So I need your thoughts on picking the right tire size for a plus one tire & wheel upgrade. Comfort is a little more important than performance.

The car is a 99 Civic EX sedan 5 speed, its getting new upgraded Bilstein HD shocks & H&R OE Sport Springs which only drop it .75" F&R. The stock tire size is 185/65-14, which have a 23.5" diameter, & typically weigh in at 17 LBS. The wheels I'm giving great consideration to are the Tire Rack TRM C1, 15x7 +42mm, 12.8 LBS.

So here are some tire sizes I'm considering:

195/55-15 = This size seems to be about the same diameter at 23.4" & weighs only one pound more at 18 LBS, but will be a little stretched on my 15x7 wheels. (V rated)

195/60-15 = This size has the biggest overall diameter of 24.1" & a weight of 18 LBS. But because of its slightly larger diameter it may give better HWY fuel economy. Still a little stretched on 15x7 wheels. (H rated)

205/55-15 = This tire size is just a little bigger diameter than stock at 23.9" & a weight of 19 LBS. Again, since it's a little bigger diameter that might help with HWY mileage but the 205 size may counter it with more rolling resistance. Not stretched on 15x7 wheels. (V rated)

Based on the wheel weight of 12.8 LBS, any of these tire combos should weigh in less than stock by a few pounds.

What are your thoughts ?

 

I run on Tire Rack TRM C1, 15x7 (+42mm) all summer with 205/50R15

I don't think the ride suffers a lot more than stock tires.

You should install on these rims either 195/55R15 or 205/50R15 tires.

According to Tire Rack you can mount 195 mm tire on 5.5" to 7" range rim, and 205 mm tire from 5.5" to 7.5" rim,
so there is no stretching on either tire.

Here a nice tire size calculator:
http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalcold.html

p.s.
In terms of wheel weight.
I did not improve the overall wheel weight since the high performance tires weight is quite a bit - 21 lb. + 13 lb of the rims is about the same weight as stock wheels but with 205 tires you have a lot more grip and cornering stability, A LOT more.

 

Do you need a 3mm spacer or any spacer for that matter ?

Thank you for the tire calculator.

 

No, you don't need any spacers, and there is no rubbing anywhere with 205s.

I run on stock suspension.

 

The 205/55's would probably be your best option. The differences in 10mm of width are minor, and won't have an enormous effect on fuel economy.

 

Just to provide some information.

A wider tire has less rolling resistance, when ran at the same pressure. The contact patch stays the same size, so the wider tire doesn't need to deform as much as it rolls.

However, the wider tire has increased aerodynamic drag. This is why skinny tires are used for mileage.

 

Didn't know that, thanks.

So as of right now, the choice is down to 205/55-15 - 23.9" @ 19 LBS V rated. Or 195/60-15 - 24.1" @ 19 LBS H rated. Mounted on the TRM C1 15x7 12.8 LBS wheels.

Again, comfort does outweigh performance. But any of these choices along with the new suspension will handle much better than stock.

Any new thoughts ?

 

Since comfort is your prime consideration choose the tire with bigger side wall.
I'm not sure which one of those two has a bigger side wall.
I see now 195/60 has slightly bigger side wall, so go for them.

If you are not looking about performance you don't need wider tires,
and also they're more expensive.

I run on 205/50 because I use them at autoX events and they have amazing grip, but the ride might be a bit stiff for you. As I said is not big difference compared with stock wheels.

 

What was your reason to get TRM C1 15x7" rims since you don't want wider tires?

I'm just curious, because HX rims are cheaper, lighter, and better, imo, for 195 mm tires.

 

195/55R15 is our best recommendation. The 205 has been known to rub on occasion for what its worth.

 

So after a very nice & informative phone call With "Doc" at Tire Rack, I've placed my order for the Bilstein HD's & H&R OE Sport Springs. "Doc" also helped save me a few bucks on shipping & everything should get delivered by the end of the week. Hopefully I'll have the Bilsteins & H&R's installed within the next 2 weeks, with a fresh alignment.

"Doc" also noticed that the TRM C1 15x7 +42mm wheel doesn't show up on the Tire Rack website for the 96-00 Civic, he's trying to get this fixed so it does.

Again, Thanks "Doc" for all your help, I'll be buying the TRM C1 15x7 wheels & 195/60-15 (H) tires real soon.

 

Just an update from our tech department; The 15x7 is not listed on our web site as there is only 2mm clearance between the bottom of the caliper bracket and the back of the wheel spokes. We normally need at least 4mm of clearance to guarantee fitment. Everything is based on the measurements we took first hand from a '99 Civic, so they should be reflective of most of same cars on the road.

 

Good to know, if the grinder needs to come out it will.

 

I hope I'll not have any rubbing issues with mine TRM 15x7 and 205/50 in the future. I don't think I have now.
I got the tire/rim package last summer, and the interesting thing was that they were listed on Tire Rack web site only if you look for rims for Civic DX model (I have Civic LX), but not any other model which basically have the same frame and everything else.

So, I run those tires on stock suspension, but need to know where they might rub if I lower the car?

Thanks in advance!

p.s.
There is Civic with 240 mm, and also 300 mm front rotor.
Which one did you try the fitment for TRM C1, because my front rotors are 240 mm.
I'm not sure if there's difference in the thickness of the rotors.

 

I just placed my order with "Doc" at Tire Rack for the TRM C1 15X7 42mm wheels & the General Altimax HP 195/60-15 (H) tires. "Doc" also saved me a few bucks with shipping. They should get to me by next Tuesday.

Yesterday I received my previous order that I had placed with "Doc" for my Bilstein HD's & H&R OE Sport Springs.

I should have everything installed by the end of the month with a new alignment.

"Doc", thanks again.

 

I just got my set of TRM C1 15X7 wheels & General Altimax HP 195/60-15 (H).

I plan on putting the new LTW wheels & tires on a digital scale to see how much of a weight savings I'm getting compared to the stock Honda steel wheels & tires.


I can't wait to get everything installed & aligned !

 

This are great rims, and at affordable price.
I love them!

Make sure you keep the pressure about 30-32 psi to better protect the rim, in case of path hole or a bump!

 

 

A little update, Everything is done.

1) H&R OE Springs installed.
2) Bilstein HD's installed.
3) TR-1 wheels & General Altimax HP tires installed.
4) New stock exhaust (quiet).
5) Factory spec alignment.
6) New OE front rotors & pads.


I'm currently on Christmas vacation for the next week, I'll soon give a driving review.


Merry Christmas.

 

Pictures, please!

Merry Christams!