I am to change tires on my SC 400 soon. Currently it shows 225/55R16 94V,
Is that the OEM size it came with?

Which brand should go with? Yokohama/Bridgestone/Michelin? or less expensive names like Falken/primewell are good as well?

Is it worth paying insurance $20/tire?

Sears/Costco/Wheelworks are charging so much. Is online buy like Ebay/Discount Tire Direct are price saver, usually how much the installation and other charges add up to?

Any other tips/pointers/suggestions much appreciated.

 

225/55/16 is the stock size, you can fit 235/50/16 and it will work too if you want wider tires I've done it but this size is extremely rare.

Go for a good brand like toyo yokohama etc as you said, and make sure you buy tires that can go to the max speed you go with the car, the sc 400 can go up to 250 km/h until you hit the speed limitor and the stock tires can go to 220 so it is dangerous.

Local shops are often too expensive, get them on a good online tires website, I wouldnt trust ebay for tires though.

 

get new wheels with your new tires

 

^^^ agreed

 

New wheels? curious, but why do I need new wheels?

 

as much as buying new tires and installing them on your car would cost, around like $400 you could find a decent set of rims with tires off craigslist or something

the cheapest place ive gone to besides free for tires mounting and balancing is walmart, they charge 5 to mount, 5 to balance, and like 2 for used tire recycle

 

Another question, is Sumitomo a good brand, any experience or tips with/for these tires?

 

If you're choosing to use the stock wheels and tires, just get some cheap
all seasons. I currently drive on stock wheels/tires also because my commute is 80
miles per day and I didn't want to put that kind of mileage on my 19" wheels
and tires during the fall. If your car isn't lowered, just get the 225/55/16's
as that's what came stock.

 

I got some really nice stock Lexus wheels with premium bridgestone tires 17' looked great on my Sc before I bought new aftermarket rims. The tires sell for 188.00 each. Have 85. To 90 % tread left will sell the whole set for 400. Thsnks tom

 

stock michelin primacys cost 150 a-piece and have never regretted, soft ride. i buy where you get free road hazard, lifetime balance and rotation. nice people at discount tire in fla.
92 sc400

 

Falken can never go wrong good price good tires

 

I just recently put on Sumitomo HTR A/S P01s, and i love them. Great grip all around. I'm not afraid to hit the gas now in the rain. Great all season tire at a very low cost. I got mine at 100 each at tire rack. Oh, and i put them on some 17s.