Yet another tire/wheel size question

[ksechler]

I have studied this subject in the archives extensively and originally decided to go the 225/50/R16 on a 16X8 route. I have utterly failed in finding a wheel the I like in a 16X8 4-bolt pattern. I thought the Rota's where a lock but they are on indefinite back order. After some soul searching I have decided to go with the following:

16X7 Konig Rewinds with 215/50/R16 Kumho Exsta XS

Here's the question. I don't want to rehash the sizing debate. I just want to make sure that combination of tire/wheel works. Does this sound like a decent combination?

Thanks all in advance.

[LeonV]

Can't go wrong with Panasports, however, they're more expensive than Konigs or Rotas. Finding them second-hand is the trick but you'll have to be patient, unless you're lucky.

16X7 with 225/50-16 does the job nicely.



If you're set on the Konigs, why go with 215s if you were wanting 225s? Tire selection in 225/50-16 sizes is way better.

[ksechler]

If you're set on the Konigs, why go with 215s if you were wanting 225s? Tire selection in 225/50-16 sizes is way better.

I didn't think that you were supposed to put something as wide as a 225 on a 16X7. If that's ok, then I will use the 225's

[jfa.series1]

l opted for 205/55X16's for my Rewinds for two reasons: avoid any rubbing problems due to width and stick with the original 25" diameter as much as possible. No regrets with my choices.

[Mike W]

I just went with a similar setup. I decided on the Konig Rewinds and went with Michelin Pilot Sport Plus tires. 225/50-16 fit just fine. The only clearance issue that I had was a very slight rubbing on the right rear tire when going over very aggressive bumps in the road. Had to have the fender rolled to cure it, but that was pretty straight forward.

It's also pretty amazing to feel the handling differences with these tires as compared to the BF Goodrich Radial TA's that I was running. I decided to keep my Appliance wheels and BFG tires so I have the ability to switch if I want to change out the Konig's for a different event, but for really driving, you can't beat the Michelins.

Here's a few pictures with the new tires and wheels.

Mike.

[Zedyone_kenobi]

such a beautiful car Mike!

Love it.

[LeonV]

I didn't think that you were supposed to put something as wide as a 225 on a 16X7. If that's ok, then I will use the 225's

There is a recommended rim width range for each tire size. Using Tirerack.com as a source, a 225/50-16 is good for a 6-8" wide rim. A 7" wide rim should be perfect for that size.

l opted for 205/55X16's for my Rewinds for two reasons: avoid any rubbing problems due to width and stick with the original 25" diameter as much as possible. No regrets with my choices.

I've had no rubbing problems running 225/50-16 on my Z, however the same spec tires from various manufacturers may still differ slightly in size. Wheel offset is also very important, as it laterally locates the wheel/tire combo in the car. Again, my 16X7 Panasports with the current tires on them do not rub at all. FWIW, 225/60-14 did not rub either, when I ran 14X6 slotted mags. I believe the mags had a zero offset and the Panasports are close to zero, if not zero.

Also, tire diameter between a 225/50-16 and 205/55-16 is essentially equal.

[tlorber]

As stated above, 225's will FIT on a 7" rim, but they will tend to bow out from it, rather than having a vertical sidewall. This may affect how the tire performs and will affect how it looks.

Another thing to keep in mind is that, unless you are putting down significantly more power than stock (which I am not) you may not want as much tread as 225's on the ground. Sometimes it helps to be able to induce a bit of oversteer with the throttle. This becomes more difficult with a low horse motor and a large contact patch. I've been on drives with 911's and 914 6's where guys are running 205's and even 195's and some of these guys drive the absolute s#!t out of their cars without getting sideways.

[LeonV]

As stated above, 225's will FIT on a 7" rim, but they will tend to bow out from it, rather than having a vertical sidewall. This may affect how the tire performs and will affect how it looks.

I don't think my 225s "bow out" and I've got no performance issues to complain about (besides them being old and not as grippy as I'd like).



Now when I ran 225s on 6" wide slotted mags, there was some noticeable buldging but nothing to complain about. When talking strictly about looks, I prefer a little too wide vs. a little too narrow anyway. Your opinion may vary.

