16 inch wheel/tire package for GP - 205/50-16 205/55-16 or ?

[leebo]

Looks like I may be keeping GP 1512 rather than selling it, so I'm off to make the ride more like I want it (more compliant). I've been researching wheel/tire combos and it looks like 16 inch may give me the best combination of ride quality, choice of tires and decent performance. I looked at 15" but there don't seem to be many choices in that size.

Here are OEM tire specs:

Dunlop Sport 01 DSST 205/40-18
Diameter: 24.4" Revs/mile: 840, section width: 8.3" (Based on 7.5 Wheel width")

I'm currently running:

Toyo Proxes 4 205/40-18 - (Based on 7.5 Wheel width")
Diameter: 24.5", Revs/Mile: 847, inflated width: 8.7"

I prefer to not lower the car any further with a smaller tire diameter due to the frequent scraping of the flexible splitter flap at current height. I understand the JCW suspension on the GP results in lowering over stock height of about .6".

I am considering the following sizes:

Wheels: 16x7 or 16x6.5 with offset of approx 37-44mm. As I understand it, I am better off going towards the 44mm offset spec so the tire will not rub on the outer fender lip.

Tires:

205/55-16 is appealing to me as it is slightly taller than OEM spec (less scraping of the front splitter flap), but Alex at the Tire Rack is recommending the 205/50-16 as a safer choice as there is a chance for rubbing at the top of the wheel well with 205/55-16.

Looks like 205/50-16 would fit with no issues, but gives me a lower height and greater difference for revs/mile.

Example specs:

Dunlop Direzza Sport Z1 StarSpec:

205/55VR16 - Diameter: 24.9", Revs/Mile: 837, Sec Width: 8.4" (Based on 6.5" Wheel width)

205/50VR16 - Diameter: 24.1", Revs/Mile:865, Sec Width: 8.3" (Based on 6.5" Wheel width)

If I go with a 205/50-16 is there a way to adjust the speedometer to be accurate?

Any advantages/disadvantages to 6.5" vs. 7" wheel width?

Any other opinions/recommendations?

Thanks,

Lee

[adam_Randell]

Personally i dont think you should change the wheels on a GP.

[MINIAC]

Adding stock tire fitment (195/55-16) for 16" wheels to the mix:

205/50-16 = 24.07in (611.4mm)
195/55-16 = 24.44in (620.9mm)
205/40-18 = 24.46in (621.2mm)
205/55-16 = 24.88in (631.9mm) 

A 205/50-16 fitment will effect speedometer changes slightly less than a 205/55-16 fitment whether compared against 195/55-16 (-1.5% vs +1.8%) or 205/40-18 (-1.6% vs +1.7%). There is no need to recalibrate the speedometer with either fitment.

A 205/50-16 fitment will accelerate faster than a 205/55-16 fitment.

Check the Tire Statistics and you'll find only 2 members have reported fitting 205/55-16 tires.

[leebo]

Quote: Originally Posted by MINIAC (original)

Adding stock tire fitment (195/55-16) for 16" wheels to the mix:

205/50-16 = 24.07in (611.4mm)
195/55-16 = 24.44in (620.9mm)
205/40-18 = 24.46in (621.2mm)
205/55-16 = 24.88in (631.9mm) 

A 205/50-16 fitment will effect speedometer changes slightly less than a 205/55-16 fitment whether compared against 195/55-16 (-1.5% vs +1.8%) or 205/40-18 (-1.6% vs +1.7%). There is no need to recalibrate the speedometer with either fitment.

A 205/50-16 fitment will accelerate faster than a 205/55-16 fitment.

Check the Tire Statistics and you'll find only 2 members have reported fitting 205/55-16 tires.

Thanks. The size references posted here are handy, but I am relying on the manufacturer specs for the tires since there is some variance.

For summer tires I found only one in 195/55-16 - Michelin Pilot Primacy (grand touring).


Lee

[MINIAC]

I wasn't suggesting going with 195/55-16. The most common choice is 205/50-16.