I have a 1996 Accord 2Dr that is dropped 2 inches. I'm currently running 195/65/15's on a 15x6.5 wheel. I am looking at getting new wheels and tires. I would like to get some 16x7 and was wondering what tire size I could run and avoid rubbing. I want to go wide, but not past fender well. lol I was thinking 215/50/16 with a +40 offset.

 

bump for help

 

First of all, the 195/65-15 you have is actually too big; you should be running 195/60-15, which is the stock size on the EX model '96 Accord Coupe. If you're rubbing now, that's why.

If you get 16x7 wheels, the proper size to use is 205/50-16. Why do you say you want to go wide? There are no significant performance benefits to doing so. If you want better performance, worry about getting better, stickier tires, not wider tires. The Dunlop Direzza Sport Z1 Star Spec is as sticky as any street tire made, and it's available in 205/50-16 (with a $50 rebate offer at the moment, too). It will give you better grip than any tire you can get in 215/50-16 (which are mostly pretty crappy), and it's less likely to rub, too.

 

The 195's do not rub right now. With my car lower it looks better with wider tires and I dont mean wide like a skateboard. I want it flush with the body. I mainly looking at offset. The 205's would be fine, but I was very interested in 215's. I've been reading up on modifying fenders. Rolling and cutting as well.

 

Do you realize that 195/65-15 and 195/60-15 both have exactly the same width and "flushness"? The difference is in the outer diameter. The 195/65-15 has a sidewall that is too tall for your car.

If you get 16" wheels, get 205/50-16 tires. It's the best size for your car, because it has the same outer diameter as your stock size of 195/60-15. This means it won't rub, there's no need to modify your fenders, and it will maintain the accuracy of your speedometer and odometer. Stick with 205/50-16.