16x7 et20-Best tire size?

[Waynegro]

I have done tons of searching and have not concluded anything concrete (I might even be more confused lol). I have a 87 325is (high arches) and I am going with a GC setup. Whats the widest tire I can run without rubbing? I would like to avoid rolling my fenders if possible. 225/50/16's seem to be the cheapest option. Will those give me rubbing problems? Or should I stick with a 205/50/15? I would love some input from everyone. Thanks.

[backtrail69]

I run a 225/45 on my car with 16x8 et20. I had to roll the rears. I would run 205/50 if you want to be absolutely positive it will fit. 215/45s would be slightly undersized in your roll out, but could work also.

[golde30]

225/50/16 is oversized and wont fit. as mentioned above, the ideal size is 225/45/16, which i ran on my 16x7 et25 with no rubbing issues, et20, not sure, may have to roll the lips in the rear just a lil bit.

[Jand3rson]

I've always run 205/50 with 16's, and that's mostly what I've always had. Tires are plentiful in that size, and there's generally no fitment issues.

[euroshark]

Do some research on tire brands while you are deciding on sizes. Most companies offer a spec sheet for all of their sizes that shows overall width, tread width etc. You don't NEED 225s, most people just run wide tires to look cool I guess... The funny thing is there is such a variation between manufacturers that some 205s are as wide as some of the 225s at the tread.

[Mystikal]

225/45/16 will work fine on your car with those wheels. You'll likely need to roll the rear, as backtrail said.

On a later car, this same setup would be a headache.

Jay

[SchnellerVert]

Mine do not rub but then again I am running J stock and the offset is 23 so helps out a little.

[einstein57]

i am running 205/50/16's with tons of room. My dad is running 215/45/16 on his 88. discounttiredirect.com has good tires w/o tax or shiping cost.

[Waynegro]

Well it looks like I can run either size without much problem, so are 225's worth the extra money for a DD car that will see a few track days and autox events a year?

[SchnellerVert]

For a M20 powered car and DD no not really do you need the xtra drag and faster wear due to camber wear?

If you use them for grip or need the extra grip then sure it's worth it the cost differance is not much, but 225-45-16's are limited size.

Toyo T1-R's
Hankook RS-212
BF Goodrich
No Michelin
Goodyear?

[jmarch]

88 (low arch) car

225/45/16 Toyos T-1Rs on 16x7s ASAs
E30 M3 Springs, Koni Yellows
Front fixed camber plates 1.25
Rear camber adjusters

No Rubbing

[808BMW]

I personally undersized the profile, rather than the width.
225-40-16 on 16x8's et20 with no rubbing, on GC's.
I'd think a 16x7 rim would suck them in a bit more too.

[Waynegro]

I ran both 225's and 205's on my old Ronal LS's (15x7) and the 225's made the steering feel slow compared to the 205's, if that makes any sense. That is one of the reasons why I am leaning towards 205s at this point.

The lack of tire options with 225's bites also.

[92 mtechnic cabrio]

On a 16x7, you'd want to run 225/45 or 205/50, with a tire wider than 205 on a 7" wide rim, the tire will give that "bunched up ribbon" look.