North American Motoring - Upsizing tire size

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Upsizing tire size - non lowered R56

Hey guys I been doing some research and am finding lots of mixed info.

I have a non-S MC that came with 175/65/15 tires and just bought a set of 16" S-winder wheels. It didn't come with tires so I'm looking at tire sizes, and not sure which to get for a) same diameter b) comfort c) looks. I don't plan on lowering the car at all.

I'm getting lots of mixed info though:

- Online tire calc says 205/50/16 is the closest in diameter to the 175/65/15. Off by 0.4%

- Tirerack recommends 195/55/16, which is 1.7% off from original.

- Some people on the forums here say to get 205/55/16, which is 3.7% off.

Which should I go with? My gut says 205/50 since I've always used the online calculator in the past. Is there something here I'm missing?

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmai86 (Post 4220121)

Generally, the higher the aspect ratio, the better the ride.

Make sure the wheel is wide enough to support your tire choice (TR usually has recommended and allowable wheel widths for each tire).

The % error really only affects the speedo. Since most speedos run 3-5% fast anyway, a tire with a positive % change will make the speedo more accurate. As long as you are doing 4 at a time, no issues.

Regards,
Jerry

195/55-16 is OEM size.
205/50-16 is the most common plus size.

Thanks for the info!

So for the folks that go for 205/55/16, are they doing it more to fill the wheel gap on stock suspension?

I would like that too, but at the same time I fear it would make the wheels look comically large and "boaty".

Hmmm.

I am running Ziex 205/50 on my S-winders. Love the ride over the 175/65/15 Spoolers. I do miss the zippyness of the light Spoolers but like the look of the 16s way more. Hated the run flats noise/ride. The Ziex handles great for me and my 2010 Justa.

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmai86 (Post 4220162)

So for the folks that go for 205/55/16, are they doing it more to fill the wheel gap on stock suspension?

Or for ride comfort (more sidewall).

The larger the diameter the slower the acceleration :wink:

could always make the factory wheels look bigger by lowering it, ;)

Quote:

Originally Posted by MINIAC (Post 4220303)

Or for ride comfort (more sidewall).

The larger the diameter the slower the acceleration :wink:

The larger the diameter, the better the gas mileage! :)

I doubt anyone will notice a 3-4% difference of either.

Regards,
Jerry

17x7.5 45 mm offset using 235/40/17 rubber and lowered 2". Doesnt rub AND fills the wheelwells. Looks badass too.
ISAMIN