Does any one know

[theo560]

I have the base se model with 17x7 inch rim. I am wondering how wide of a tire will that rim and car handle. Because i like the rim but that is to big of a car for that narrow of a tire. Thanx....

[deserthorizons]

Originally Posted by theo560

I have the base se model with 17x7 inch rim. I am wondering how wide of a tire will that rim and car handle. Because i like the rim but that is to big of a car for that narrow of a tire. Thanx....

I have been trying to figure that out myself..

I went to tirerack.com, bfgoodrich.com, and a cupla others, and it seems to
be very difficult to find a 17" tire that is big enough..

I finally decided I would just drive around to the different tire stores and see what they could do to help me..

SE w/ 17's comes with 28" x 8.7" tires (approx)

I know you can fit a 10.5" wide tire on a 7" rim no problem, as long as they are not low-profile..
Not really sure how much wider..

I want to go at least 30" tall in back (up to 32")
and the widest that will fit, with White letters out..

If you don't want white letters, you will have more choices..

[deserthorizons]

If you are like me, you HATE the way they size tires.. Even if you know metrics well, you
still do not know exactly what the sizes of the tires are.. Now you do..
These are all 17" tires and wheels..


or click this link: Tire sizing chart in Inches
(it is about half way down the left side contents.)

1. Section width varies approximately 0.2" (5mm) for every 0.5" change in rim width.

2. The sizes shown are average design values for tires measured on specified measuring rim widths.

3. These should all fit on the 7" wheel..

4. Use this chart at your own risk..

.

[theo560]

Well a little update on that tire question. I went to a couple tire shops and the news was not good. They said i was stuck with that tire size on that rim. They said different rims was my only option. Oh well ill start saving now.

[deserthorizons]

I don't understand the problem..

Some tire shops WON'T change tires from stock sizes..
If that is the case, find a different tire shop..

But if you look on the chart, there are several sizes that will fit those rims..

[oilmanpaul]

Originally Posted by deserthorizons

I don't understand the problem..

Some tire shops WON'T change tires from stock sizes..
If that is the case, find a different tire shop..

But if you look on the chart, there are several sizes that will fit those rims..

Any given wheel can accommodate a specific range of tire sizes. Width is very important because if the tire is too narrow, it will not seat properly....flat tire.... If the tire is even a bit too wide, it will not seat the bead properly and will leak (trust me, I know this from personal experience). So, while many tires with a variety of widths and aspect ratios will fit on any given wheel, there are specific limitations. The shops that won't change tires to certain sizes may be doing you a real service while those who will mount any tire you buy from them to any rim don't care about the performance or safety of the tire/wheel combo.

[deserthorizons]

yes, but there is no justification for them not wanting to change his tire size..

he runs 28 x 8.7 = 215/65

so a 30 x 9.45 = 235/70
would fit perfect on that wheel..

as would a 30.5 x 9.76 = 245/70

You may need to just buy the tires and then have them put on somewhere else..

[theo560]

OK what i meant to say is that rim with the offset the way it is it will not work. they both said the tire would rub and that wouldnt be good. they both said there is no room for a wider tire. i am sure they would of put it on. i just think they were trying to be honest.

[deserthorizons]

Originally Posted by theo560

Oh well ill start saving now..........
the tire would rub and that wouldnt be good. they both said there is no room for a wider tire.

Have you thought about wheel spacers.?
Depending on how much "room" you need..
JCWhitney has some 5/16" thick ones for $9.00 each..

I also would not take a vehicle with spacers around any slalom courses, but it should be fine if are aren't too crazy..

I know how sweet it would look with some deep dish wheels on there, but if $$$$ are a concern..

[vision]

bought mine with 20 inch SS Graigers and it looks killer

[deserthorizons]

Update:
as of 11/26/08

I put some 255/70/17's in back
(31.1x10.24x17)
and some 225/65/17's in front
(28.5x8.98x17)


as you can see I could have easily fit some 265/70/17 in back
(I will next set) (31.65x10.71x17)