quick tire question

[98talonNT]

I have 16X7 inch wheels, and right now Im running 205/45/16's/ Just wondering if Im cool to go to 215's, i have talked to a few buddies and they think its cool, I would just have to step down to a 40 series tire. Is that the correct compensation for the wider tire? just wondering, thanks

 

[Kakoriat]

You could actually fit a 225/50/16 on that rim without any problems. It wouldn't be wise to down size to a 215/40 however. It may be a little bit wider than your 205/45/16 but your overall rolling diameter will decrease. It will also make your car look like it has a little baby tires on it. You would be better off going to a 215/50 or 225/50/16. Those will be the closest over-all rolling diameter to stock. Plus they will help fill in fender gap.

 

[wret]

You are already using a tire that is way too short and your buddies are telling you to go shorter. Kakoriat is right about the size but we would need to know your wheel offset to be certain that 225/50/16's would fit. It's one of the specifications for wheel size and is likely stamped or cast into the back of each of your wheels.

 

[illeffekt vr-4]

knowing the offset of the rims is important. i had 225/50-16 on 16x7 rims with 40mm offset on my 91gsx and never had any rubbing problems. it was lowered about 1.8"

 

[98talonNT]

Hey guys, thanks for the help so far. I checked the offset on the wheels and it is a 40mm offset. So does that help? thanks, I just wanna be running the right size tires when i order four new tires pretty soon. Also, i have been running Pirelli Pzero Nero's, the all season variety. Turn in and steering response is really good, but i was thinking about going to something diff. Any suggestions. I need a ultra high performance all season tire sadly because we do get some snow here in Missouri, like recently, thanks again

 

[jtmcinder]

Tires are the single most important component for handling. All-season tires are a compromise. I'm very much in favor of two sets of tires & wheels for anyone who lives where it snows.

225/50/16s will fit fine. My suggestion is a set of Bliazzaks and another set of wheels in the spring, preferably 17x8s with 245/40/17s.

- Jtoby