I wouldn't run a set of Blizzaks on an autocross.

 

Sweetness, thanks for the list! I didn't know I could look into 245/40/18s too (total tire newbie). I really had my sights set on those Goodyear GS-D3's but was bummed when I didn't see them in the OEM size. That's most likely what I'd get once my Dunlop tires go.

 

how much lower are the 40s? does it affect mileage or speedo reading? how about the ride, seems like it would be harsher..

 

To answer you RX-Nut, A few mm, probably yes, probably yes, and I wouldn't doubt it, lol.

 

I ordered my Proxes 4's yesterday. I couldn't find a place near me that still had the T1-S, which has indeed been discontinued and the T1-R isn't out yet. Hopefully I'll be happy w/ the 4's. I'll post my opinion when I get them next week.