Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Wheels & Tires Anyone else going to get the SVT Focus wheels?

And here I was thinking that I was the only one who had the idea to put the Focus SVT rims on my Contour SVT.

Actually, I do have a question though, and maybe you guys can help.
Tire Rack tells me that I can only go 215 wide in tires, anything wider will cause major rubbing. But I hear of guys putting on 255 with no problem. Whats the deal, how wide can I go, and with that, what will be the widest tire I'll be able to put on those 17"'s.

------------------
'99 SVT Contour
Tropical Green,
The space for the Vortech is being reserved.

I have 225/50R16 tires on my E0 SVT and they fit perfectly. I think you will find that they fit the same for you.

Jim Johnson
98 SVT

Generally, you don't want your wheel to be any less than 80% of your tires width for propper support.

So if it fits, 225 is the max width I would go with on a 17x7 (the SVT Focus wheel). You'd probably be better off with a 215 though...

Which brings up a question I've always had: Why did SVE decide on such wide tires on a 6.5" wheel? Did they really want to stick with KDWs that didn't come in the smaller width at the time? (BTW, the KDWs will be out in 5 additional sizes soon. Hopefully some 215/45/17's ) Any ideas?

Here's a pic of the wheels: http://209.132.49.149/images-large/2001_ford_focus_svt-1.jpg

------------------
00 Ford ZX3 / 96 Ford Cobra
90 Yam FJ1200/ 85 Yam RZ350 / 84 Yam RZ350