I'll be getting R99's next week (replacing OE V-Spokes) and will be putting on Toyo Proxes 4. For a daily driver, I was wondering if there is any downside to going with the 215's over the 205's. It seems the price is a little lower, should have better grip, will fill the wheel well a little better, and should give a little more rim protection. I assume there will not be any rubbing issues on the stock suspension, right? Any input would be welcomed. I don't want to regret my decision. Thanks

 

the 215s are a bit nicer for ride and rim protection, the 205s are a bit crisper in turn in. But these can be effected by pressure and lots of other stuff. Either way, you'll be fine. For street and comfort, go with the 215s...

Matt

 

Many of us have been using the 215's for years now and like them and there is no rubbing running stock.

 

I agree, aside from the improvements of ride and such (which is also a benefit from losing the RF), the 215s just look better on the rims.

I went with Pirelli PZero Nero M+S (All season) 215/45/17. Going with the 45 instead of the 40 also makes the Cooper stand just a touch taller. Not good if you like to spend time at the track, but for genral motoring, the increase is great! If you plan on lowering your cooper, or if the offset on the new rims is less than ~35mm consider the 40s. I have heard people say rubbing could be an issue. I have never had any trouble, but I am at stock height with S-lite rims.

 

the pressure matters so much more. I've done them, and while you do get better turn in, you whack the crap out of the rims. With the S-Lites, they can take it, but sometimes the tire can't (sidewall gets pinched bad).

For street, stay with the 45s, and as others have posted, they are sweet on the street.

Matt

 

A great site to visit to check exact tire sizes is www.1010tires.com. Go to this site and go to the 'tire size calculator' on the left side of the browser. It will even tell how far off your speedo will be after the tire size change. I used this calculator to determine that a 225/45-16 is a perfect size for a Cooper that came with 195/55-16s stock. They also have a wheel offset calculator to determine what your new backspacing will be after new wheels are installed. Have fun!

 

Yeah baby, 45s rock !

 

Thanks for the responses guys. It looks like the offset on the R99's is 48 so I would assume I would be OK re no rubbing with the 215's. I guess I'll go that route based on what I'm hearing.

 

rock the 215/40

Im running Toyo t1R and they are excellent

 

Running the same set up and I agree!