#4053, "RE: what size tire will fit....." In response to In response to 7
LAST EDITED ON 15-Nov-01 AT 09:51 AM (PST)
I am trying to think of a good way to describe this. I know. Bear with me here. Imagine you bought a bed frame that is only a full size. You have a mattress that is a queen size. You want to fit that mattress on that frame. In order to do it, you have to stuff it on. You manage to make it fit, but it is not smooth. Instead it bends upwards in the middle to make a curve rather than laying flat. Well, this is sort of what goes on with a tire. The tire contact patch can actually become smaller than having used a smaller diameter tire that would fit properly.
My current setup is 225/45ZR17 on a 17x8.
This being said, the aspect ratio does play a part in what fits what and fitment can change from manufactuer to manufacturer as a 225 from brand x might be smaller than a 225 from brand y. A 225 with a aspect ratio of 50 would have a better chance of fitting a 7" wheel than a 225 with an aspect ratio of 45 so you might be ok with the 225/50-16 on a 7" rim where as I would not on a 45. I still prefer a 215 though. Take a look at what the manufacturer recommends. When you look at the numbers, they will give a range. An easy way to read that range is to assume the narrower rim will provide comfort where as the wider rim will provide handling.
MuRiX 97 Eclipse GS HRC Stage IV+ Sitting and collecting dust most of the time.. A.D.P. http://www.murix.com