Another thing to keep in mind is that, unless you are putting down significantly more power than stock (which I am not) you may not want as much tread as 225's on the ground. Sometimes it helps to be able to induce a bit of oversteer with the throttle. This becomes more difficult with a low horse motor and a large contact patch. I've been on drives with 911's and 914 6's where guys are running 205's and even 195's and some of these guys drive the absolute s#!t out of their cars without getting sideways.

It's not about putting down power, at least in my case. Oversteer can be induced without breaking tires free, in fact that's desired. That has more to do with weight transfer and roll stiffness distribution. If your goal is fast laps, you shouldn't be losing traction at any point.

A 225mm section width tire is recommended for a 7" rim, there is no reason to cry foul on fit and performance. A wider tire (on a properly sized rim) will stop better and turn better than a narrower one.

[kacrow76]

Ok now that everyone else has asked about there tires and wheels i have to ask about mine. tire size i am looking at is 215/60R15 these are the wheels http://avid1wheels.com/images/avid11_black_front.jpg they have a +12 off set will this work?

[kacrow76]

ok down to two tire sizes 225/50R15 or 215/60R15 will they both fit stock ride 76 280z? i have looked but cant find anyone with the 215/60. looks to be a little bigger than the stock tires and the 225/50 look to be a little smaller.Help please as i want to order them today.

[Jeff G 78]

A 7" wide rim is actually perfect for a 225/50 tire. My RS2 tires are on the wide side and yet they don't bulge at all.

[LeonV]

A 7" wide rim is actually perfect for a 225/50 tire. My RS2 tires are on the wide side and yet they don't bulge at all.

Thanks for the corroboration, Jeff. I was starting to feel like a broken record (CD?)!

[John Coffey]

The recommended wheel width numbers that Tire Rack (and all tire manufacturers publish) are based on a DOT formula for safety. For the best performance from your tire the rim width should be equal to or 1/2" wider then actual tread width (per Jeff Speer at Hoosier). Also, the tire size numbers published by the tire manufacturers have little to do with tread width. A 225 tire does not necessarily have a 225mm wide tread. For example: A Hoosier R6 225 DOT R tire tread width is about 30mm wider then a Kumho XS 225 street tire tread width.

[conedodger]

I agree with John and his example about Hoosiers is spot on. In general, they're wider than just about anything else size for size.

[LeonV]

The recommended wheel width numbers that Tire Rack (and all tire manufacturers publish) are based on a DOT formula for safety. For the best performance from your tire the rim width should be equal to or 1/2" wider then actual tread width (per Jeff Speer at Hoosier). Also, the tire size numbers published by the tire manufacturers have little to do with tread width. A 225 tire does not necessarily have a 225mm wide tread. For example: A Hoosier R6 225 DOT R tire tread width is about 30mm wider then a Kumho XS 225 street tire tread width.

Correct, and Tire Rack has actual width specs for each tire they sell.

In your reference to "best performance", are you talking about the rim width as rated (e.g. 16X7) or edge-to-edge?

[LeonV]

Besides, although good to know, the OP wasn't asking about what theoretical tire/rim size combo will squeeze out every inch of performance. His question was more geared towards just being able to use it, i.e. safety. To once more explicitly answer the OP:

I didn't think that you were supposed to put something as wide as a 225 on a 16X7. If that's ok, then I will use the 225's

Yes, 225/50-16 is fine. It will open up a lot more tire options, as I mentioned earlier.

[kacrow76]

Ok so i went the safe route and got the rewinds 15 x 7 with 205/60 15. just did not want to have any fitment trouble would have liked to go bigger and wider sure we will be happy.

[ksechler]

Ok, guys. Thanks for all of the replies. The Konigs arrived today. I'm going to get some rubber on them on Saturday. I will post pictures and all the specs as soon as I have them.

[LeonV]

Ok, guys. Thanks for all of the replies. The Konigs arrived today. I'm going to get some rubber on them on Saturday. I will post pictures and all the specs as soon as I have them.

Excellent!

[ksechler]

The tire shop called me last week and said my tires were in; Kumho Ecsta's 225/50R16. So Friday I dropped the wheels off and got them mounted. I'm pretty excited, but unfortunately my car has no front suspension and is on jackstands so I can't give you any pictures of them on the car. Here are a few teasers, though...

[Maxxz130]

That tire and wheel combo looks nice.

[Zedyone_kenobi]

That there is some MEAT...

[ksechler]

I havent' been able to get the car out of the garage because I hadn't hooked the steering up yet. I hooked it up today, though.

