I'm running 205 on 15x7 K1's in SM and want to jump to 225's. Will I need spacers and if so, what size?

Thanks,
Russ

 

It depends. Doesn't it always?

It depends on if the car has been lowered, and how much. It depends on what profile tires you are going to use, and which model. Not all 225's are created equal.

As a point of reference, I'm also using 15x7 Kosei K1s with 225 tires. My 225/45-15 Avon Tech Rs fit with no rubbing or other issues, though it is really tight between the tire sidewall and damper body in front. Piece of cake in the rear.

My 225/50-15 Yokohama A048 rain tires went on, but just kissed the front struts. A 5mm H&R spacer up front fixed that, and just stays on the car for both of the above combinations plus the 205/50-16 Avon M500s on 16x7.5 K1s street setup. In the back, the A048s rub just a touch on the inner, upper edge of the plastic rear fender on bumps with the dampers set for the street. That is slowly fixing itself, as its the fender lip that is wearing and not the tires. The rub is subtle enough that I can't hear it, but some of the fender lip plastic sticks to the outer shoulder of the tires (it peals off).

I suspect Hoosier 225/45-15s would also need spacers in front, probably 5mm or a touch more, since they tend to be pretty wide. Since they are shorter than my 50 series A048s they'ed probably be okay in the rear unless you are really low.

There are a few pics in the gallery to give you an idea of how low my car is. The white wheels are either 16" 215/45-16 Azenis or the 15" A048s. Silver wheels are the 15" Avon Tech Rs.

Hope that helps.
Scott
90SM

 

FWIW: I'm running V10 225/50/15's on K1's with HSport springs. I have a tad of rubbing in the back but not enough to worry about.

See my gallery pics.

 

Thanks Guys. My cars not lowered and I was looking at the 225 45 15 Avons as an option.

Thanks again,
Russ

 

At my last "Tune and Test" day I was running 15x7 K1 Racing with Hoosier 225/45. Front spacers 15mm each, none in the rear. This is 2mm less in the front than Roland at GTT recommended I try. (Note: You can probably get by with only 10mm.)

 

I just finished my first event with my 15x7 K1's and 225/45 Hoosiers....NO spacers and a completely stock suspension....no rubbing issues for me anywhere.


Jason