205/50 is a perfect match. When I swapped my stock weaves for my Borbet's I got lucky and there was one of those roadside rader things that tell you how fast your speeding. I did a couple runs stock and with the new wheels running 205/50's and it was spot on.
-
Back to my roots
-
The sidewall height of a 225/45 is going to be damn nearly the same as a 205/50. You have to keep aspect ratio in mind when comparing tire sizes. The only reason it shows 225 is because of 7.5" width of the wheel. I would think that if 225/45 are what is the proper size for a 16" wheel, there would be a much larger selection available. Discount tire's site comes back with 4 tires in 225/45, and TireRack has 6. If you put in 205/50, TireRack comes back with 44 tires in that size. These Firestones I have on here now are 205/50, and they aren't stretched at all. In fact, if I lay the wheels face down on the pavement, the sidewall of the tire touches the ground before the face of the wheel, by about 1/4".Originally posted by DaveCN View PostComment
-
And in Japan, they like Shrimp chips as a snack.Originally posted by Eurospeed View Post
Sidewall height has nothing to do with my comment, Josh. Think it through.Current Cars2014 M235i2009 R56 Cooper S1998 M31997 M3Comment
-
You're talking about contact patch width then, right? I added to my post above about the width of the tires I'm running now, read that.Originally posted by DaveCN View Post
Trust me, these tires are not undersized.
From TireRack's site, using a 16x7.5 Borbet Type B as an example. They suggest an even smaller size:
Borbet Type B
Bolt Pattern: 4-100
16x7.5 $149 each
Recommended Tire Size:
205/45-16
I'm really not trying to argue with you guys here, but I was told by several people that 205/50 was a proper size for this size wheel.Last edited by Jand3rson; 01-15-2007, 12:55 PM.Comment
-
205/50's are slightly stretched on my 16 x 7.5's, 225/45 is a better suited to that width rim. You've got that rim width so use it IMO.
225/45 is an odd size though, most cars running that width rim would be using 225/50.
Now having said that, 205/50 pretty good match for sidewall height, its just the slight stretch that annoys me.Comment
-
I use 205/45/16 on 16x7. Plenty of tires in that size, I think it looks good, and no problems.Comment
-
Josh, see post #387.
205/50 is within the realm of possible sizes for that wheel. And not pushing the fringe like those VW guys who stretch a 195 on 8" or wider wheels.
No argument fom me - just making points of information.Current Cars2014 M235i2009 R56 Cooper S1998 M31997 M3Comment
-
I gotcha. :up: Heeter was in fact one of the people that old me that 205/50's would be the best size tire for this rim, and that 225's would be too large.Originally posted by DaveCN View PostComment
-
I run 225/50's on 15x7.5's and the difference between them and 205/55 was definately noticeable.
the wider tires are much more aggressive looking.
Side by side you'd definately notice the taller, thinner look of the 205's.
I can notice it without them being side by side.
but then again, you did say this was your daily so then gas consumption, wet traction, less fear of potholes, and inexpensive rubber might be your driving concerns rather than appearance or performance.Das ist nicht nur nicht richtig, es ist nicht einmal falsch!Comment
-
Well, here's the explanation on that. The only reason these 205/50 Firestones are on there now is because they were free. My father in law gave them to me after removing them from my mother in law's Focus when he bought new tires for it, before I even had these wheels. He didn't want to just throw them away, and I said I'd take them, you never know when you might need a spare set of rubber. So when it came time for last year's PNW E30 Picnic, I slapped these on the Borbet's as a temporary set of tires just to make the trip up to Seattle, so I could have the new wheels on the car for the meet. Well, I ended up not being able to take the car, so the tires just stayed. Now the new tires I'm getting are 205/50/16's, because TireRack is closing out their remaining stock of Bridgestone Potenza S03's for $90 each in that size, and there was no way I was going to pass up S03's for $90. Next year when it's time for a new set of tires, I plan to roll the fenders and buy 225/45's.Originally posted by smooth View PostComment
-
what's your wheel offset?
my wife's 15x7.5's are ET25 and I didn't need to roll her fenders with 225's...
to be honest, in parking lots at speeds of <5mph I hear something going on in one of the rear wells. But I can't for certain say the tire is rubbing. haven't been bothered by it enough to check and it only occurs at that low speed and turning sharply into a parking space.
so you may not need to roll your fenders.Das ist nicht nur nicht richtig, es ist nicht einmal falsch!Comment
-
Ummmm, I believe the Borbet's are +35, and I'm using 8mm H&R spacers.Originally posted by smooth View PostComment
-
so if my understanding and calculations are correct, that puts you at ET27, which is 2mm closer to the fender than mine.Originally posted by Eurospeed View Post
Next time I go outside I'll peek under there and see how close I am to the fender with ET25. I guess it's time to diagnose that rub sound on my sharp turns at low speeds, too ;)
I'll let yah know what I find out.Das ist nicht nur nicht richtig, es ist nicht einmal falsch!Comment
-
Outstanding work Josh. Can't wait for the 10th now. Definately is one of the cars I can't wait to see come picninc time.sigpicComment
-
205/50's are the right size for a 16x7 wheel, and another half inch of rim width does not warrant another 2cm of tread patch. 225's would be too wide IMO. I run 205/50's on both my 16x7 sets.
Lookin Good Josh, You gonna get ballsy and make it to the march meet?sigpicComment
Comment