Another tire size post: 205/50r15s?

[mmmbeer]

I've found a decent deal on 4x100 15 inch Integra LS Mesh rims with pretty much new tires in size 205/50r15. The Taco-world tire calculator says those are a bit over an inch wider than my current 175/50r13s. There were a couple posts on the board from years ago where someone said they ran tires that size without much issue other than possible rub on full lock turns. Can anyone help me out on whether these ought to be good or if I should keep looking for something in the 14" range. Thanks all.

[jimcrazy]

I am running 185-70-14 on my wagon, they 1 inch taller then those not as wide , only rubs a bit with the wheel turned hard

[Petros]

the wheel offset will affect how it fits, best way is to put it on and try it out.

Usually with a little effort you can pound back or grind off what ever it rubs against at full lock, without causing harm. the toughest thing to determine is if it will rub at the top when bottoming out. when redesigning the suspension (changing springs, shocks, geometry, wheels and tires, etc) what is normally done is the suspension is assembled without the spring and the wheel and tire combo is run through the whole range of movement using a jack while the car is on jack stands. A lot of work, but it is the only way of knowing without actually driving on it.

[mmmbeer]

Thanks guys. Internet says the wheels are 15x6 with +45 offset. Seems they'll fit, but we'll see.

[Petros]

for reference I am running 185-65 x 14" (Michelin all season) with an unmodified body or suspension. barely clears, though I notice there is light rubbing on the sway bar likely from a max lock turn, but I do not notice it. So this appears to be right at the limit as far as size. The alloy wheels are originally for a Honda Civic, not sure of the offset.

Also, when I first got the tires, and I do a hard bottom on the front suspension, only the drivers side made a slight and very brief scrap noise. when I look up inside the fender I can see a place right above the tire that appears to barley touches, scraped paint off. Though that went away after I replaced the sway bar end bushing and the strut inserts. and I am sure after I lost 50 lbs of weight, that helped too.

[mmmbeer]

Just a follow-up, I didn't end up buying those wheels so don't know if they would've ended up fitting. Keeping an eye out for Miata daisies or five-spokes instead.

[oldfaithful]

I run 5 spoke Miata 15" wheels with 185-55-15s and have no rubbing issues anywhere on all stock suspension.

[rer233]

+1 on the Miata Daisys- over the years I've bought 4 sets off C/L (usually run around $100/set.) Sometimes they have decent tires, sometimes not. I like 185/70 14's (a little taller than stock, but I prefer a taller tire- rides smoother even if a shorter tire would "handle better.") In fact, just last week I broke down and put 4 brand new 185/70 14 Michelin Defenders on my '87 4wd wagon (unheard of for me.)

Rides great- no pull, no shake- nothin'! Hard to believe it's a 30 year old car.

Also, if you get some regular lug nuts, you can use the factory Miata center caps (gives the wheel a finished look.)

[Petros]

something interesting I want to add: with the 185/65x14 tires on my daily driver, my speedo is exactly correct as measured by my GPS. This has not been the case with the stock tires (or is it tyres?). Many of the rescue Tercels I have driven cross country with stock tires have also been off, some were off by as much as 7 mph, most around 3 or 4 mph on the speedo.

My daily driver is an '84 with the 3.72:1 final drive, it would be interesting to measure the speedo accuracy on my '85 project car with the 4.11:1 final drive after I get it on the road.

[gotama]

sorry to revive an old thread but..i have the stock wheels 13" ..not sure the #' cause i cant find where i wrote them down!..car is down in mexico as i speak..i want to go to a wider profile for the sand..car does not do well in sand at all..any suggestions please?...thanks

[gotama]

oh and i weight it down alot when i get water..about 500lbs of it not inc me and the dogs sometimes

[Mattel]

Do you let the air down in the tyres to 15 psi? this makes a big difference - and get some of those cheap plastic ladder things you can put under the wheels and carry a shovel and also a snatch strap so you can be ready if you need to be pulled out. also be aware that you will high centre so look at suspension lifts. and think about getting some bigger balloon tyres. The weight thing sounds like it could be an issue though

[teranfirbt]

For sand you want as little weight as possible on the widest tires possible and way low tire pressure like Mattel said.

[gotama]

yes they are at 30 psi now..an inch wider and i would not have to air down im sure..we stop in les schwab in oregon on way down..see what they got..im gonna keep them 13" just for clearance sake cause i use the car to go to town for water..100 k round trip..i aready have all the stuff in case i get stuck thx mattel..of course the water comes out and into my rv asap..i got once a month for water

[gotama]

do u know what #'s might be close to what i got?..they are just plain jane turismos