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Time for new tires, get same size or wider?

2772 Views 14 Replies 9 Participants Last post by  Bonecutter
Almost time to take the winters off for another season and I need new rubber for the warmer weather. I have 17" Saggitas wheels which currently wear 205 50 17 tires. Do most people get the same size or go a little wider to a 215? There is more selection and prices are better at 215.

Thanks
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I've been running 205/50/17s. I think they work well as is.

I'm selling the Michellins that came off my Sagittas, but I have a potential buyer. Want me to let you know if it falls through?
Re: (mofolicious)

Yeah sure, although I can't imagine shipping being too cheap.

Anyone else have an opinion on width?
I went with 225s...Kumho ASX. Love them compared to the stock Michelins.
Re: Time for new tires, get same size or wider? (Bonecutter)

I think the 205's were too skinny except in the winter. On stock 17's 225/45/17 works, but is at the limit of the 7" rim so the benefit is debatable. I'm running 215/50/17 on stock 17's. This is a slightly taller setup, but it allows for the 215 width. It provides more lateral grip and looks better than the 205 pizza cutters, however, the minor difference in overall diameter results in very slight speedo differences and shift points. I have also run 225/40/18, but found this to be too aggressive for the roads here.
Went from 205/50R17 to 215/45/R17 to have slightly wider tires without adding too much weight (the new 215/45 is actually a pound _lighter_ than the 205/50 in my case).
Re: (genjy)

true 215/45/17 will be a smaller, faster, and lighter tire. I actually wanted that little bit of added sidewall with 215/50/17. I'm still experimenting with tire pressures.
My sale fell through. He needs a wider tire than what I have for his S80. I'll try and get you a shipping quote if you are interested.

This is the link http://forums.swedespeed.com/zerothread?id=115127
Re: (mofolicious)

I had 215 Continental Sport Contact 2's on my sags a long time ago...i give it a thumbs up!!! http://********************/smile/emthup.gif

-Chris
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Re: (Mach_T5)

225 Kumho Estas. If you have narrow winter tires buy a wide SUMMER tire. Stay away from no-specfic season tires
Re: (VictorVDC)

Thank for the opinions. I used the tire calculator and it looks like 215/45/17 will be fine, the speedometer will be 1 km faster at 100km/hr. I'm not real worried about that.

Does anyone know if an extra load tire is required for the V50? Or will standard load be fine.
Re: (Bonecutter)

you'll need a load rating of at least 91, been concidering going from 205 50 17 to 215 50 50 myself
Re: (mofolicious)

Quote, originally posted by mofolicious »
My sale fell through. He needs a wider tire than what I have for his S80. I'll try and get you a shipping quote if you are interested.

This is the link http://forums.swedespeed.com/zerothread?id=115127

Emailed
Re: (Bonecutter)

i went from 205 to 215/45 and been very happy with the small change.
however recently as i wanted to try the new F1 asymettrics went to the 225 width. its just about the limit for the rim, but the tire bulge not really that noticeable. and the F1s are just great.
Re: (Mistral)

Did you notice any decrease in ride quality going from the 205/50 to the 215/45?
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