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Question regarding 215/45/R17 Wheels

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Old Feb 28, 2016 | 02:05 PM
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Question regarding 215/45/R17 Wheels

I've been asking around in different thread but I can't seem so get the answer so far, so I decided to start a new fresh thread with the same question.
Will I have any trouble switching from 205/45 R17 run flats to 215/45 R17 NON-RUN flats?
I'm running on stock wheels with no lowering (R56). Picture below in case it helps.



Any input will be appreciated. Thanks in advance.


Stock wheels with 205/45 R17 (run flats)





Stock wheels with 205/45 R17 (run flats)
 

Last edited by Val P; Feb 28, 2016 at 03:58 PM.
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Old Feb 28, 2016 | 03:23 PM
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http://www.willtheyfit.com/
 
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Old Feb 28, 2016 | 03:26 PM
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215/45-17 next to a 195/55-16

Question regarding 215/45/R17 Wheels-image-1975994566.jpg
 
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Old Feb 28, 2016 | 03:27 PM
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No. No problems. Plenty of people here run 215/45 non-runflats
 
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Old Feb 28, 2016 | 03:50 PM
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Originally Posted by GEMSTER
No. No problems. Plenty of people here run 215/45 non-runflats
Any pros/cons that you know of?
 
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Old Feb 28, 2016 | 03:52 PM
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Originally Posted by bcriverjunky
Thanks. That looks like a nice tool. Except I don't know my rim width/offset.
 
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Old Feb 28, 2016 | 08:02 PM
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Originally Posted by Val P
Thanks. That looks like a nice tool. Except I don't know my rim width/offset.
17x7 ET48 http://www.hubcaphaven.com/c/258/min...eels_rims.html
 
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Old Feb 28, 2016 | 08:33 PM
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Originally Posted by bcriverjunky
Nice. Thanks so much for the info.
According to the tool, it should not be an issue space-wise.
Do you know if it has any effect on the speedometer and things like that?
 
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Old Feb 29, 2016 | 05:49 AM
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Take a look at this site for comparison
http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalcold.html
 
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Old Feb 29, 2016 | 08:18 AM
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You shouldn't have any issues. The 215s are only slightly wider than the 205s, but the same diameter (17"). The only time I've heard about the tires/rims affecting the speedo is if you change sizes, from 17" to 18", for example.

The change from run flats to non-run flats was one of the best choices I made.
 
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Old Feb 29, 2016 | 11:13 AM
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Originally Posted by fridayxiii
You shouldn't have any issues. The 215s are only slightly wider than the 205s, but the same diameter (17"). The only time I've heard about the tires/rims affecting the speedo is if you change sizes, from 17" to 18", for example.

The change from run flats to non-run flats was one of the best choices I made.
Thanks.

According to that Miata tool provided by netma1000, it says:

====
Specification Sidewall Radius Diameter Circumference Revs/Mile Difference
205/45-17 3.6in 12.1in 24.3in 76.2in 831 0.0%
215/45-17 3.8in 12.3in 24.6in 77.3in 819 1.5%
====
So it definitely must have some effect on the speedometer. The question is, how much of a difference.
Also I've been told the MPG is going to decrease a little bit.

I'm going to give this a try.
I am going to start with a set of Federal SS-595 EVO as they seem to fit the budget and have decent reviews.
 
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Old Feb 29, 2016 | 11:22 AM
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Originally Posted by Val P
Thanks.

According to that Miata tool provided by netma1000, it says:

====
Specification Sidewall Radius Diameter Circumference Revs/Mile Difference
205/45-17 3.6in 12.1in 24.3in 76.2in 831 0.0%
215/45-17 3.8in 12.3in 24.6in 77.3in 819 1.5%
====
So it definitely must have some effect on the speedometer. The question is, how much of a difference.
Also I've been told the MPG is going to decrease a little bit.

I'm going to give this a try.
I am going to start with a set of Federal SS-595 EVO as they seem to fit the budget and have decent reviews.
Thanks for the info, and I stand corrected. I'm surprised a tire that should be simply wider has such differences, but I guess so. Good to know.
 
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Old Feb 29, 2016 | 11:31 AM
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Originally Posted by fridayxiii
Thanks for the info, and I stand corrected. I'm surprised a tire that should be simply wider has such differences, but I guess so. Good to know.
I used to think the same, it's crazy how much difference a few fractions of an inch can make when it comes to this kind of stuff.
It also seems that even though you're technically increasing the width, they always add at least .2 inches to the sidewall for whatever reason.
 
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Old Feb 29, 2016 | 05:35 PM
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Originally Posted by Val P
I've been asking around in different thread but I can't seem so get the answer so far, so I decided to start a new fresh thread with the same question.
Will I have any trouble switching from 205/45 R17 run flats to 215/45 R17 NON-RUN flats?...
I did exactly that last week. I moved up to the 215 from the 205 based on the advice of the Discount Tire guy. Almost all the 205 was special order, the 215 were all in stock. Seems the 215 is a more common size.

