Help choosing tires for Autocross

[SeattleJeremy]

After getting a taste of autocross late last year I've decided to get more in to it this year.

I have 16" steel wheels and a budget of around $600.
Should I spend all $600 on the Potenza S-04 Pole Position tires (205/55R16)?
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp ... 55YR6S04PP" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
OR
Should I spend $200 on a set of used 05-09 17" Scion TC wheels and $400 on Sumitomo HTR Z III (215/50ZR17).
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp ... 15YR7HTRZ3" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

The Scion TC's wheels are the same dimensions as the optional 17" Vibe wheels, so they don't change the cars autocross class.

Any help you can provide would be greatly appreciated.

[revstohigh]

Deff go withe the tc 17" wheels they will look better , turn faster, and squeel less!
Go with the stickiest tire possible (lowesr tread wear)
also for tight autocross turns you may want to put extra air in the rear tires or get cheaper rear tire so it will rotate a little better ie. Reduce understeer

[SeattleJeremy]

There has been a lively debate on Matrixowners for this thread.
http://matrixowners.com/index.php?/topi ... autocross/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Here's what it comes down to.
I would really like to buy some RS3's or BFG Rivals, but this year I need a tire that will do the DD duties as well as Autocross, and they have to fit my 16" wheels.

Next year I'm hoping to up get a set of dedicated race wheels and tires.

These are my options for this year.
1. Bridgestone Potenza S-04 Pole Position, 205/55/R16
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp ... 55YR6S04PP" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

2. Contenental ExtreamContact DW, 225/50ZR16
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp ... =25WR6ECDW" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

From what I've read the S-04's is a better tire, but the ExtreamContact's can be had 20mm wider.
What one should I get?

[revstohigh]

i would opt for the wider lower profile tire , but keep in mind the stock wheels are pretty narrow (6.5 '' i think) 225 is kinda pushing it . can you get the S04 in a 215 50 ?
might end up being a happy medium

[SeattleJeremy]

The S-04's only come in one 16" width/height 205/55, and it's currently the front runner in my shopping.

Most 225 width tires say they are able to be mounted to wheels 6-8" wide, so I don't think it would be a problem on a 6.5" wheel.

[revstohigh]

i have the continental extreame contact 235/45/17 on 17x7's and i love them
i didnt shop around they were just the best used tires in that size i could find on craigslist at the time