Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Wheels & Tires tire size question

does anyone run a 225/50/16 with stock wheels and suspension?

I think this is the size i am going to get, but wanted to know if anyone had any problems running this size?

if you can't get a 215/50/16
is it better to go with a 225/50/16 or a 205/50/16?

I just put on Kumho Supra Ecsta 712s in the 225-50-16 on stock SVT wheels, I have not heard any rubbing yet. I wouldn't go with the 205s because they are quite a bit taller than the 215s. I had 215-50-16 KDWs on before the Kumhos and I think that the Kumhos are quieter and have about the same grip.

1HotSVT,
I believe you meant to say that the 205 tire was "shorter"; e.g. shorter sidewall & overall height of the wheel/tire combo instead of "taller" than the 215.

showtime,
Some owners, like 1HotSVT, have been able to install 225 series tires on the OEM (or aftermarket for that matter) wheels without any interference problems, but it is not recommended.
The proper size for a 16 or 17 inch diameter wheel is a 215 series.
The only combo I know that will work is a 225/40 or 225/35 on a 18 inch wheel.
Probably the reason some can use a 225 tire on 16 or 17 inch wheels may be due to assembly line tolerances being rather loose.

Luke @ The Tire Rack could likely explain this better.

I have 225/50R16 BF Goodrich KDWS tires on my 98 SVT E0. The fit is close, but there has never been any clearance problems. I have had this size for about 70,000 miles.

The car came with 205?55R16 tires. The 225/50R16 is the same diameter as the original but is about 3/4" wider.

The 215/50R16 is slightly smaller in diameter and the width is in between the 205 and 225. If you decide on a 205 tire, I would go with the 55 instead of the 50 so that you do not loose any more ground clearance, unless you like to have your front bumper repainted frequently.

There are lots of us running 225/50R16's, but the only way to know for sure is to mount up a set and try them.

It is possible to run a 225/50R16 on SVT wheels. In the dry you'll do well, but in snow and rain, the width and low aspect ratio will do worse than a 205/55R16.