Any issues with a tire in 205/50/16 that fits on the 16" GS legal wheel? Is it too tall (rubs fender liner). I know the optimal is a 205/45/16 but would a 205/50/16 work in a pinch?

 

205/50R16 is a hair smaller in diameter vs. the OEM 205/45R17 size, so fitment should not be an issue. I imagine it would be much easier to mount vs. some of the more preferred tires. Which specific tire are you referring to? Same size tires from different brands can be very different.

 

We went with Hoosier 225s in front and 215s in the rear on our '06 after considering some advise from Per Schroeder of Grassroots Motorsports to the effect that more rubber is always a good thing in autocross. It is our understanding that 225s will not fit in the rear, thus our staggered arrangement. With our 45 mm offset wheels, we had significant rubbing on the front shock towers until we added 3 mm spacers, the thickest we can use and still stay within the legal 42 mm maximum offset. The 225s are significantly taller but we don't experience any bogging on tight corners. Although we have enjoyed competitive successes in our region, for us the jury is still out as to whether or not our setup is faster than our previous 215s all around.

 

My bad. I didn't read the OP carefully regarding the tire size and I also typed 215 rather than 205 in describing our setup. Sorry!

 

205/50/16 fits fine on et-45 rims. Second gear speed at redline is around 65-68 mph.

 

Thanks, may pick up a budget set for the gf to get started on. 205/50/16 Hankook Z214 in C50 medium compound.