Time for new tires, and I want Hankook RS3's on my OEM 15x5.5" wheels. Anyone ran this size? Want to know if they'll fit or not

 

I'm running 225/50r16s on a 7" wide wheel with 43mm offset.

No problems in the front but I had to trim a lot in the rear to ensure no rubbing 95% of the time (still rubs a little if hitting a large bump at high speed).

I think your real problem is mounting a tire that wide on a wheel that narrow. I've done it before on some beaters with left over parts- the tires will perform worse than a smaller size & follow every rut in the road because they're squeezed on a tiny wheel. It will also cause very irregular wear.

 

I'm not really worried about the wear. I'm looking for best performance. Also looking at RE-11's and Star specs, but I have heard a ton of great things about the RS3's in the autocross community.

 

Best performance will come from a tire that fits the wheel. The RS-3 you want requires a rim 7 to 8.5 inches wide. I would expect a 205/50-15 Toyo R1R to outperform the RS-3 on a 5.5" wheel. And that is assuming you could get someone to mount them.

 

What suspension are you running? I went from 215/45/17 with a 38offset to stock R56 wheels with 195's all around and rub the tire in the front. I am planning on putting 225's all around but will need pretty big spacers.

 

225/45/15 works well, because its so short! Great for Auto X and track!

Alex

 

How well do they work on a 5.5" wide wheel?

 

15x7.5 or 15x8 might be a better fit for a 225/45-15 tire.
195/50 better for you or you can save up for some proper 15x7 wheels with 205/50-15.

 

I'm not going to want to switch wheels. Already have SSR Type-C's with A6's for autocross, and some old E30 basketweaves with R6s for track. I basically want good grip for daily driving, and have a those be a good wet weather tire in case it's raining at an autocross.

Leaning twoards the kooks because I can get a great deal on them. I would guess the Toyos in 205/ would be best for what I'm looking for, but they'd be quite a bit more expensive compared to what I can get the rs3's for.

 

225/45/15 is commonly squeezed down to 5.5 or 6 inch wide for motorsport use. 225/45/15 on a 5.5 for the street will wander, or tramline.

Alex

 

As my first choice for mixed use wet and dry street and wet and dry Auto-X would be the Toyo R1R in 205/50-15 (225/45-15 is available) and a second option would be the best of both worlds Dunlop Star Specs in 205/50-15 (225/45-15 is not available) The RS2 Kooks were horrible in rain, not sure of current gen RS3 other than its prolly the best dry tire. Did not know SSR Type-C's even came in 15x5.5.

Just depends on what comprimises you willing to give up: RS3 prolly best dry auto-x tire, but only comes in 225/45 and the R1R is proly best wet auto-x tire or the best of both worlds Star Specs which is prolly 3rd best in dry and 2nd best in wet auto-x. But for a 15x5.5 I would stick to 205/50-15, prolly get better dry grip and wet grip for that matter.

 

I agree for street use, and its also my peronal preference in track tire size, I like the lighter feel, and the options offered.

Alex

 

Tried to Private message some folks on this thread but their inbox was full. I'd appreciate anyone's comments/advice here if you have a chance:
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...-liveable.html

Thanks!

 

I wouldn't go any wider than a 205 section tyre on a 15x5.5 rim - my 195/60's are pretty chubby already. You'd be better off on a 15x7.