Max tire width on OEM rims?

[Chaotic_Warlord]

Ok I've just searched everywhere and I can't seem to find a decent answer on this, but I have an S14 Zenki (Base model) so I have the oem 195/65/15 rims but would like to go to a wider tire in the rear. I know I can put a 205 on these with no ill effects, but I'm a noob when it comes to tire sizes. I know how to read the sizing (width/sidewall/diameter) outside of that I just know that wider = larger contact spot.

So what is the widest tire I can successfully and SAFELY stuff on the oem rims? Will a 215 fit or is the max I can go the 205?

[sx moneypit]

I had 215's on mine but you might could go with a 225.

[Chaotic_Warlord]

I had 215's on mine but you might could go with a 225.

How did the 215's look? How was the overall feel of them? I was planning on getting 205's put on but was wondering if a 215 would fit on the OEM rim. If you didn't have any issues running 215's then that is what I would really like to get. If I get 215's on the rear will the standard 195 in the front give me the same amount f control or should I bump up to a 205 in the front?

[sx moneypit]

They looked good and handled way better but the old tires were pretty worn out.I would go with 215s all the way around myself.

[DuckyD]

What suspension setup do you have? Because the stock rims are high offset (sunk in) if you go too large you may run into tire touching suspension.

I have a customer here in the shop, S13 on coilovers with Z32 wheels with 225/55/16. He even has a 5mm spacer (effectively making them 40 offset) and is touching coilover.

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If you have the right tire guy, they can put pretty much any tire on any wheel. I know guys with 215s on a 10" wheel. I also know some SCCA guys run 275s on a 7" wheel (wheel size is limited, tire size is not). At some point, there is a trade-off between having a wide profile tire, and having lots of slop in the sidewall. A bulging tire will likely roll onto the sidewall and adversely affect handling.

For everyday driving and fun, I would try to keep the tire as "square" as possible.

[Chaotic_Warlord]

I have the base model S14 rims 15x6

I don't know what the offset is on these. I know I can run a 205 tire on them and get more tire on the ground, but if I can achieve the same thing with a 215 tire but get even more tire to the ground then I'd rather do that. i definitely don't want to go any larger than a 215, not on these rims.

[sx moneypit]

Mine did fine with 215s,however i am not running coilovers.

[DuckyD]

You will be fine.

[nismofly]

Wider tire same wheel and all is not larger contact patch, thats a rumor that needs to be dragged out into the street and shot.

205 is your best bet, for feel, handling, overall goodness.