NateB

simple question in need of a simple answer.
16x7 +38
dropped on H&R Sports

What tire size would you recommend?

toyomatt84

iTrader: (1)

Without knowing what car its going on, its going to be impossible to give you an answer. The car dictates tire size more so then the wheels do.

NateB

Sorry,
97 Ex Civic Sedan

toyomatt84

iTrader: (1)

195/50/16, 205/45/16 or 215/45/16.

PreyStayShun

I have the exact same rim specs/size on my Integra sedan. I went with 205/45-16's. No rubbing issues at all, great tire choice for that wheel size. No fender rolling involved either = WIN.

Thanks Matt, for pointing me in the right direction BTW

civexspeedy

OP: 205/45R16 would probably be the most ideal tire size to go with.

the numbers 215/35R18 signify tire width, height(aspect ratio technically) and diameter. In your case you have:

215: this means you have a tire that is 215mm wide.
35: this means you have a tire height(aspect ratio) that is 35% of the width of the tire(215).
18: this mean you have a wheel diameter of 18". So, to answer your question, you have 18" wheels. How wide your wheels are, we cannot determine from tire size.

So, again, you have 18" wheels. I am only going to assume from the tire size you currently have that you have a 4th gen Prelude, correct(need to know to determine correct tire size)?. If so, you NEED to use a 215/35R18 to get the closest to stock overall diameter. If you use a 215/40R18 tire, you increase the overall diameter of the wheel/tire and this throws off your speedometer even more and decreases gas mileage and performance.

I'd suggest going with a smaller wheel, 18" wheel is huge even on a Prelude.. Better look(IMO), better ride quality, better performance and cheaper tires.

toyomatt84

iTrader: (1)

No problem, bud. Glad its working out for you.

NateB

Well thanks for the input guys.
I was planning on 205 for wider contact, I was just unsure of sidewall height.

PreyStayShun

Don't forget were talking mm's here NateB...so a 195 & 205 will be obviously similar. The sidewall height on a 195/50 is going to be a lil bit larger then the 205/45. Either way stick w/one of these two tires sizes...these two size choices will give you a million great options, where as you've really only got 3 or 4 options on a 215/45.

Ive done 195's,205's, and 215's (slight rub issues, different car though)...I don't tend to prefer 1 over another. I prefer to pay attention to the quality and make of tire at that point. 10mm "wider contact" really wont do much to be honest. Quality is and price is what you should be debating on at this point.

Hope this didn't cause any confusion. GL OP