Dangers of running narrow tires on wide rims
 

I have been running 205/55/16 tires on 8'' wide rims for a while now, and until recently I didnt realize the manufacture recommends a max of a 7.5'' rim for these tires.

How dangerous is this?

I would rather not throw out 4 newer tires and have to bend the fenders to fit 215s if I'm not in danger.

Re: Dangers of running narrow tires on wide rims (jond)
 

Sorry I don't have any info for you.

Question: How much of a contact patch gain (if any) did you gain from your previous size wheel?

Re: Dangers of running narrow tires on wide rims (jond)
 

I've ran 205-60-13s on 13x8 last season. They worked flawlessly. I seriously doubt there are any issues with that wide of a wheel. I think mfgs suggest maximum wheel width to be the same as tread width. I wouldnt go beyond 8" for a 205 though.

FWIW, a 205 Z211 on a 8" rim is wider than most 225s on 7" or less rims. It measured about 9.3" section width.

heh... I have the opposite problem....running 205-55-14 Victos on stock 14x5.5 Miata wheels

Re: (Georgethefierce)
 

i'm running 225/50-14's on 14x6 mugens.

awesome for lapping and autoX.

b

Re: (CLK-EF)
 

Maybe you should ask the VW guys. They run ridiculously wide wheels with skinny tires all the time. Some examples


https://img36.photobucket.com/albums...t/DSCN1373.jpg
https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v...esFRA125kl.jpg

Re: (EtherGhost)
 

or ask anyone drifting

Re: (brasilracing)
 

I always wondered why VW tuners like wide rims and tiny tires. It looks ridiculous and probably suck performance-wise.

Re: (STN_Pat)
 

Just because a bunch of other people do it doesn't mean it's safe and/or smart. That being said, 205 on an 8" wheel doesn't seem all that bad, manufacturer's recommendation or not.

Re: Dangers of running narrow tires on wide rims (jond)
 

To address the original question asked; If you run too wide of a tire you run the chance of breaking the seal with the tire and wheel. A 205 tire on a 8" wide wheel shouldn't have any problems, but if you have 8" wide wheels I would use a wider tire.

Re: Dangers of running narrow tires on wide rims (jond)
 

there really isnt any "dangers" besides there's no rim protection...
though coming from the 240 crowd i never got why ppl like to run small tires on big wheels, supposedly its for "response" when you're drifting, but half of those fools can't drift anyway. 205 on 8 inch wide isnt a crazy stretch, just wait til your tires wear out and get a new set but if you need grip for autoX or some sort of competitive driving put on some 225s or 235s.

Re: (STN_Pat)
 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by STN_Pat &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I always wondered why VW tuners like wide rims and tiny tires. It looks ridiculous and probably suck performance-wise.</TD></TR></TABLE>

The best explanation that I have heard is that German regulations stipulate that the tread be within the fender, and that German tuners like the deep dish look. Therefore, they put small tread width tires on super wide wheels.

Re: (EtherGhost)
 

Just for a point of reference:
I ran 195/55/14s on a 7" wide rim.

Never had any problems... track days and autocross.

Re: (STN_Pat)
 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by STN_Pat &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I always wondered why VW tuners like wide rims and tiny tires. It looks ridiculous and probably suck performance-wise.</TD></TR></TABLE>

don't forget the penchant for running "MaD EuRo STaGGaRD RiMzzzz" on FF VW's.

that whole "stretch" thing makes me laugh whenever i see it, as well as the "lookit how low my car be/if you ain't rubbin you ain't dubbin" fad.

and they wonder why so many people don't take MKiV tuners seriously...

Re: Dangers of running narrow tires on wide rims (jond)
 

I had no problems running 205/60-13s on 13x8s (though truth be told these 205s were wider than most other 205s I've seen). Mounting took a little finesse though to get the bead to seat . . . I dunno how those VW stunnas do it with 195s on 9" wheels http://images.honda-tech.com/set1//smile/emcrook.gif

i would think one danger would be the bead of the tire unseating.

You should be fine. In fact, I think it will perform better as it actually fit better. Less lateral flex and wider contact patch.

In fact, in one of the Michelin tire seminar, they recommend running wider rims on particular tires. Usually go by the actual width on the tire, like 205 will be 8" and 255 will be 10"