I will be losing my S-lites soon. I plan on using Enkei OR52s in 16x7, +42. (Silver. No, Anthracite! No. SILVER on IB/B, yes?).
Anyways, my car has stock suspension. The overall dimensions of a 215-50-16 are nearly the same as those of a 215-45-17, so I don't think the 50-16 will rub. I've seen many posts suggesting 205s over 215s. I know that the 205 would handle better- I'd like a little cushion this time around.
Is there a reason I should not to use 215s?

Thanks - Bodinski

 

What tires were you going to go with?

205/50-16 gives you a wider selection of tires that will fit for less tire weight/cost and will meet OEM load ratings and performance specs.

Since you have stock suspension you may choose 215/50-16 tires but the selection is rather limited depending on your sources. At Tirerack.com I found Avon Tech M500 in both sizes-

205/50-16 outer diameter 24.1" $87 each
215/50-16 outer diameter 25.5" $91 each

Other 215/50-16 do vary some in size depending on tread pattern from less than 24" to 25"+.

I think either would fit for you.

 

Thanks hune. I haven't chosen a particular tire yet, but it'll likely be an all-season - we get a good bit of snow here.

 

I've decided on Rota Grids instead of the Enkeis. Now I must choose between royal silver & royal steel grey. In every picture I've found, the colors look different. I'd go grey if it was a fairly light color, but I can't tell. Silver's a little plain - grey may be too dark on IB/B. Opinions?
Also, would like Traction T/As, but due to budget constraints, may try Hankook Ventus H405s in 215/50/16. Anyone have these?

 

I bought the BFGoodrich g-Force T/A KDW from Tire Rack [215/50R16] and have them on my stock Xlites. I have been pretty happy with them, and no rub. Here is a link to the specs:

http://www.tirerack.com/a.jsp?a=EZ3&url=/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=BFGoodrich&tireModel=g-Force+T%2FA+KDW&vehicleSearch=false&partnum=15YR6G FTAKDW&fromCompare1=yes

 

i hear kumho ecsta mx is a real good tire for the price... grippy as glue but just mildly low on threadwear...

nice rim choice btw... looks similar to mine... how heavy are they?

 

I believe the 16x7 Grid is 16 lbs.

 

IMHO, the 215/50R16 is too tall versus the stock size, effectively raising your gear ratio (making your car accelerate slower and brake slower). If you really want 215's, I'd go with 215/45R16, which is somewhat closer to stock (but still bigger).

I'd go with 205/50R16, and go for an all season of some sort...

 

I have a IB/B myself (btw, nice color scheme! ) and I use a silver wheel with polished rim. It looks very sharp. The steel gray color Rota has is also a nice touch, but to me, the silver stands out more and gives a sharper contrast
on the IB/B. checkout my site for picts. :smile:

 

i like a darker wheel. i have Hyper Black Enkei RPM2s. i like the dark "theme." i have a dark car, dark roof, why not have dark wheels?

heres a pic

 

bodinski,

The Rota grid 16x7 is about 16 pounds with offset of +40mm.

I checked around on royal steel grey and the colors I'm getting are a bit different from pretty dark looking to medium. I think it is the use of flash that may affect the exposure and lighten the image.
Both these are supposed to be royal steel grey



Silver is much lighter, Steel grey is going to look more aggressive and show less brake dust and grime which is nice.

For tires, best fit would be 205/50-16 or 215/45-16.