Here is a teaser with the front wheels installed.


I have the back on now, too and will take pictures tomorrow if the weather permits. It has been snowing off and on and cold as heck (for Maryland). I will say, though, that the back absolutely will rub. I will first try rolling the fender (at a later date), but I'm not even sure if that will be enough. it's tight!

[ksechler]

Alright, here are a few pictures of the car down on all 4 wheels.

Specs:
Konig 16X7 wheels, zero offset.
Kumho 225/50/R16 tires.

The rear tires rub the fender and I will need to roll the lip. The front tires rub the lower valence which will require some trimming. Neither is a big deal or completely unexpected.

[Diseazd]

The lower valance has some adjustment in them......You can probably get enough forward adjustment to clear without cutting any metal. I run 205 50 16's on my white Z, 225 50 16's on my lemon green Z and 205 55 16's on the orange Z and gold Z. The 205 50 16's are 3/4 inches shorter than stock, but the car drives real nice. I agree with Jim (jfa.series1)......the 205 55 16's are damned near the perfect tire for the street...The same height as stock and plenty of width and zero clearance issues. The green car (225 50 16's) would rub without rear camber plates (which I now run) and I adjusted the front valance for clearance there. I didn't want to roll the fenders. Your car looks great....hope you get all of your rubs resolved.

[grannyknot]

Any particular reason you went with the Kumhos? They look great and have an aggressive looking pattern.
Chris

[LeonV]

Mmm, those fill the wheel-wells nicely!

[ksechler]

Any particular reason you went with the Kumhos? They look great and have an aggressive looking pattern.
Chris

They had good reviews and to quote a wise man, "They look great and have an aggressive looking pattern."

[Zedyone_kenobi]

That is one serious good looking Z buddy!
Those wheels make it!

[ksechler]

That is one serious good looking Z buddy!
Those wheels make it!

.

Thanks, I consider this a high compliment. I only got this far with the help of the board.

[X-Rated]

I have done extensive research and found the Varrstoen's will fit. I just picked up my V4's today 16 x 8 +15 Hyper Black and will be using a -15 Hubcentric Spacer with a new 50 mm studs. The tire size is the Hankook VENTUS V4 H105 - 225/50R16XL 96V. I have rolled the rear fenders in just in case.

Link: Varrstoen | Custom Performance Wheels and Accessories » ES 1
Contact: zach@varrstoen.com

Link: 240Z/260Z/280Z 70-85

[240ZX]

X-rated, Nice looking wheels for sure. They look very similar to my 3pc 17" Altstadts. The funny thing is about my wheels, which I purchased used, is that I've never been able to find any info on this style Altstadt. You can view my wheels in the gallery. They are 17x8 (f) & 17x9 (r) with 215-40 & 235-40 respectfully. Nice post anyway!

[dhayes5]

Looking for current tire advice. I have 16x7 Panasports on my Mostly stock '72 running Kuhmo Ecsta Supra tires (205/55/16) that are about 11-12 years old (though they look new due to low miles). I don't know if it is the tire or the age (both tire and myself) but have never been overly satisfied with these tires as far as grip and ride quality. Also, don't think they are safe at 11-12 years old.

I want to stick with the same size as even these rubbed my left rear tire well at one point (had to shave it down slightly). I want a good combination of ride quality, noise (like to hear exhaust note not tires) and grip. I don't care about tire wear as I drive car less than 2k /year on average so the more sticky the better - I'll feel like I am getting my moneys worth if I can at least wear them down some in the next 10 years. . I also don't drive the car unless conditions are dry. I am thinking high performance summer tires like Hankook Ventus V12 evo K110, Ventus R-S3 or Dunlop Direzza ZII - just to give ideas of the type of tire.

So, in the beginning I said "current" because tires are always changing and a lot of the tire posts are several years old. Any advice here from people who have run these or similar high performance summer tires on a first gen Z?

[LeonV]

Bridgestone RE-11A is a good value but I don't have a lot of miles on them yet (225/50-16 on 16X7 Panasports). I LOVE the bang-for-the-buck of the Sumitomo HTRZIII (on my S2000) but don't know if they have them in your size. R-S3, Direzza ZII, or BFG Rivals would also all be nice, solid choices.

[ascalla]

Can anyone direct me to where i can buy Panasports ?