Running 215 tires??

[rmorin]

Any problem with running 215-40-17 tires? I want to make sure they dont' rub the fenders when turning. Thanks.

[Garfield]

I should be checking on the 215/40R16 within a week or so. Ideally, I will be running the Hoosier

Brian

[Dom]

Quote:

Originally posted by Garfield
I should be checking on the 215/40R16 within a week or so. Ideally, I will be running the Hoosier

Brian

Would they fit on the standard 5-star rim?

Dom

[Garfield]

A 215 is going to be wide on a 6.5" wheel, but I've raced with a 225/45R15 on a 6" wheel before so I know the width WILL fit. It's just a matter of clearance and such.

But, me testing a 215/40R16 is NOT the same at testing a 215/40R17. The 16 will be a significantly lower diameter than stock (1.5"), allowing for much more clearance. I'm not worried about the speedo error, it's a race tire for me.

On the other hand, a 215/40R17 is only .5" lower diameter, so the extra width may not fit based on that.

[Tom D]

Brian,
There was an HS MINI running the 215 Hoosiers at our Divisional this weekend, they seemed to clear OK. He had R84's. You could tell that it was a tight fit. I'm still planning on trying the 205/45 Kumho's if I ever get my "S". I plan to get R85's for the street and a set of R84's for competition.

Tom

[squid]

There was an HS MINI running the 215 Hoosiers at
our Divisional this weekend, they seemed to clear OK.
He had R84's. You could tell that it was a tight fit.

Tight, indeed. That's why there were only three Hoosiers
on ther car, and one wrinkled Hoosier in the pits.
This size clears the fenders fine, the challenge is
mounting the tire on the rim on a cold day.

Also, TireRack doesn't stock this size, (it's a special
order) so a replacement tire is backordered, and this
car will likely run another two events on the whacky
three Hoosiers plus one street tire combo.

[Garfield]

So, being that I have a guy that mounts Hoosiers all day long and has plenty of experience with small AND stiff sidewalls, I shouldn't have any other issue. Correct?

Thanks,
Brian

[squid]

So, being that I have a guy that mounts Hoosiers all
day long and has plenty of experience with small AND
stiff sidewalls, I shouldn't have any other issue.
Correct?

The clearance between the front tire and shock is
close. If you're making custom wheels, don't move
the offset in the wrong direction.

[Garfield]

Being that the stock offset is 50mm, I had planned (when I eventually get a custom wheel) to do about 45mm. I don't see why anyone would NARROW the track, so nothing should get closer to the shocks. About how much room do you think we have to move toward the fender lip? 2mm? 5mm? 10mm?!?

[squid]

When parked, the fender clearance is fine, you could
add 10mm to the track with no problems.
When driving and moving through the travel range
of the suspension, I'm not kneeling by the front wheel,
so I don't know how close it gets.

Here's what the stock r90 looks like parked;
obviously the 215-40-16 will have more vertical clearance.

[Garfield]

I meant the width, I know the height has PLENTY of room. It can't stick out past the fender well or it's not legal.

[squid]

I meant the width, I know the height has PLENTY of room. It can't stick out past the fender well or it's not legal.

Width should be OK, too.

Does the plastic lip on the wheel opening define fender well edge ? If so, you should have plenty of extra
clearance.

[Garfield]

Yeah, the plastic fender IS the fender lip, so you shouldn't be able to see the tire past that when looking from above. Sounds like you're pretty sure it clears to me.

Thanks,
Brian