i have a 1990 (stock height) civic hatch with 170/70-13's.
i have a set of 16" rims with no tires.
what tires should i use? ..that will still fit with no rubbing.
the more sidewall the better.. can i go 205/50-16? or do i have to keep it 45 and below?

 

205/50/16's would be extremely oversized for the chassis. The closest you could get would be a 205/40/16, and even that is slightly oversized.

 

thanks i figured i would need low profiles.
what about 195/50/16? would that work?

 

The difference between the 195/50/16 and 205/50/16 tires is not nearly enough to make the tires fit your car properly.

Factory tire diameter - 22.09 inches
205/50/16 diameter - 24.07 inches
195/50/16 diameter - 23.67 inches

205/40/16 diameter - 22.45 inches

So, in summary, no they will not safely work.

 

that's awesome insight man, thanks a lot!
you saved my ***.

 

We recommend 195/45R16 and 205/40R16