tires and wheels Not another tire size question!!! Sorry, 14" ?

[deschodt]

I'm asking because I've spent too much $$ on wheels and tires that don't fit already...  I'm replacing my Rota 15' on 195s (good deal for someone) with the E30 steel wheels that come in 14" (black) and supposedly a perfect offset for the 2002. 

 

My car rides like a stork to avoid rubbing on the rotas!

 

For those new Steel wheels (which I will repaint silver), I was planning on 185/65/14s.  Assuming that is buyable, shouldI go even lower to 175/70/14?  I want the damn rubber to fit inside the fenders for 100% sure...  I also put in a smaller than stock momo strering wheel so the 195s are a definite workout for parking maneuvers... Smaller is fine by me...  Where's the sweet spot in looks/effort/grip there for a street car ? 

Edited June 23, 2016 by deschodt

[jgerock]

My tii has 14x6 alloys with Dunlop Direzza II 185-60-14 tires. Love 'em

[dlhoovler]

I've had the same debate as you. 185/65-14 is actually very close to spot-on the diameter of the stock 165r13 tires. 175/70-14 would be slightly taller than stock. I considered that (it would slightly offset my optimistic speedometer), but you'll have slightly more selection in the 185/65 size. There are a couple of "performance" or "touring" all-seasons still out there in that size since it was used on Civics and Corollas through the close of the century or slightly beyond. 175/70 will probably just be regular, basic all-seasons, essentially mirroring most of the current 13" selection.

 

185/60 or 195/60 will open up the few remaining 14" summer tires, which is why most folks go in that direction. I run the 185/65 because I embrace my weirdness.

 

-David

[deschodt]

Thanks guys... I'll give the 185s a shot then... and lower the car, finally ! I feel like I'm driving a land rover ! 

 

[peterschop]

I have 195/60 14's on e30 bottlecaps with H&R sport springs. No rubbing at all.

[deschodt]

Also good to know, thanks Peter, that means I have a margin with 185s then. I'll stay away from 195s because I have some in 15 now, and with my smaller steering wheel, they are murder to maneuver out of parking spaces ;-)  I'm getting weak !!! 

[xferboy]

To avoid recommending the stance thread that I haven't read in recent memory:

 

I have 195 60 14's (Federal 595's) on ET 35(? maybe 30) basket weaves, previously on bottle caps, with GC coil over conversions (rusted spring mounts on a tii).  I have 5 mm - ish spacers on the front to miss the strut.

 

I have enough room to fit my fingers between top of tire and fender on the front.  Any lower, I rub lightly on turns/dips/etc. 

 

Hope that helps

 

 

[ScottCLo]

I have same wheels and i'm running 195/60/14 BFG SuperSports. I love them! They do rub however when you go full lock so 185's might be the way to go.