Tire size question

[crfuller1958]

Hi guys, I have a two part rim/tire question. I have an opportunity to get a nice set of chrome aftermarket 16" rims with tires, that I was thinking of buying and putting on my 2000 GT. The rims were on a 2003 Bonneville, and I believe they are the same bolt pattern...5x115mm...as the Grand Am's. I'm not 100% sure of that yet, I have to research it more. I thought the Bonnys, Grand Prix and Grand Am's have the same bolt pattern. The second part of my question is...the tire size is 225/60R16. Will those work ok on my Grand Am? Any fit or rubbing issues? Thanks in advance for the info.

[sunrunner_pei]

The rims will fit, assuming they are 5x115. However, those tires are too tall, you need to stick with 225/50R16 or if you want to go narrower, 205/55R16. The second number is the aspect ratio, which is the sidewall height in mm in relation to the width. So a 50-series tire has a sidewall that is 50% of the width; a 60-series tire has a sidewall that is 60% of the width, etc.

[crfuller1958]

What about the fit issue? Would they rub anywhere? I realize the sidewall is higher, and they will throw my speedo off a bit, but if they don't rub I may buy them and give it a shot. The price I'd be getting these rims/tires for is too good to pass up. Even if I don't end up using the tires, I'm getting all four chrome rims and four good Bridgestone tires, for the price of what one rim would cost.

[Matt95GT]

Personally I wouldn't bother changing the stock wheels if the new ones are also 16".

[sunrunner_pei]

They may rub the inner fenders, especially during turns. Honestly though, I can't say for certain. But the stock size is mighty close to rubbing the inner fenders as it is.

But not only do you have to worry about rubbing and your speedo, taller tires also mean decreased acceleration and decreased fuel economy. Maybe not drastically so, but it will make a small difference. IMO if it's a good package price and you want the rims, buy the rims/tires, then sell the tires and get tires the proper size. You'll be much happier in the end, I think.

Put it this way, would you buy sneakers that didn't fit just because they were on sale?

[crfuller1958]

Thanks for the input. The sneaker analogy is a good one. I think I'm going to go ahead and buy the rims/tires. I'm about due for some new tires anyway. The Goodyear Eagles on my GT are getting closer to retirement every day and one has a plug in it. These other rims are 16" rims, but they are very expensive AT Italia chrome rims...very sharp looking rims...and the Bridgestone tires on them are in very good shape. I can take the tires off and sell them alone and probably more than recoup what I'm spending for the whole set of four rims/tires. I'm getting them for such a ridiculously low price that it would be stupid to pass them up. Thanks again for the info/input.