Ugly MPG surprises after tire / wheel upgrades?

I'm contemplating upgrading wheels and tires on a new LX 4cyl 5M, and
the Tirerack surveys really don't offer much info regarding fuel
economy of tires.

I'd rather not give up more than 1-2 MPG in the search for better
handling, ride or other performance aspects, so I'd like to hear from
people about their MPG after changing OE tires.

Does MPG typically fall when changing to a 16, 17, 18, etc., wheel or
is it more a function of the specific tire chosen?

What combination of larger wheel / tires produced a relatively small
drop in fuel economy?

At the same OE size, do any tires perform better than the stock
Michelins for fuel economy?

Last: What combination of wheel / tire gave you the best handling
with only modest sacrifices in compared to Michelin Energy MXV4 S8s?

Thanks in advance.

-- CL.

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| Charles Lasitter | Mailing / Shipping |
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I notice very little difference between running 195/60/15s and 215/40/17s!

 

if you stay with the same overall tire and wheel dia there should be no
measurable change in milage. KB