new tires
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Newbie - Just Registered
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 4
new tires
I've got a 97 SE that needs new tires. My question is can I go to a 215/55/17 from the stock 215/55/16 without loosing too much punch, or having the speedo way off? The tire diameter is about one inch different.
Thanks.
Thanks.
Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 104
From: Pittsburgh
Try this: http://ejelta.com/tiresize/
Or do what I did... Google "Tire Size Calculator"
There are dozens of sites like this, some are even graphic/interactive. -pc
Or do what I did... Google "Tire Size Calculator"
There are dozens of sites like this, some are even graphic/interactive. -pc
Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 104
From: Pittsburgh
http://www.rimsntires.com/specs.jsp
This is a good graphic calculator that I used to evaluate size differences from stock for finding summer tire sizes that fit. I went with 205/50/R15 (BFG Rivals) to remain in stock class for autocross that are actually 2" smaller than stock.
I found that this calculator allowed me to factor in the rim width to ensure a nearly vertical sidewall (see here: http://bebop.tesuji.org/content.agen...icle&name=9502).
The real-life result was dead-on and now I'm using it to re-calculate for 18x8" rims, which ideally could be 235/40R18. But basically then you have to go look up the brands/tires you want to buy and see what sizes are actually offered.
Sounds like you want taller tires, so focus on your aspect ratio (the 2nd number), then adjust the section width (first number) based on what's available and how you want the sidewall to look. Wider tires will stick out more, look cooler, and offer more grip for acceleration. However, more vertical sidewalls support the rims better and will have more responsive handling.
This is a good graphic calculator that I used to evaluate size differences from stock for finding summer tire sizes that fit. I went with 205/50/R15 (BFG Rivals) to remain in stock class for autocross that are actually 2" smaller than stock.
I found that this calculator allowed me to factor in the rim width to ensure a nearly vertical sidewall (see here: http://bebop.tesuji.org/content.agen...icle&name=9502).
The real-life result was dead-on and now I'm using it to re-calculate for 18x8" rims, which ideally could be 235/40R18. But basically then you have to go look up the brands/tires you want to buy and see what sizes are actually offered.
Sounds like you want taller tires, so focus on your aspect ratio (the 2nd number), then adjust the section width (first number) based on what's available and how you want the sidewall to look. Wider tires will stick out more, look cooler, and offer more grip for acceleration. However, more vertical sidewalls support the rims better and will have more responsive handling.
Do you want taller tires on purpose? Are you trying to decrease your rpm's at highway speed in hope of better mileage? Logically it is possible provided you don't have to worry about too many hills or acceleration much as both of these will suffer with a taller tire on a plus size rim.
If you go to a 17" rim then ideally you should run a 215/45-17 tire and not a 55 series to keep the operation of the car the same without detriment.
Don't forget, you also will suffer in the handling and braking department as well with the increased aspect ratio and it will look like a 4x4.
If you go to a 17" rim then ideally you should run a 215/45-17 tire and not a 55 series to keep the operation of the car the same without detriment.
Don't forget, you also will suffer in the handling and braking department as well with the increased aspect ratio and it will look like a 4x4.
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