Should I stick to 205's or go to 215's?

[Chingon]

I have 15"x7" rims and currently have 205's mounted on them. However, come this summer, I will upgrade tires, but don't know what size to go with? What width (in mm) do you recommend in a 7" rim? I'm looking for performance over anything, so I know that i'll be gaining extra rotational mass w/215's, but I may be gaining handling as well.

It just seems that the rims can safely accomodate something bigger. I hear even 225's are possible...but that doesn't sit right in my mind.

So any info, bashing, etc... will be appreciated.

[SmithSR]

205/60-15?

215/??-15

225/??-15

Throw me a freaking bone!

[aither]

195/50/15! (ohh wait, that's what I'd do.) Seeing that in person, it looks good, but I can't say how it handles.215/50/15 should fit pretty well.

[Chingon]

205/60-15?

215/??-15

225/??-15

Throw me a freaking bone!

hehe...sorry, I meant width only...so the 60 height would prob. stay..

[SmithSR]

You should try to keep the overall diameter as close to stock as possible.. Taller tires mean a mechanical disadvantage!

205/60-15: 24.69" Overall Diameter215/60-15: 25.16"225/60-15" 25.63"

[Chingon]

i thought 60 was the factory spec. Why would height change by changing only the width?

[SmithSR]

The / indicates the 'aspect ratio' of the tire. The "60" is 60% of the tire's width. As you can see, if you alter tire width, but keep 60% of those widths as your sidewall height, you end up with a taller sidewall.

60% of 205 = 123(mm)

60% of 215 = 129(mm)

60% of 225 = 135(mm)

How to Determine a Tire's Overall Diamter:

our example will be the 205/60-15:

figure sidewall height, [205 x 60% = 123mm]

multiply by two(for both top and bottom sidewall)[123mm x 2 = 246mm]

convert from metric to standard, [246 divided by 25.4 = 9.69"]

then add wheel diameter. [9.69" plus 15" = 24.69" overall diameter]

This will give you the mathematical overall tire diameter. Be advised that not all tires from different brands are identical in size, and figuring the overall diameter mathematically will give you a useful tool that is very close to real world sizing. If you measure the tires on your car, you will get a different reading than if you figure it by the numbers. The above method will give you a 'static, unloaded' size. Still, a good tool.

[aither]

plus, I'd go with as small of a side wall as possible for those 15" wheels. 50>55>60. Just make a chart for how fast you're really going. You get a stiffer side wall, with slightly better acceleration by going to the 50 series side wall.

[Grant@tirerack]

You want to stick with at least a 90 load rating tire. As a general rule, if you stay within 1/2" on the width of the rim and the tread width you will have better handling. If you go too wide it will actually make things a lot looser in corners.

[s13sr20chris]

true dat. i have driven cars with a lot of tire rollover and they suck.