tire size

[R. W. Zehr]

Hi - I'm back on the big list again after a few years - just sold the urq.

A tire-size question...

I've got a set of 17x8" tsw wheels on a 1989 100 Avant that I just bought,
and I'm wondering (once again) about tire sizes.

The rear has 205x50x17 Yoko AVS ES100's  which just barely fit inside the
fenders (and rub the plastic liner a bit). I suspect that the reduced
suspension travel from H&R springs with Bilsteins is the only thing that
keeps it from rubbing a lot.

My question is as to whether I am taking my life in my hands by using a
205x50 tire on an 8" rim. I know that a 215 or 225 width would be
preferrable, but is a 205 width acceptable on these 8" rims?

Regards,
Rick Zehr
(previously custodian of a 4KQ, an 80Q, a V-6 CQ, an I-5 CQ, and an urq)