Tire size, wheel offset, spacers?

[RCWells]

Got a question about tire size. I have 16x7 MM wheels with ET38. I have 15mm (was told) spacers. Suspension is H&R sport/Bilstein sports. I want to go to a wider tire, and was wondering would a 225 fit without having to roll the fenders or other clearance issues? If not, then maybe a diff. width spacer? Or should I just stick with a 215 series tire?

Thanks

[Mystikal]

If you have 15mm spacers, then you have a 23mm final offset, which is perfect for 225's. Find some 225/45/16's and use those. I would personally get the 215/45/16 Falken Azenis Sports RT-215's, but I'm not sure if you're willing to finish a set of tires in one season in exchange for grip.

[RCWells]

Does anyone run different size tires front to rear? Say, 215s front and 225s rear? How would that affect handling. I know that back in the 80s and prolly even into the 90s many high performance and exotic cars would have different widths, but not so much maybe nowadays. What gives?

And why would you personally run the 215s instead of the 225s?

Thanks

[C ///M]

Unless you're running a lot of power to the rear, staggered widths will do nothing for you except induce unwanted understeer. Also, mid-engined and rear-engined cars need much larger rear width tires to counter the massive oversteer that ensues due to the weight distribution.

So basically what I'm saying, you have a front engined, rwd car, if you aren't running big hp to the back, then keep all the same widths.

[RCWells]

Alright, I am fine with that. Better 225s or 215s? Or is it just a preference issue?

[C ///M]

Alright, I am fine with that. Better 225s or 215s? Or is it just a preference issue?

It's whatever you want.

[RCWells]

You run 225s right? IIRC you are looking to go to a 245? or something. You are on 17's too arent' you?

[Bryson]

Unless you're running a lot of power to the rear, staggered widths will do nothing for you except induce unwanted understeer. Also, mid-engined and rear-engined cars need much larger rear width tires to counter the massive oversteer that ensues due to the weight distribution.

So basically what I'm saying, you have a front engined, rwd car, if you aren't running big hp to the back, then keep all the same widths.

Bingo.

Just go with 225s, that way down the road there will be no regrets, I'm somewhat regretting the tire size I chose, but only for the reason that I think I can fit wider, I'm not unhappy with what I have now.

[RCWells]

You are on 215s? What tire?

[C ///M]

You are on 215s? What tire?

I'm on 235s. I will run 265s on the rear stricly for street usage after the motor is complete. But I will retain a set of 235s all around for track usage.

[Mystikal]

And why would you personally run the 215s instead of the 225s?

Because that particular tire I mentioned is only available in that size, and will provide more traction than likely any 225 non-R compound.