Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Wheels & Tires Bigger rims

I've got the base GL with 14" factory rims. I want to put some 15" or 16" ones on it, but I'm not sure what mods will have to be made(if any) and whether putting bigger rims on it will mess any other parts up on the car. If anyone could give me any information about that, I'd appreciate it.

THANKS

It shouldn't be an issue, since the upgraded models came with 15's, and the SVT's came with 16's. Just bolt them on and drive.

Dion
98 SVT

I run the E1 SVT 16" 5-spokes (using 215/50-16 tires) on my Zetec with no problems at all. Just a huge increase in overall grip and handling. See the link in my sig for pictures, if you like.

The main concern from other people I had asked(people that know nothing about Contours, albeit)about doing this was that it would mess up the speedometer or clutch. I'm not quite sure that it would mess it up since the 15" and 16" were factory options. Am I correct in thinking that?

Here's my $.02...
It should be no problem to upgrade. Any good tire shop will do the plus sizing for you. Simply tell them the stock wheel and tire size. Assuming you're starting with a 14" rim simply ask for a plus one (15") or plus two (16") etc.
Make sure you get the correct bolt pattern and offset for the wheels.
If you correctly upsize, the speedometer inaccuracy would be minimal.
Cheers

http://www.yokohamatire.com/04b.html

Find your tire size there and note the diameter of your factory tires.

(Click on 'sizes' after you choose wheher you want a performance, ultra-high performance, etc. tire.)

Then, find another tire that is within, say, .3" of the diameter of your original tire and everything should be OK and your speedo should be 'close enough'

Just don't try to cram 285's !!! on a 6" wide rim because they 1. won't fit right (duh) and will probably rub.

Of course, there is more to it than that, but it will get you into the ballpark on sizes that will fit.

I use Yokohama tire as an example, not as a recommended tire. Yokohama has good tire specification charts that I like.

Rob

Example: I've got 195/65/14s on my teeny-tiny stock alloys now, and they are 24" diameter. Chart says 215/60/14 should fit and be about 23.9" in diameter. Not much difference in dia. and somewhat fatter tire.

With new 15" rims, 205/55/15's should be almost perfect at 23.9" diameter.

With new 16" rims, 215/50/16's should be good at 24.3" diameter, but there are not a whole lot of MFGs that make this size.

17" rims, maybe 205/45/17s at 24.3" diameter!!!

18"+ you're on your own!

Just an example. Consult a tire professional prior to purchase, and it wouldn't hurt to check www.tirerack.com once you find out what size you need. Sometimes LOTS of manufacturers make tire in the size you have chosen. Sometimes NOT!!!

Rob

i run 18 inch KMC Units with 225/40/18 and dont have much of a problem, just cant hit the dips to hard which i wouldnt do anyway...

Thanks for everyone's replies. I've found a couple of sets on TireRack.com that I like but I want to know if anyone has any of the old Hammer rims. I've seen them mostly on Mustangs. Would those even fit? Thanks again.

As long as the outer wheel diameter stays the same theres no problem 14" wheels with 70 series tires (thats what main has) if you go up in wheel size you go down in tire profile 15"\60 series, 16"\50 series.