15x7 rims - What tyre size?

S

sleepy

Fresh Recruit
I've done alot of searching but couldnt find a definitive answer so thought id quickly ask..

Just got some 15x7 rims for my EP82 (Unsure of the Offset, but didnt think it would matter - correct me if wrong) with 205/55R15's. It is undrivable with those on scrubs everywhere. Would 195/50R15's solve the problem? I previous had 15x7.5 +30 wheels on there, and even with 175/50R15's it would scrub in the rear over bumps/dips etc.. Would that of just been due to the width? The car has KYB Excel G lowered shocks and King Springs all round, and ive both front and rear guards rolled.

Cheers.
 
Last edited:
S

sleepy

Fresh Recruit
Guye said:
195/50 R15 is the size most would use to avoid rubbing. 205/55 are taller and wider.
Click to expand...

Yeah i understood that part, was just a little unsure as to why i was still rubbing with 175/50 that I had on previously?
 
Guye

Guye

Lifer
sleepy said:
Yeah i understood that part, was just a little unsure as to why i was still rubbing with 175/50 that I had on previously?
Click to expand...

I see what you mean...when you work out the wheel height using a 175/50 R15 tire it comes out to 175mmx50% (x2) + 15" (wheel diameter) = 22" of wheel (unloaded) height. If you fit a 195/50 R15 tire the total height is 22.8". If the 195/50 doesn't rub, the 175/50 shouldn't either. You're certain your offset isn't pushing the tire too close to the edge of the wheel arch?
 
Last edited:
S

sleepy

Fresh Recruit
Guye said:
I see what you mean...when you work out the wheel height using a 175/50 R15 tire it comes out to 175mmx50% (x2) + 15" (wheel diameter) = 22" of wheel (unloaded) height. If you fit a 195/50 R15 tire the total height is 22.8". If the 195/50 doesn't rub, the 175/50 shouldn't either. You're certain your offset isn't pushing the tire too close to the edge of the wheel arch?
Click to expand...

Thats my point though, if i was rubbing with the 175/15 tyre, i'll rub with the 195/15 even though everyone recommends it. Would i have been rubbing just because my previous rims were wider (7.5)? As long as the rim was 15x7, i didnt think the offset would matter? Is that wrong?
 
Last edited:
A

aidan

Member +
The off set does matter if your old wheels were for arguement sake 15x7.5 et 20 and your new wheels are 15x7 et 5 the new wheels will still stick out further because of the offset
 
R

Rev

Member +
x2 Offset is important but at least 5 elements to consider.
1 TYRE MAX WIDTH for power level , rim width effects max tyre width.You've decided already 7 inch rim has good upside as it will work for 195 and 205 wide tyre.
2 BRAKE SIZE - RIM TYPE ( shape ) effects brake clearances.
3 OFFSET gives you the overall tyre track width for handling , effects distance to guards and internally to suspension you have and also effects the clearances for the brakes.
4 TYRE DIAMETER - Effects torque applied to the road and speedo readings 195/50/15's seem popular for this.
5 WEIGHT and weight distance from the hub. - effects suspension performance and initial acceleration.

I'm not sure how having lowered springs effects things but your setup sounds like it should have space I have 205/40 /17 with 40 offset on a sera stock suspension with no rubbing and I think the rear axle is slightly wider than some starlets.
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top