Hey,
I’m in the process of getting new tires for the summer:
Stock Front: 225x50x16
Stock Rear : 245x45x16
I’m thinking of running a 225x45x16 instead of a 225x50x16. Any disadvantages or gains? I doubt it but I just wanted to get a second opinion from a couple of you tech guys. Will there be fitment issues with the tire and rim?
Thanks,
Jeremy
Do not vary from the stock sizes if you are going stock tire application.
A smaller front usually means a lower front profile, but you also lose a bit of steering input. The car however, should act a bit more stable going over bumps at speed, and whatever steering input you do give works towards moving the car or keeping it straight… Essentially you gain a similar effect to what adding caster does.
Would there be a noticable difference with the lower profile from stock?
It really depends on the driver and how easily he will notice.
The lower profile results in a reduction of 0.88" (22.35mm) in overall size. For daily driving I don’t think most drivers will notice. Track may be a different story.
EDIT – Sorry, I might add or correct, as a street driver you may notice a more comfortable and stable ride. For track driving you may lose a little confidence in the cars handling abilities. It will reduce the feel of the road slightly. In drag racing you will gain high speed stability.
few will notcie the difference unless they are really attuned to their car…
(read as: sensetive to how it feels)
Generally speaking…
lower profile tires let you feel the road a little more and sometimes hear it more too. (ridges filled with tar feel bigger and sharper and noisy-er)
lower profile tires will feel a little more accurate or precise while driving to most people.
wider tires can feel like your car handles much better…in reality its just better traction…(a component output of handling)
wider tires can be more problematic in wet / rainy conditions (hydroplaning).
all said and done if you have more tread surface you can notice the improvement, my wife notices minor changes on her cavalier / sunfire but that is because she’s sensetive to the car and how it drives…she is by no means a modder or racer, she just pays closer attention to her car than most…
so
if you change and notice nothing…you now know to drive your car a little harder and pay more attention…
if you notice a big difference I applaud you in your ability to give a bigger shit about your car than 90% of people!