Tyre choices - Best Size for 15x7's

**walshydub** · 19-10-2010, 08:10 AM

Getting some tyres this weekend fitted to my 15x7's.

Choices in size are, 185/55 or 195/50

I don't want a big sidewall profile but also not too much stretch. Just wondering which would work better.

(Not looking to start up a tyre stretching debate just looking for a bit of advice)

Cheers

**Jarred** · 19-10-2010, 08:17 AM

Originally Posted by walshydub

Getting some tyres this weekend fitted to my 15x7's.

Choices in size are, 185/55 or 195/50

I don't want a big sidewall profile but also not too much stretch. Just wondering which would work better.

(Not looking to start up a tyre stretching debate just looking for a bit of advice)

Cheers

IMO., try some 185/45. Smaller profile means slighlty harsher ride (also depends on psi) but it's almost perfectally vertical sidewall, maybe the slightest stretch. It's what's on my zender sports in the banner pic.

195/50 will buldge, and 185/55 will be too much side wall.

Look for vistas' car, he's got 195/50s a 15x7.

hth that helps!

if all else fails: www.tyrestretch.com

**WABIT** · 19-10-2010, 08:21 AM

185/45's dont have stretch or big sidewall...

**walshydub** · 19-10-2010, 09:15 AM

Originally Posted by Jarred

IMO., try some 185/45. Smaller profile means slighlty harsher ride (also depends on psi) but it's almost perfectally vertical sidewall, maybe the slightest stretch. It's what's on my zender sports in the banner pic.

195/50 will buldge, and 185/55 will be too much side wall.

Look for vistas' car, he's got 195/50s a 15x7.

hth that helps!

if all else fails: www.tyrestretch.com

Originally Posted by WABIT

185/45's dont have stretch or big sidewall...

Looks like 45's might be the way to got then. Just gotta find a stockist, most places i've tried don't go lower than 50's...

**WABIT** · 19-10-2010, 09:19 AM

nankang NS2

**Water Boy** · 19-10-2010, 09:57 AM

I think you also need to take into account what car it is on too...

IMO a 185/45/15 on a Mk3 looks to small but on a Mk1 its seems perfect.

**walshydub** · 19-10-2010, 10:56 AM

Going on a small bumper MK2. Will be proper low once they go on

At the moment i'm leaning towards a higher profile, say 185 or 195/50 because the car is quite stiff on coily's so a bit of flex in the tyre might smooth things out a little. It's currently on 205/40's on 16x7's and there is basically no give in the tyre.

Looked at the 195/50's Vista's car & they look alright, not too balloony.

**Jarred** · 19-10-2010, 11:02 AM

the bigger tyre you go the more issue you'll have when trying to get super low

less tyre = less rubbing/clearance issues

(basically atleast)

**walshydub** · 19-10-2010, 11:14 AM

Originally Posted by Jarred

the bigger tyre you go the more issue you'll have when trying to get super low

less tyre = less rubbing/clearance issues

(basically atleast)

I've done some quick measuring & i should be ok (famous last words).
The wheels are ET30 so there is a good 10-20mm clearence to the arch. At worst i'll roll the arches...