Need help with tires (pictures inside)

[KamilMk]

Hello all.

So the story goes like this... I just recently dug out a set of ATS wheels from my best friends yard. The wheels are 15x7J E25 offset. The current tires on there are 205/60/15 Toyos, from centuries ago. The thread on the tires is flawless, but from the long time the wheels/tires have spent laying around the sidewall is cracked, and the only thing the tires are good for now is some gray smoke .

Here you can see the side profiles of the car, and how it sits with the 205/60/15 tires on it:




Here is a front shot to give you somewhat of an idea about the gap:


Front passenger side, for closer look:


Rear right side, also for closer look:


Now here is the question. What tires should I go with to replace the ones on there right now? I was thinking maybe 205/55/15? Or should I go wider? Keep in mind I am getting a LITTLE rubbing when I turn the wheel either way about 2 full rotations, the back isn't rubbing at all.

Oh decisions, decisions...

[nando]

205/60 is oversized, which is why you are getting rubbing. 205/55 would be good as would 225/50.

[KamilMk]

225/50 sounds lovely, however, wouldn't that look a little weird on the 15x7 rim? Any pictures to kill the doubts in my mind?

[nando]

it's not going to look any worse than 205's with a gigantic sidewall :p

I'm sure you can find pics of 225's with the search function

[KamilMk]

Yea, tell me about it. I looked around, pulled up couple threads with pictures, thanks for the heads up though. I still don't know if 225 has me sold. Need moar opinions!

[Pussy30]

I run 205 50 15 on my 15x7's. If you tracking/auto-x it and want the extra traction its not unheard of to run a 225 50 15. I think 205 looks good though imo.

[KamilMk]

I am going to start running AutoX once it gets nicer out there, my car isn't even supposed to be out, its been nice last week so I took it out, and now we are getting snow with rain today (hence the weather in the pictures.) I'm pissed off, but whatever, should clear up soon.

225/50/15 wouldn't appear too meaty on 15x7? Also, what spacers would I need to sit flush with those rims and 225/50/15 tires? (and not rub)

[Pussy30]

I am going to start running AutoX once it gets nicer out there, my car isn't even supposed to be out, its been nice last week so I took it out, and now we are getting snow with rain today (hence the weather in the pictures.) I'm pissed off, but whatever, should clear up soon.

225/50/15 wouldn't appear too meaty on 15x7? Also, what spacers would I need to sit flush with those rims and 225/50/15 tires? (and not rub)

Looks wise, they would be meaty as hell, but i mean its a bigger contact patch.

[Overlord475]

http://www.rimsntires.com/specs.jsp

^^^^ Plug in the stock tire size on the left (195/65/14 6.5" Wide ET35)

Then plug in the new wheel diameter on the right and plug-n-chug tread width and side wall height till you get the right one.

205/55-R15 is the right tire size to maintain the correct speedo reading. (the speed sensor is in the rear differential and when you change the tire diameter it throws off the speedo)

Had the same wheel dimensions on one of my E30's, but on Ronal ACT's

[KamilMk]

I think I am going to play it safe and go wit the 205/55/15. It will fix my rubbing, and I know is still plenty of contact surface for tracking and autox. Now the question still remains, what spacers? Any? None?

[mRodiek]

I have 205/50/15s on my 15x7 and I love em.

The difference between 205 & 225 can be made up in quality of tire as well.

[KamilMk]

I have 205/50/15s on my 15x7 and I love em.

The difference between 205 & 225 can be made up in quality of tire as well.

By difference you are talking about grip, correct? And is there any way you can send me a picture of your 205/50/15? I'm interested to see how the sidewall profile looks, seems 50 would be a little too small for my liking. Could be wrong.

[Overlord475]

.... Now the question still remains, what spacers? Any? None?

No spacers are needed