I have a '00 GSR with the stock wheels on it. Im getting into autocrossing so Im thinking about getting better tires. I am going with potenzas. The stock Michelins are 195/55/15. Can I fit a 205 wide tire on a 195 wheel? Is that safe, or common practice? Would it have sloppy handeling characteristics? Why are my options for tire sizes if I opted to keep the stock wheels.

 

Yes, a 205 will fit fine on the stock wheels.

What class are you running? Are these dedicated track wheels/tires? Which Potenzas (I think all Bridgestone's good tires are called Potenza)?

 

If you are keeping the stock tires, you can go with a 205/50 15 on your stock wheel without major disruption to speedometer. On the Integra Type R board there is a good thread that talks about the Falken tires. This tires seem to be designed for the STS class in autocross. The tires are very sticky street tires.

 

I am GS class.

Are there any disadvantages to running an abnormally wider tire on a wheel?

My original choice would be Potenza RE730 but now I am conisdering Potenza S03 Poleposition because tirerack is offering them for only about $85 a tire in my size (195/50/15)!! Its a much better tire that is cheaper for me.

 

No disadvantages, it's only 1 cm or less than half and inch wider. And a wider tire does not mean larger contact patch, pressure being equal. Get those S03s while you can!

 

Definitely call tire rack or whoever and do the circumference calculation.

A 195/50/15 may be more of a percentage off of stock than a 205/50/15.
(I am not sure, just guessing)

 

ok just ordered 4 Bridgestone Potenza S-03 Pole Position tires in size 195/50WR15 for $87 a peice!!

I called and asked the guy if it was ok to go wider, say 205 on a 195 wheel. He said that was completely ok.

He actually said he'd go with wider Potenza RE730 in a 205 width instead of the better S03s in a 195. But I think he was talking more in looks. The S03 had a better dry AND wet traction rating and were cheaper in my size. WHat do you guys think? Did I make the right choice?

So the S03s are going to be slightly smaller in diameter. Since Im going from a 55 to a 50 side, How wil that affact my speedo?

 

The smaller diameter will effectively lower your gearing, a benefit for autox. You're speedo will be off negligibly, reading a little high?

 

Speedometer will indicate faster than you are actually going....which is good IMO as you are less prone to get speeding tickets if you're going slower than you actually think. Difference will only be a few MPH off at highway speeds. Example: With 205/40-17 Yokohama A520's, my speedometer indicates about 3mph higher at 55mph. You know those "Your speed is: XX mph" electronic signs...well one where the speed limit was fifty clocked me at 52mph - and the speedo said 55mph. Also saw one at a 40 MPH sign - this time I went 40mph on the dot and it read around 38-39 mph. One thing I do know too, with crappy 205/55-15 Goodyear touring tires and the cruise control set at 80mph....you are going exactly 80 mph! How do I know?...um...well..once I met a nice fellow that has red and blue lights on his car. Those fellows don't like it when you're going 80mph with cruise control (they turn on their lights and honk their horns really funny...)

P.S. I have a thought...If you're coming up on one of those "Your speed is: XX mph" electronic signs and going exactly 100mph, what would it indicate? They only show 2 digit places, so I'm assuming it would read "00 mph". Maybe it would 'tilt' and blow up though. Who knows. Hmmm, things that make you go hmmmm.....LOL

BTW, who speeds up for these signs? I do, mainly because I think they are for determining what speed most people travel at on that stretch of road. So if everone goes faster than the indicated limit, they will have data to know how stupidly artificial some speedlimits are - epecially on rural two lane highways with nothing around... except trees and pastures.

Sorry for going off topic a little, since you had you questions answered I figured this little tangent wouldn't hurt the thread. My response is mostly on subject except for the last part at least.


[Modified by Vracer111, 2:55 PM 9/27/2001]

 

hah blow up.

Im happy to know my slightly smaller tires will make my speedo read a faster speed than actual. I seem to be a ***** for the police quota system. I got one the 27th (end of the month) for going a mere 70 in a 55, when there was traffic passing me on the 3 laned highway. I think he was pissed because I had no front plate for him to aim his laser at I will be fighting this.

Ive seen some of those signs with 3 digits.. I think that makes their application a little wider than just low speed.. oh.. it would also be helpful t have 3 digits if measureing in Kilometers per hour also.

thx for the help guys