205/55/15 is the best diameter fit for the 15" stock rims, however, you're right at the minimum required width for a 205 tire (5.5" wide rim) I had a set of 205/50/15 slicks mounted on the holies and the sidewall was very much slanted outwards from the rim, that's why I went with a slightly smaller 195/55/15 summer tire instead, slightly smaller sidewall, less flex, and doesn't buldge out as much. 205 is wider, but I wonder if there is actually more grip with a 5.5" rim. Unless you're racing with these tires, I find 195/55/15 summer tires to be more than enough for street use. By that I mean I can go above highway speed on the on ramps, or 32-38mph in a normal 90 degree right corner on a street, personally I think that's enough grip for fun street driving.

 

Wowzers! How are you going to do that? That sounds wicked!!!

 

You do have various sizes to choose from to fit the holey rims.
Every tire size will have it's limitations on selection of tires.

Both 195/55-15 and 205/55-15 can work for street driving. The difference in traction and performance will come from the tire itself (tread design, rubber compound, etc).

 

I was debating the 205 vs 195 tires. It will be a little while before I need new ones. But the 195 is a better size for the 5.5 wheels, if all other tire variables remain the same?

 

haha this turned into a tire thread.

 

You could always get an R53 engine and tranny and stick it in a Cooper with a FMIC. That would be awesome.

 

more awesome than r53:

Dodge 2.0 swap, it exists, but no one is speaking.