I didnt think it was going to be this hard to figure out the ideal tire size but after spending some time searching I still cant come up with an ideal tire to run on the following sized wheels.
17x9 +20 on all 4 corners on a moderately lowered S14.
I dont want to incur any rubbing and avoid rolling fenders. I want one size for all 4 rims.
I don’t see how 215 and 235 aren’t gay but 225 is? It makes no sense, and is totally dependent on the tire anyways.
215 is almost so much of a stretch that shops would not install it. 245 fits pretty well flush, but you could get away with a 255 or 265 if you really wanted. At that point you’re going to have to work with your fenders to clear though.
Im not looking for the largest tire to fit on there, actually the smaller the better. ITs going on a stock KA S14 so its already underpowered I dont want to add weight with a larger tire.
You are right 215 is a large stretch. I am starting to lean towards the 235/40/17 or 225/45/17 now.
the more trapzoid the tyre wall is the less functionality you get from the side wall belting. To the point where you might as well not have bothered with a tyre but rather just stuffed a bunch of solid rubber or PVC piping on the rim. Drifters use this technique for a reason; no side wall means no tyre loading, feedback or grip above a specifc G loading. Simply stated the rear end will step out without warning or any indication with a 240 this means the potential to have kickout at under the posted speed limits. It’s worse on wet tarmac; Trapzoid sidewalls close off and change the edge lug patter in some cases trapping water IN the tread causing premature hydroplaning.
When considering a tyre, take time to look at the mfg. specs for min/max wheel sizing. as an example, my Falken B451 235/45/17 on 9.5" rims are at the MAX wheel size for that size of rubber, or 235 is the minimun size in that tyre model that will fit 9.5’s.
Trapzoid sidewalls beyond a point takes the part from function into form… unfortunately… the tryes are one of those parts that should never go beyond function… they become unsafe in the extreme.
Just for reference I have 255/35r18’s on the rear and 225/45r18 on the front of my car (+30). I’ve dropped it pretty low on occasion and there is NO rubbing or clearance issues of any kind.
I would go with 245/40r17 to be honest. They would fit perfect and be bang on perfect to stock diameter. The 235/40’s (with the added stretch) are actually going to be a good deal smaller (close to an inch in diameter) than stock. Alternatively as Sacha stated if you want the stretch 225/45 would be the optimal size.
EDIT- Also with a 245 up front I dont know how it will be in terms of rubbing. I have a 235/40/18 on my ride and I had some minor rubbing so the 245 would be even worse.
Hmmm, well with that math things sound fine. I was under the impression stock wheel diameter (205/55r16) was 24.9 inches stock. I didn’t figure in that 15 inch tire sizing might be different on S14’s