[V8] RE: Tires and Wheels

[Michael Thomas]

When you talk about space in the wheel well it really is not a matter of tire profile but of overall diameter. If you do not like the "look" of thin tires and large diameter wheels with the wheel well space compared to the same wheel well space and the look of a stock 15" wheel and tire, then don't use large diameter wheels.
 
If a 245/40-17 tire looks too small it is because the overall diameter is 24.72" (approx) versus the stock 215/60-15 of  25.16" By all means switch to 255/40-17 (25.03") or the more recommended size of 235/45-17 ( 25.33") for our V8s. Regarding the "nervous" feeling, IMO the lower the profile tire the more it has a tendency to follow the road imperfections versus going straight. This could also be affected by the wheel width. In all cases I would recommend matching tires to wheels with the specs for wheel width from the tire manufacturers.
 
Tirerack has all the recommended wheel widths for tires in any size and manufacture. The difference in how a tire performs and how a car reacts is affected by wheel width, IMO more than most people think. The same tire on a 7" rim will feel completely different than on an 8.5" rim. A quick look at tirerack's site for the 17" V8 size and 50 series tires would indicate a good choice would be a 7" rim (5.5"-7.5"), whereas the same tire in a 45 series would be better matched to an 8" rim (7.5"-9").
 
Just my thoughts.
 
Michael Thomas
'93 Pearl/Gray
 
 
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These are the Wheels I have on the V8 in the summer, bought them from a
guy in Montreal who had them on his UrS6.  He said they were stock. 
Also mine are 40mm offset which does not require a spacer, at least
with 40 series tires.  IMO 40 series tires are way too thin for the car
unless it's lowered, there is too much space in the wheelwell.  I have
the stck wheels on now b/c the 40 series tires are toasted, I would
like to know if anyone has an idea if I were to go to a 45 or even a 50
series tire on the 17" Boleros with stock suspension would there bee
any clearance issues? Again, I currently have 245/40 17 on the wheels
but they look too small and offer an unforgiving ride.  i don't know if
it was the Yoko AVS sports that did it or the profile wheel/combo but
it was very nervous on uneven/rough pavement.  Thanks for any insight,





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