*Oddball* What's the SMALLEST tire we can fit on stock wheels?
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*Oddball* What's the SMALLEST tire we can fit on stock wheels?
I tried digging a little bit and didn't have much luck, does anyone have any input? It's not that I'm going for some stupid stretch look, but smaller = less rolling resistance and I need tires anyways may as well get some MPG improvement out of it. Since nobody offers ULRR tires in our size this got me thinking about going smaller to get some or just something with less than the usual tires. Obviously since the goal here is better MPG, taller isn't out of the question either, but I don't want to have to beat my fenderwells in for a SMALLER tire LOL. 215/60/16 seems to be OK on the diameter, but how about width wise? thats about an inch more narrow. a 195/65/16 comes out OK too, but can't seem to find tires there...
For that matter I wouldn't mind setting my drag radials off to the side on the stock wheels, so other cars with smaller width wheels that bolt up and look ok too.
Let's see what you all can come up with!
For that matter I wouldn't mind setting my drag radials off to the side on the stock wheels, so other cars with smaller width wheels that bolt up and look ok too.
Let's see what you all can come up with!
Last edited by RacingTiger03; 08-30-2012 at 12:03 PM.
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When I bought my car it was bone stock with 245/50R16s on it all the way around... now it's got 275/40R17s up front and 315/35R17s on the rear, and I've noticed no difference in fuel economy. I'm sure there's SOME difference but it's negligible. Just for ***** and giggles one time at the dragstrip I swapped the heavier 17s for my stock 16s and didn't gain a thing.
Considering how heavy our cars are and how big the engines are, I don't think little things like tire sizes make that much difference. I'm sure on a 4 cylinder Honda it would make a bigger difference.
Considering how heavy our cars are and how big the engines are, I don't think little things like tire sizes make that much difference. I'm sure on a 4 cylinder Honda it would make a bigger difference.
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This is how I see it and it would look absolutely hideous on an 8" wheel if you were to go with a ridiculous size such as a 215 or 195. To save yourself some time, money and trouble, I would just keep the stock 16" wheels on there with the stock tire size.
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that's kind of what I was thinkin it would work out to. I'm surprised at the one with no gain from 17s to 16s at the track though.. maybe the tire weight made up the gap between the two. *Shrug*. Just trying to think outside the box .. I know I'll gain some MPG just from getting the DR's off though lol. dropped form 26-30 avg to 24-26 avg with that change haha. though it is more consistent it's lower overall haha (could be those spirited launches since she digs in now though LMAO!)
#6
im sorry but i think this is a horrible idea.. i can stretch a 8" tire on a 9" inch rim but that doesnt mean its smaller. it would still be close to a 9" width because of rim.
besides we have domestic cars not imports, it would look Horrible!
besides we have domestic cars not imports, it would look Horrible!
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One thing I'd like to try to improve fuel economy (and HP) is get a set of cheap 243s or 799s and have them milled... the increase in compression should improve economy by a couple MPGs. I'm already putting 93 in the car anyway, it can handle a lot more than the stock CR. Anyone have experience with the effect of higher compression on fuel economy?
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I run 215/55/16 michelin x ice's during the winter looks ridiculous but is very fun to drive and will spin from 60 mph lol. But ive tried alot of winter combos and this hands down is the best IF you must drive in winter. but for all season like your talking I would stick with 225/60/16's doesnt look so bad and theres a ton of options in that size.
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I had 215s on my old 98 v6 stock wheels. They fit, sidewall is about vertical. They looked dumb though even on a v6 car, I can't imagine 215s on a car like yours. I would think traction would suck horribly too.
For what it is worth, that 98 did get really good mpg (32 highway through an auto). The lack of traction on occasion was a little annoying however, even on an almost stock v6.
For what it is worth, that 98 did get really good mpg (32 highway through an auto). The lack of traction on occasion was a little annoying however, even on an almost stock v6.
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only one buy a honda comment so far? nice.. lol.
As for the others, I forgot about the V6 cars having 225s... that's what my first F-body (95 firebird 5spd) had. I agree the look was all wrong, but again that is NOT the point here. What I'm looking for is finding an option with more/cheaper tires that last longer and hopefully as an added benefit gain some more MPG back.
The milled 243's with stock cam is an interesting idea. From a general standpoint higher CR is going to be more efficient, and is Mazda's big thing right now with their skyactive engines. 32MPG SUV with 180HP.. impressive to me. Also a comparable option $$$ wise to a set of tires if tires weren't needed to being with. That may be something to get into over in engine tech
Buying another car is not an option and from a MPG standpoint is most pointless up until about 120MPG even with the 2600+ miles a month I'm driving with premium figured in for one and regular for the other... then the other car pays for itself lol. (if an EV had a range of 150 miles in one charge WITHOUT GAS SUPPORT that's what I would do )
As for the others, I forgot about the V6 cars having 225s... that's what my first F-body (95 firebird 5spd) had. I agree the look was all wrong, but again that is NOT the point here. What I'm looking for is finding an option with more/cheaper tires that last longer and hopefully as an added benefit gain some more MPG back.
The milled 243's with stock cam is an interesting idea. From a general standpoint higher CR is going to be more efficient, and is Mazda's big thing right now with their skyactive engines. 32MPG SUV with 180HP.. impressive to me. Also a comparable option $$$ wise to a set of tires if tires weren't needed to being with. That may be something to get into over in engine tech
Buying another car is not an option and from a MPG standpoint is most pointless up until about 120MPG even with the 2600+ miles a month I'm driving with premium figured in for one and regular for the other... then the other car pays for itself lol. (if an EV had a range of 150 miles in one charge WITHOUT GAS SUPPORT that's what I would do )