205/45 R17 is the stock size. Not a whole lot available. What size can I safely put on my stock wheels? No suspension mods have been done.

I am currently looking at getting 4 Avon Tech M550 A/S tires in the stock size, but wanted to see if there were more tires to consider in other sizes.

 

you should be able to go to 215/45.

 

So a little wider. Any worries about rubbing with stock suspension?

 

I don't think you'll have any problems with 215. I'm running 225/50/15 on +40 offset 15x7" wheels and have slight rubbing on the fender flare, but not on any of the suspension components. I think offset plays a big part in the equation, but with stock wheels, 215 should be fine.

 

I just ordered some Yokohama AVID H4S tires. 215/45R17. In my price range and the treadwear seemed good, though I was hesitant to go away from the runflats.

 

I am running 215/40/17's on stock suspension and wheels and have no rubbing problems. I even ran a tight AUTOX event with no rubbing problems.

 

I am running 215/40/17 with a Koni Sport Suspension, there is no rubbing

 

Now the way I understand it, 215 is wider but 40 is lower profile. So the two soft of offset themselves to prevent rubbing. I've read on another thread about 215/45 not rubbing either with stock suspension.

 

Depends on why the tire's rubbing, Pebblecrusher. It could rub because it's too wide or because it's too tall. Going shorter's not going to make a tire that's too wide not rub.

 

offset could have alot to do w/ it.
215/45 is less than 1/2" wider, and 1/5" taller, than 205/45.

 

I agree blalor. My understanding is far from perfect, though it did seem logical, at least in this case.

I'll update the thread with my opinions once I get the tires installed.

 

How small of a wheel can I go down to safely without ruining the readings on the speedometer and odometer or dragging the bottom? I'm seriously considering moving down to 16 or even 15 in wheels. Is smaller possible?

 

15's fine with the stock brakes. I'm running 225/50/15 on 15x7 Konig Rewind wheels. Smaller wheels doesn't have to equate to less ground clearance or inaccurate speedo readings; just make sure you get the appropriate sidewall height.

 

16" wheels seem to offer the best compromise of wheel weight and sidewall height while maintaining a close to OE tire diameter and there are many good 205/50/16 tires out there. If for some reason you wanted to go to a 15" wheel and not want to worry about rubbing while maintaining apx. OE dia. then there are a few good 205/55/15's available but with the 16's shorter sidewall height and better tire selection, the 16's are a better choice. With 17's I would go for the 215/40/17 but if you drive long distances with a heavily loaded car you would want to check the load ratings on these before buying because many of them have a lower rating than the OE tires.