Also, went with the non-RFT. OMG, what a difference in ride, and the non-RFT is repairable if you pick up a nail. I thought about the last time I had a flat tire, it was decades ago. In any event, am too old now to be changing out a flat tire. I plan on using AAA if it ever happens..
 
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Old Feb 29, 2016 | 05:43 PM
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Originally Posted by AZdsrt
I did exactly that last week. I moved up to the 215 from the 205 based on the advice of the Discount Tire guy. Almost all the 205 was special order, the 215 were all in stock. Seems the 215 is a more common size.

Also, went with the non-RFT. OMG, what a difference in ride, and the non-RFT is repairable if you pick up a nail. I thought about the last time I had a flat tire, it was decades ago. In any event, am too old now to be changing out a flat tire. I plan on using AAA if it ever happens..
Glad to hear it's working for you. I'd love to see some pics.
 
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Old Feb 29, 2016 | 06:05 PM
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Sure, I'll post some close ups tomorrow when I take the Mini out. They fit the wheel well, I'd be surprised if you can see a difference between the 205 and 215. As another poster pointed out, the overall diameter is a tad taller, making a small difference in the accuracy of the speedo. Since the speedo already reads about 3 mph high, I think it actually makes it a bit more accurate. Am not a math major, so I could have that wrong.

Lots of good tires out there with threads here at NAM describing them. For what it's worth, this is what I went with -

http://www.discounttire.com/dtcs/fin...=AZRINT&cs=215
 
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Old Feb 29, 2016 | 09:56 PM
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For what its worth,
when I changed from Run Flats to Normal tires I now carry in the boot some tire slime and an air pump.
Just in case the road service is out of touch by phone.
 
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Old Feb 29, 2016 | 10:05 PM
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Originally Posted by MiniKar
For what its worth,
when I changed from Run Flats to Normal tires I now carry in the boot some tire slime and an air pump.
Just in case the road service is out of touch by phone.
Thanks man. I was thinking of getting the MINI repair kit. I have AAA, but I know sometimes they take a very long time to show up.
 
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Old Mar 1, 2016 | 09:56 AM
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Air pump + Slime is a great suggestion, esp. for road trips. Like many others I have AAA, but you never know how long they'll take or if you might/might not have cell reception so having a Plan B is just plain smart.

One thing that surprised me is that 215s can be cheaper than 205s. I priced a new set of Michelin Pilot Super Sports, and 205s are $22 more than 215s, per tire.

The difference between RF and non-RF tires is marked - what an improvement!
 
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Old Mar 1, 2016 | 10:24 AM
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Originally Posted by fridayxiii
Air pump + Slime is a great suggestion, esp. for road trips. Like many others I have AAA, but you never know how long they'll take or if you might/might not have cell reception so having a Plan B is just plain smart.

One thing that surprised me is that 215s can be cheaper than 205s. I priced a new set of Michelin Pilot Super Sports, and 205s are $22 more than 215s, per tire.

The difference between RF and non-RF tires is marked - what an improvement!
I've been recommended this kit, a bit pricey, but it looks quite awesome.
Basically it does both jobs. Has any of you used it?

https://www.ecstuning.com/Search/Sit...675/ES2714992/
 
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Old Mar 1, 2016 | 11:14 AM
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Originally Posted by Val P
I've been asking around in different thread but I can't seem so get the answer so far, so I decided to start a new fresh thread with the same question.
Will I have any trouble switching from 205/45 R17 run flats to 215/45 R17 NON-RUN flats?
I'm running on stock wheels with no lowering (R56). Picture below in case it helps.



Any input will be appreciated. Thanks in advance.


Stock wheels with 205/45 R17 (run flats)





Stock wheels with 205/45 R17 (run flats)

Rare to see R90 wheels in anthracite on an R56 Cooper S , sport aero kit ( hypersport ) and non painted arches . I think we hit a rare combo there.
 
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Old Mar 1, 2016 | 12:14 PM
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Originally Posted by ECSTuning
Rare to see R90 wheels in anthracite on an R56 Cooper S , sport aero kit ( hypersport ) and non painted arches . I think we hit a rare combo there.
Thanks man.
I actually bought it exactly the way it looks now and didn't change a thing except or the cowl and the wipers). I was looking to replace the wheels, but everybody keeps telling me I'm crazy and that they look great on it, so I'll do that when these are no longer good enough and I have the money to afford it.

I hope the new tires make it look a bit more sport-ish.
 
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Old Mar 1, 2016 | 12:43 PM
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Welcome. Just keep them and you could also repaint them or refinish them.
 
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Old Mar 1, 2016 | 12:46 PM
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Originally Posted by ECSTuning
Welcome. Just keep them and you could also repaint them or refinish them.
I'll keep that in mind. I sent you a PM with a question, but you can answer it here if you want.

Thanks
 
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Old Mar 1, 2016 | 12:51 PM
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sent back.

You can separate them like the web spokes:

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...el-thread.html
 
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