Buying new tires tommorrow...don't know if I should get the 215/40-16's and take advantage of a bit better gearing or stick with 205/45-16. I think the difference in sidewall height is like 6mm. Sorry for being a pain in the ***, but I think there are some good opinions here. Thanks!

 

40-series tires are asking for trouble, IMHO. With 17" tires, there isn't much choice... 215/40/17's to maintain the same rolling diameter as 195/55/15's. If I were you, I'd get the correct tire 16" size and not skimp on tires... (you should wait for some Azenis. ).

 

I run 225/40-16's on my car with no problems. Mind you the rims don't have a lot of "curb protection" - but I don't agree with the statement saying that 40 series tires are dangerous.

 

I also don't agree with the 40 series being dangerous. Would you say a 345/40/19 is dangerous also?

I run a 215/40/16 on my Civic. It's the best comprimise between looks and safety. The sidewall height isn't rubber band thin, but not too thick either. And of course, having some extra width always helps

FYI, the height is an aspect ratio. Meaning, it's a percentage of width, keep that in mind.

 

225/40-16 is actually a good size...the side wall on a 215/40-16 is smaller.

 

Stock JDM = 215/45R16.
I would go for that.....

 

BAAA!!!

What are you all talking?!?!?! 345/40 can not be compared with 215/40...................I have runed 215/40 for 3 years on Mazda MX6 and 225/35 for 2 years on my ITR. Never had any problems with it and I drive like an azz on the road and don´t care about bumps.

 

You said it explicitly. Of course, 345/40/19 will have side wall that's 138mm tall vs 215/40/17's 86mm tall. As you stated, that's a huge difference... 52mm or ~2 inches!!!

Why not go with 215/45/16's as it should be and get extra protection for the rims? (Unless money is a huge issue.) 215/45 = 96.75mm side wall... 225/40 = 90mm side wall... 215/40 = 86mm side wall... unless the tires are for the track, I'd get every mm on side wall as I can. Plus it's actually side wall size x2 so between 215/45 and 215/40, you get about ~.8" (20mm) indifference in rolling diameter. But hey, if you are good at avoiding all the potholes, do what you please... just trying to make Johnny boy's guy's life easier. (I bet the real steve C will jump in here in no time. )

 

I would get the 215/45-16 BUT they don't have them in the Toyo T1-S...Azenis are a) Not availible yet in Canada b)They are B/O everywhere else! I had Toyo's before and they were not that bad. I'll get Azenis' later on I guess. I am just going to play it a bit safer and get the 205/45-16. Don't want to wreck my Volks....Thanks for all the input guys. H-T Rules!

 

T1-S are pretty damn good tires! I hear ya about Azenis... they need to make 'em faster. Hmm, any other 215/45/16 tire choices? 205 seems a bit narrow for (I'm assuming) 7" rims. <shrug>

 

Recommended rim width for a 205 is 6.5-7.5. So I am right in the zone baby.

 

I run 215/40/16 on my integra, and after having a 205/45/16, I like the 215/40/16's a lot better. The sidewall is stiffer and it helps the gearing out a little. I live in Boston and the roads here are terrible and haven't had a problem ruining rims. I have the yokohama A520's. Great tire and not too expensive. You might want to check those out too. Just my .02!

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I have pirelli p7000s in 215/45-16s on my volks. I like the tire alot and I heard it is one of the lighter tires on the market, but don't quote me on that,

 

Can you guys "tuck" your 215/45/16 rim/tire combo? I was thinking to get 215/50/16, but I dont think any tire manuf. makes these? Can anyone verify?

I dont think you can "turn" with the 215 series tucked? Anybody running these series?

I want every little mm. for the tire without rubbing, so I can be able to tuck my tires!




[Modified by project_DC2, 1:44 AM 3/16/2002]

 

anybody?

Pictures? Opinions? Has anybody ran into this problem before?