How to pick a similar tire size

HMP

HMP

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So I understand the first number in a tire size is it's width in mm, correct?
And then the second number is the ratio to figure it's sidewall height, yes?

Im getting some wheels tomorrow, VERY old tires on them. So old (13 years) that I will NOT drive on them AT ALL.
The sizes for them (stock) are 195/55R15 84V & 225/50R15 91V, though many talk about going 205 in the front with no problem, so maybe 205/50? I dont know.

Well, as you can see, this is for 15", and the selection isnt great at that size, but I do love the stock look of the 93+ wheels so I want to get these while they're cheap.

So, again, since selection isnt great, Im curious what other sizes would be pretty close to this. I dont want to have little rubber band tires on there that cause a harsh ride, but dont want truck sized sidewalls, either.

Any suggestions?
 
Yep, the 15” is the easy one. Next is the rim width ... 6” or maybe 7”. I think either will handle the 205/55R15 and the 225/50R15 which will have the same circumferences.

As LeeMajors pointed out you’ll need to compare the circumference of the stock tires on your to the new set for your speedometer error. I’m guessing you’ll be about 1.5mph fast at 55mph and 2mph off at 65mph ... not much off if you go with your 205/55 & 225/50 idea
 
Last edited:
NCFubar said:
Yep, the 15” is the easy one. Next is the rim width ... 6” or maybe 7”. I think either will handle the 205/55R15 and the 225/50R15 which will have the same circumferences.

As LeeMajors pointed out you’ll need to compare the circumference of the stock tires on your to the new set for your speedometer error. I’m guessing you’ll be about 1.5mph fast at 55mph and 2mph off at 65mph ... not much off if you go with your 205/55 & 225/50 idea
Click to expand...
Im sorry
fronts are 6" rears are 7"
 
Also, a lot of guys do the 205 up front vs 195 to get a bit more stability in the front on the 91/92 cars - the suspension is a little more 'finicky' than the 93+ revisions, but, apparently, slightly wider grip/tread fixes a lot of this. Apparently.
 
Got the wheels today, now to order tires.
Sucks cause the tires look amazing, almost full tread and NO cracks anywhere...but they old, been in storage since new, pretty much.
 
HMP said:
Got the wheels today, now to order tires.
Sucks cause the tires look amazing, almost full tread and NO cracks anywhere...but they old, been in storage since new, pretty much.
Click to expand...
If you don't see any cracks or dry rot, I would probably run them. Honestly, UV light from the sun is what kills most tires. They will last years if they are kept out of sun light.
 
https://www.discounttire.com/learn/tire-size-calculator

I like this size calculator personally just because it seems easier to compare two at the same time and minimize speedometer error. Also some tire sizes are really oddball and hard to find even though they dont seem exotic.. and then you end up looking at some weird Pirelli for a full size spare? No thanks.

Best of luck!
 
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