Anyone try size 215/55/16 ?

[jlaws]

I put the stock tire 205/55/16 side by side with the 215/55/16 and it just seem a tad wider and taller. I'd prefer the bigger size to fill in the wheel well and improve comfort. Sure the speedo will be alittle off but you are putting less miles on it :D

Any feed back is appreciated.

** I did use the search function first** ;)

[rabidpanda69]

It's 10 mm wider, and 5 or 6 mm taller. Since the wheel size itsnt changing, and it's only 5 or 6 mm the speedo should be about the same. Your over all tire and rim diameter wont change more than half an inch.

Edit: just remembered the tire calculator (http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html)

only 1.7% difference.

[DontPassTheFence]

Yea, I have 215/55s on my 16'' rims before I upgraded to 215/45R17, its great having slightly larger tires. More rubber = more fun.

Im thinking of going even farther once I get new struts, see if 225 will clear

[jlaws]

Excellent thanks for the info guys, Its a done deal for me I am getting the larger size.
I am new as you can see by the # of posts. I bought the Grand Am as winter beater to protect my Lexus Ls430 from the harsh winter (pics on previous post). But I've sold the Lexus to be debt free to full focus on a house. What is funny is that I think my little Grand Am made me realize that I it doesn't make sense to pay $850 total on a car note, insurance and gas etc for a car that sits most of the time especially when I will be dealing with a $1700+ mortgage. As a first time home buyer I want to be full prepared for all it's financial responisbilities. So the Lexus had to go. I've grown very attached to the Grand Am probably because I've restored it to near mint condition. It has become my hobby. Now I am just replacing parts since they are extremely cheap and easy to install myself. Right now it runs top.
Maybe I just like getting my hands dirty :lol:

[rabidpanda69]

cool, good luck with the car and the house!

[DontPassTheFence]

Well done, its nice to hear of someone taking their time and giving the Grand Am the love and appreciation it deserves. :D :pontiac:

[jlaws]

Just a follow up, I went to Pepboys and I got to try 225/50/16 since 215/55 was not available. The 225's didn't rub at all!! But they looked like "truck tires" bulging out of the 7" wide rims. I wanted to have a "corvette look" but the tires stuck out too much and the rear seemed higher due to the width I guess. I didn't like the look so the next day I was allowed to switch the tires for the stock 205/55/16 and couldn't be any happier with the look.

I went with the sport wheels from tirerack only $85 each! They are really light weight and the quality is good. I'll have pics of the car eventually.

I'd like to drop the rear about 1 1/2 to 2 inches. Can anyone suggest a spring and shock drop kit just for the rear. ?

Thanks

[born4drivn]

are those 16"????

[jlaws]

Yup I got 16's. I wanted to keep some comfort by not going too big and looking like I'm "moding" the car out by going any bigger. I could have gotten 17's at $100 each and probably could have gotten size 215/50/17 which wouldn't have sacrificed too much of the ride quality. I would have filled in some of the wheel well and not rub at all.

Buy I am very happy with the look of the 16's. They look even better in person when I first opened the box. The ride quality from 15' to 16' is the same since the wheels are lightweight. The silver rims goes well with the stock Grand am gold paint.