Brakes Wheels 1st Gen Tires Anybody running 225/50ZR16?

Discussion in '1st Generation: 2002–06 R50, R53 & 2004–08 R52' started by Lainford Express, May 26, 2011.

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  1. Lainford Express

    Lainford Express New Member

    May 19, 2011
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    #1 Lainford Express, May 26, 2011
    I would like to run this size if possible, because it is more available than 215/50R16 and significantly wider than 195/55R16.

    Anybody have any experience with these? Rubbing seems like it could be an issue. What width wheels and offset got it done?
     
  2. UKCoopeR

    UKCoopeR Active Member

    May 21, 2009
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    #2 UKCoopeR, Oct 7, 2011
    I am considering this size on my 16x7 et 40mm wheels so I can get some meaty Hankook RS-3 or Kumho XS goodness.... have all of fall/winter to plan and consider.... 4/32nds should last me the last 2 events of the year
     
  3. UKCoopeR

    UKCoopeR Active Member

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    #3 UKCoopeR, Oct 7, 2011
  4. Steve

    Steve Administrator
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    Apr 23, 2009
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    #4 Steve, Oct 7, 2011
    I like that one, looks good and he's done some interesting suspension work. I suspect he's also using some wheel spacers but as he didn't list them that's only a guess.

    I run 225/45 on both 16x7.5 SSR Comps and 16x8 Rota Slipstreams. That tire width is nearly perfect for both widths. That's only an opinion though, it also depends on how you like your tires to look on your wheels (FWIW, I'm not a fan of the "stretched" look). Switching back from aesthetics to function, 225 probably works fine on 16x7 as well. If the tire is too wide relative to the wheel there's more potential for sidewall flex while cornering but I assume 225 on a 7" wheel width isn't going too far. Though it doesn't tell the whole story, start with the simple metric conversion to get an idea of the tire width to wheel width ratio: 225mm ~ 8.86".

    I know from personal experience that you can go even wider than 225 without rubbing if they're 45s but offset can definitely be an issue. That higher aspect ratio/profile (50 vice 45) will make your wheel offset choice even more important.
     
  5. UKCoopeR

    UKCoopeR Active Member

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    #5 UKCoopeR, Oct 7, 2011
    I would love to use 225/45 instead… what tires do you have? I am looking for a autoX tire that won't fall to pieces on the track and is 140 or higher treadwear...

    I know I should probably move to wider wheels but I love how light my current ones are :cornut: and don't what to up the width unless i have to
    I looked on tire rack and they seem to think 225 is doable on a 7†wide... My main concern is the extra sidewall flex given the amount of track and autoX this wheel/tire combination will see… as for aesthetics I don’t mind a larger sidewall if it is stiff enough for higher G loads, I think of it as a cheaper way to fill up the wheel gap :D

    The taller "gearing" might help reign in some wheelspin too...
     
  6. Steve

    Steve Administrator
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    #6 Steve, Oct 7, 2011
    It's not an easy size to find, esp if you're picky about their character (as should we all be :Thumbsup:). I have BFG G-Force T/A KDW (or is it KDW2?) on the SSRs. Toyo Proxes T1R on the Rotas. I think they both make a good road/track compromise but there may be a big difference between where you and I draw that road/track line.
     
  7. CarlB

    CarlB Active Member

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    #7 CarlB, Oct 7, 2011
    I have been using 225-45-16 Toyo R-1-Rs this year. They are on 7.5 inch wide wheels. I know that a lot of people like this tire for autocross, but I am not sure it is good for me. The tire is very forgiving. The grip over a wide slip angle seems consistent. I have also used Dunlop starspecs, and they had a narrower range of slip that they provided good grip. For me I think the R-1-Rs make me overdrive the car more.
     
  8. UKCoopeR

    UKCoopeR Active Member

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    #8 UKCoopeR, Oct 8, 2011
    Thanks for the suggestions guys. Steve, I was more looking for a autoX/track compromise rather than a road/track (I have a set of all seasons on my other wheels) so something that is good for autoX but doesn't overheat as soon as it is faced with a track day.

    I had forgotten about the R1R... for some reason it isn't coming up on my usual tires sites when i search for 225/45R16 only the R888 which is more than i want to spend. There is always the 215/45R16 Kumho Ecsta XS which is atleast wider than my 205/50R16...

    Hmmmm... good thing i find all the back and forth interesting! :crazy:
     

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