I want to keep using the factory tire size of 195/55/15, but was wondering if those tires work better with the OEM wheel size of 15x6 or an aftermarket size of 15x6.5? If I get aftermarket 15x6.5 wheels, will the overall diameter of the tires be bigger or smaller?

 

15x7 w/205/50/15 ...you wont regret it

 

Most tire manufacturers publish specs for each size of each of their tires. The specs include the approved rim widths, so this can be considered the minimum and maximum for this particular size of this particular tire. The narrow end of the range tends to make the tires look like they bulge out, and the wide end tends to make the tires look like they are stretched onto the rim. They also include the "measuring rim width", which is the width that they use when determining the other tire measurements; I think of this as the optimal rim width, although anything within the approved range is permissible.

The specs for the Bridgestone RE010 stock tire for the ITR, the approved rim width is 5.5-7.0 inches, and the measuring rim width is 6.0 inches.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by nsxtasy &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">"measuring rim width", which is the width that they use when determining the other tire measurements; I think of this as the optimal rim width, although anything within the approved range is permissible.</TD></TR></TABLE>

I agree with what Ken just said.

-Dave, who doesn't like that he's agreeing with Ken so much lol

 

In your best Pontiac voice, repeat after me "Wider is better" lol.

 

205/50-15 Azenis feels real good on a 6.5
MX also feels real good on 6.5
Stock RE010 on 6.0 is good
But 205 on A 6.0 I did not like at all

 

The original question was asked about 195/55-15 tires, not 205/50-15 tires. However, if you'd like to discuss the latter size, and keeping this in mind...

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by nsxtasy &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Most tire manufacturers publish specs for each size of each of their tires. The specs include the approved rim widths, so this can be considered the minimum and maximum for this particular size of this particular tire. The narrow end of the range tends to make the tires look like they bulge out, and the wide end tends to make the tires look like they are stretched onto the rim. They also include the "measuring rim width", which is the width that they use when determining the other tire measurements; I think of this as the optimal rim width, although anything within the approved range is permissible.</TD></TR></TABLE>

...it's worth noting that the 205/50-15 size of both the Falken Azenis Sport (which is well known to be bigger in size than other 205/50-15 tires) and the Bridgestone Potenza S-03 Pole Position (perhaps the best general-purpose high-performance tire on the market) both have a measuring rim width of 6.5 inches and an approved rim width range of 5.5-7.5 inches.

 

OEM size wheel is 15x6. so... 195/50/15 tire works best with OEM wheel??

I spoke with the sales guy at tirerack and he recommend 195/50/15 tires with OEM wheels over 195/55/15 and 205/50/15 tires
It seems like everybody has different views on this
any thought?





Modified by Tarmac Pro at 1:43 AM 10/2/2003

 

The main reason some folks use 195/50-15 instead of 195/55-15 is because Tire Rack was running a killer special on the Bridgestone S-03 in that size. But now they're not such a bargain.

I think you should decide what tire you want to use, and then see what size it comes in. If it's available in 195/55-15, like the Bridgestone RE010 or the Yokohama ES100, then get it in that size.

 

hell yea $78 was such a great deal for the 195/50/15 Bridgestone S03 pole positions and they are such a great match to a 15 x 6 wheel.

They fit just a little over the edge on a stock 15 x 6 and I could yoke the wheel as hard as i want and get little to no tire flex.

 

Ken: I'm going to try that highly rated good year 195-50-15 next. maybe in a few months. I'll post a review but they are also less than $80/tire

 

I'm not sure which highly rated 195/50-15 you're referring to. With the S-03 back up in price ($98), that wouldn't be one of my choices. If I wanted to get a really good all-around street tire, I'd pay a bit more for the stock Bridgestone RE010 in 195/55-15, which is not as expensive as it used to be. If I were looking to save money on tires - I should state, it's not really my philosophy to spend enough for a high-performance car and then try to save on tires, and money spent on tires can give better value than almost any other mod - but if I were, then I might consider the Yokohama ES100, at $56/tire in 195/55-15. Or, if I lived in an area where it rarely rained, so I didn't care about wet traction, I might be looking at the Azenis Sport in 205/50-15.

 

Ken: I was talking about the Good Year Eagel F1 GS D3.
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/...GS-D3

Test and survey results are pretty good. At $80/tire that's probably what I'll get next.

I would also get Azenis if I didn't live in Florida, damn rain OWNS this fuggen state. I also agree that one shouldn't be concerned primarily with cost when looking for tires. However, when there's a very good performing tire and a low price, you'll find them on my car

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Bbasso &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
205/50-15 Azenis feels real good on a 6.5
Stock RE010 on 6.0 is good
But 205 on A 6.0 I did not like at all</TD></TR></TABLE>

same here
i've been saying i would get 195/50/15's next to see how they were, but there'd be some mad fender gap going on, and I'd hate the R to look like a 4x4

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by uncleben &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

same here
i've been saying i would get 195/50/15's next to see how they were, but there'd be some mad fender gap going on, and I'd hate the R to look like a 4x4 </TD></TR></TABLE>
I will never and i mean never run195/50/15's again. Not enough rubber between my rim and road imho. I amgoing with 205/50/15 next time.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by MISFIT &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
I will never and i mean never run195/50/15's again. Not enough rubber between my rim and road imho. I amgoing with 205/50/15 next time. </TD></TR></TABLE>

Yep, that whole .38" is a killer all right. (versas stock size tires, a whopping .196" compared to 205-50-15's)

-Dave, who has hit a curb at 35-40mph and a big pothole at ~85mph with 195-50-15's with less damage than a 15mph pothole hit with a 205-50-15 tire.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by ElKamino &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

Yep, that whole .38" is a killer all right. (versas stock size tires, a whopping .196" compared to 205-50-15's)

-Dave, who has hit a curb at 35-40mph and a big pothole at ~85mph with 195-50-15's with less damage than a 15mph pothole hit with a 205-50-15 tire.

</TD></TR></TABLE>
I was only stating an opinion of mine. that is all.
but i will keep that in mind when purchasing my next tires.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by MISFIT &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
I will never and i mean never run195/50/15's again. Not enough rubber between my rim and road imho. I amgoing with 205/50/15 next time. </TD></TR></TABLE>

Hmmmm....... When i told u to go with 205's all I heard was "noway"......... Interesting.......

 

can i get a big F U to smitdog!!!!

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by MISFIT &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">can i get a big F U to smitdog!!!! </TD></TR></TABLE>

Hmmm... well ok then..... Very sharp response.....