Can I use 225 45 16 tires with Xlite wheels?

 

It's possible. 225/45-16 is meant for rims 7 ro 8.5" wide but can be forced onto the more narrow X-lyte 16x6.5" rims by a tire specialty shop mechanic.

Try asking Alex@tirerack.com to confirm it will fit.

Is this for a lowered MINI or one with stock suspension?

Other possible tire sizes that will fit stock 16x6.5" rim:
205/50-16
205/55-16
225/50-16

 

I think it will causes the center section of the tires to balloon a bit hence less contact patch. The widest I would go on 6.5 would be 205/50R16. IMHO

 

How about 215 50 16 ?

 

I would think that contact patch could be controlled by air pressure. I don't think it would stop me from getting 225/45's - I was strongly considering a set of the Hankook RS2's, but decided to stick with the stock tires until they wear out.

 

Yes, 215/50-16 can work and is a good size for ultra High performance Summer and All season tires.

Fits rims 6-7.5" wide and very close to stock size in tire diameter.

http://www.tirerack.com/a.jsp?a=EZ3&url=/tires/Compare1.jsp&width=215%2F&ratio=50&diameter=16&sta rtIndex=0&search=true&pagelen=20&pagenum=1&pagemar k=1&x=67&y=8&RunFlat=All

 

A Falken RT-215 215/45 R16 fits perfectly on stock wheels. I plan on trying a 225/45 R16 hankook if I can confirm that there are no rubbing issues with that size on stock offset wheels. From the measurements I have taken I don't believe they will rub anywhere at stock height.

 

What pressure are you running with the tires you have on? Just for my info:smile:.
Cheers

 

I know when I ran 225/50R16 race tires on the 44 offset NZO monza's, they rubbed a little on the rear control arm, a little on the fender liner (during hard cornering) and just ever so slightly on the front shocks. Nothing that would stop me from using them, however. My opinion would be that for normal street driving that the 225/45R16's would work best with some 5mm spacers, but then again, I'm no expert and haven't tried the 225/45R16 street tires.

Jake

 

I run 38F 38R street.
45F 53R hot for autocross.
45F 45R hot for track days.

 

Joe-

Did you end up going with the 225's? If so, comments?
If not, whatcha get?

Thanks

Derek

 

My RT-215 Azenis are still holding up OK with 23K miles on them. They don't need to be replaced just yet which really suprises me. If I can't confirm that the Hankook 225/45 R16 fits on stock wheels with or without 5 mm spacers, I'll wait until the new RT-615 Azenis come out in the 215/45 R16.

I would really like to go with the Hankook due to their price and the slightly taller sidewall that should give a little better(more comfortable) ride on the street while not sacrificing too much performance due to the wider tread width.

 

Still going after 23k? What are you soft peddling? ha ha

Anyway - please check back in if/when you replace your tires - I'd really liek to see what you end up with and how it works!

Derek