Auto-X - - 15x7 versus 14x6.5 ??

[rwh11385]

I'm going to be getting ES100's this summer......but I'm not certain on whether I want to go 205/60-14 on the 'weaves or go for the extra wheel width and go with the 15". Only thing is the 15" is light, but my car feels quicker on the baskets anyway.

Has anyone had comparative experience with 'weaves and a 15x7 wheel that were sporting similar tires??

I'm also debating whether 225 would be worth it, as my engine is and will remain stock. My uncle believes that they would be overkill and only give me drag. He recommended 215s at most. (In addition, my wheels have ET30, so 225s wouldn't fit, but would 215? Maybe Toyo makes 215/50-15......)

Anyway, just trying to setup my car for this summer.....help me out if you can.

Oh yeah. If I am looking at 225s seriously (I have a set of R compounds at home......), I'd need to run 5-8mm spacers. Those cost $$, as do longer bolts.....and then the cost of mounting/balancing if I can't have my friend do it.........i dunno. It might be worth considering picking up a set of euro weaves.........

[Tuff240]

Everyone in my region are in general agreement that 225's are a huge improvement over 205's as far as cornering grip is concerned.

They should also help with body roll. I don't understand the logistics of this, but it is very noticeable on a Volvo going from 185 stock width to 205's, which is the same 20mm gain you are looking at.

[Rob]

larger selection of 15" tires as well from what I've seen

[Mike P.]

15x7...with 225s is what I'd do, considering the mods on your car. DEFINITELY a 'huger' selection of tires with the 15" wheel.

Do you run in STX?

Mike-who is new to the BMW thing, and doesn't yet know the BMWCCA classing system.

[rwh11385]

15x7...with 225s is what I'd do, considering the mods on your car. DEFINITELY a 'huger' selection of tires with the 15" wheel.

Do you run in STX?

Mike-who is new to the BMW thing, and doesn't yet know the BMWCCA classing system.

I am leaning towards 225s, because they would grip like mad, and look awesome. But this is mainly for daily driving.....so I dunno.

I don't run in anything. Our CCA doesn't use classing, it is just for fun. Chicacgo has rigid class system where tire width wouldn't matter, but wheel diameter does a little.

It's the fact that 225s would require 5-6mm spacers with my wheels......

[Rob]

no sense going through the trouble (spacers, etc) to run 225s just to look cool....

[M-technik-3]

215-50-15 many sizes available with less drag. Dunlop SP5000 good all round tire.

[rwh11385]

no sense going through the trouble (spacers, etc) to run 225s just to look cool....

Not to mention that 205/55-15 would be a good tire, without all the drama. (Oh, and fit right)

Greg. I have looked into 215s, but i really love ES100s. Dunlops.....meh. Just personal preference.

Plus, the wider the tread, the more severe the camber wear right? Or so I read recently. And with a lowered car, that is a factor. I wouldn't mind wearing these tires for a LONG time.

[M-technik-3]

Then do the 205's you will get proper tire wear. Look at the Toyo T1-S they have a nice 205-55-15 in v rating. I have a set and the are very predictable.

[rwh11385]

Then do the 205's you will get proper tire wear. Look at the Toyo T1-S they have a nice 205-55-15 in v rating. I have a set and the are very predictable.

Oh yeah. I ALWAYS forget about Toyos. Mainly because Tirerack doesn't carry them.

How do they compare to ES100s? thanks Greg.

[M-technik-3]

been good for me, and Low Level says they are Spec tire for E30 race series. Not cheap like the ES100's though. About $125 each as opposed to $82 each.

[rwh11385]

:shock: $125? buh.

I guess 205/55VR15 ES100s it is.

[Tuff240]

been good for me, and Low Level says they are Spec tire for E30 race series. Not cheap like the ES100's though. About $125 each as opposed to $82 each.

That's a DOT R-compound tire.

[M-technik-3]

been good for me, and Low Level says they are Spec tire for E30 race series. Not cheap like the ES100's though. About $125 each as opposed to $82 each.

That's a DOT R-compound tire.

T1-S is not a DOT-r tire. Are you saying that the toyo RA-1's are DOT-R?

[Tuff240]

T1-S is not a DOT-r tire. Are you saying that the toyo RA-1's are DOT-R?

What I'm saying is that the 2005 Spece30 tire will be the R-compound Toyo. They have no "spec" tire right now.

*Edit- The RA1 is however the SpecMiata spec tire already.