Hey folks, I am sure this has been addressed before, but I can't seem to find that thread so please humor me.

I am looking to replace the stock 205/45 runflats on my 17 inch S-Lites with something wider. What are the best options for all season performance?
215/40s : about one half inch smaller diameter
215/45s : about one quarter inch larger diameter
225/40s : almost exactly the same diameter, but are there clearance/rub issues?

Thanks for the help.....

 

I would like to know also. I have read many posts and have not seen if 225/40 fit the MINI, on a 7" wheel.
Not that there are many 225/40-17 tires to choose from.

 

Your stock S-lytes are 17x7" rims. Why do you want to go wider on the tire- for what reason? Looks? You don't really gain that much if you do only street driving and you do make some compromises.

205/45-17 best fit, limited choices for tires but OK, has runflats in this size to replace OEM tires if needed, usually light weight if non runflats, Traction and performance and comfort usually is OK depending on which tire you have.

215/40-17 is shorter than stock, good selection of tires in various classes, usually costs more, weighs less, handles good in corners, harsher ride- less good for general daily use, a little noisier, creates more wheel gap unless you lower your car which usually makes the ride harsher still. Don't hit any road hazzards or potholes or you'll risk damage to your tires rims and suspension.

215/45-17 is slightly taller than stock at 24.7" but still OK, very good selection of tires, weight is moderate depends on tire, handles good, OK for daily driving, has less wheel gap, noise varys with tire selected. Good alternative size for stock and is wider than OEM tire. Not as good if you do lower your car- may rub a little in the back against inner plastic wheel arches.

225/45-17 taller than stock at 25", Not as good if you lower your car but tire selection is very good, tire weight is usually more, handles good and has less wheel gap, OK size for those that will stay with stock suspension.

225/40-17 fits rims 7.5-9" wide which is possible for the S-lyte but there are very few tires available. Tirerack lists only Hoosier A6 and R6 competition track tires not suitable for street use and Edgeracing.com doesn't list any tires in that size. Tire diameter is ok at about 24".

235/40-17 fits rims 8-9.5" so that is too wide a tire for the 7" rim although some owners will try to make it fit, it's not ideal. Also the tire is very wide and might rub depending on if you lower your car. Tire diameter is ok at 24.4"
Large tire selection in this size. If you use 17x8" rims this is possible.

 

The short answer:
235s
will interfere without fender mods.

225 x 40
2.5 % shorter than stock, hard to find, might look "pinched" onto 7 rim. (7.5 recommended)

215 x 40
6.8% shorter, fits fender and wheel , shorter effective gearing (better acceleration) lower top end (who cares?) but perceivable decrease in fuel economy.

215 x 45
4.9% taller, fits well, noticeable decline in acceleration

Take your choice of the last 3.

 

Hey Guys:
Thanks for the responses. 215/45 would appear to be about the best option. This selection would give a 1.5% slower/lower reading on the speedometer, with a comensurate decrease in acceleration and increase in fuel ecomony. However, I expect not to be able to notice 1.5%.

The primary goal is looks, 205 is too skinny so the 215s will look just a little bit better. A slightly better grip doesn't hurt either.

Too bad these stock rims are not 7.5 inches wide, 225s would look awesome. Yes, they are shorter than 205/45, but only by 2 tenths of an inch, so virtually the same diameter.

Thanks Again..........

 

Great info, thanks.
Also, if you do want 225/40, Discount Tire has one street tire. Can't remember what it is. But there is at least one street available.

 

i agree with minihune's post above...that you're not going to gain much
from a 17x7 wheel using wide tires. not appearance nor performance.

if you really want to make your car have a wide tire look with meaning,
you have to go 7.5 width, 8" in some cases. so on a 17x7, i would not
go wider than 215. otherwise it looks too saggy.

a lot of folks ask me why my 205/50/16's look so different from theirs.
it's the width... my comps are 7.5". optium target is to have a slightly
stretched sidewall.