205 or 215 or 225??????????

[donald]

Factory S-lite 17" x 7 wheel is it work for 215 or 225?
what the max tire width if I want to keep the factory's S- Lite wheels?
If I really go to 225, what the other number? 35, 40 or 45 with 16" 17" or 18"?????

Very confuse!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[MINIAC]

The second number of the tire size is the "aspect ratio" which defines the sidewall height as a percentage of the tire width.

For factory 205/45-17 tires, the sidewall height is [205 * 0.45] 92.25mm or [205 * 0.45 / 25.4] 3.63".

See the following FAQ for tire fitments:

http://www.mini2.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3493

[donald]

So if I take 225/45/17 is there any problem to run the "S"?

[obehave]

Clearances should be OK especially if your car isn't lowered.
The tire will be .2 inches taller. This will get you slightly softer ride and slightly more sidewall flex during cornering. Probably nothing drastic but notiveable. What will be just as dramatic is you will be going(I'm assuming here) from a run flat to a non run flat tire.
Both aspects together should make quite a difference.
Also at 60 mph your speedo will read slow. If yours is like most it already reads 2-3 mph fast at 60 so that isn't much of an issue either.

[donald]

So, if 225/40/17 will it be more sure be OK?

[donald]

Also, I need your advise about the Stock S-lite wheel is only 7" width, is it ok for 225?

[MINIAC]

Quote: Originally Posted by obehave

The tire will be .2 inches taller.

Actually ...

225/45-17 = 225 * 0.45 * 2 + 17 * 25.4 = 634.3mm [24.97"]
205/45-17 = 205 * 0.45 * 2 + 17 * 25.4 = 616.3mm [24.26"]

[obehave]

Quote: Originally Posted by donald

So, if 225/40/17 will it be more sure be OK?

Honestly unless you're thinking of using them for racing only I'd stick with the 225/45. The 225/40s are shorter so your speedo will be farther off. You'll also be turning higher RPMS at speed. Effectively given you shorter gearing. That would help launches.

Here's where I get the info: Tire calculator. Well worth keeping bookmarked.

Your choice based on what you are looking to do.

[MINIAC]

Quote: Originally Posted by donald

So, if 225/40/17 will it be more sure be OK?

Here's a thread worth reading:

http://www.mini2.com/forum/showthrea...threadid=28329

[MINIAC]

Quote: Originally Posted by obehave

Here's where I get the info:
Tire calculator. Well worth keeping bookmarked.

Great link Obe ... I need to work it into the FAQs

[donald]

Actually, I perfer 45 better than 40 the reason I asked 40 is I think 225/40 will smaller than 225/45 that means it should have more space to go. Finally, I still wonder the Factory's S-Lite wheel 17X7 is ok for 225?

[MINIAC]

Quote: Originally Posted by donald

Actually, I perfer 45 better than 40 the reason I asked 40 is I think 225/40 will smaller than 225/45 that means it should have more space to go.

225/40-17 tires are hard to find.

Quote:

Finally, I still wonder the Factory's S-Lite wheel 17X7 is ok for 225?

Depends on the tire ... manufacturers will list range of wheel widths required.

Most people ditch their S-lite wheels along with the runflats as they are anything but light at 25.1lb

[donald]

Mr MINIAC, I know you are running 225/45/17 with goodyears F-1GS-D3 and this is exactly whatI I wanted. Are you using your factory wheels? if not what your size? However, what your common of this rubber.

[MINIAC]

I'm not running 225s ... the link I posted was from someone who is running them on R90 wheels.

[SteveM3]

Sorry to join in late but the 225's are rather wide for a 7X17" wheel, normally
a 7.5x17 is the minimum for this size tyre. If you want to go this wide I'd recommend
225/40 as they are closest in gearing and also a change to a wider wheel. Or you
could keep the S-lite as although heavy they are the best looking and keep to a
215/45 or 215/40. The gearing differences for all these tyres are so small you won't
actually notice it. 215/40 would be my choice as a good compromise on looks and
the least worry about fouling the suspension or bodywork.