Tyre sizes for Wedges
Discussion
I drive a 1989 400SE (in NZ) whose tyres are the usual 225/50/15. According to the bible the rims are the classic 8Jx15in OZ 5-spoke.
My problem is to find a tyre to work as well as the original Bridgestones. I wondered, as the 225/50/15 size is a bit unusual and rare, whether going to a different tyre size would allow a wider choice of tyre, which would still fit the original OZ rims.
Can anyone experienced in these matters advise me on the range of SIZES I might look for, and any qualifications to their OK-ness?
My problem is to find a tyre to work as well as the original Bridgestones. I wondered, as the 225/50/15 size is a bit unusual and rare, whether going to a different tyre size would allow a wider choice of tyre, which would still fit the original OZ rims.
Can anyone experienced in these matters advise me on the range of SIZES I might look for, and any qualifications to their OK-ness?
andymadmak said:
I'm not sure about going wider prfile on the rim though, you may get some clearance/fouling problems.
I know it's not quite the same and his car was far from standard but S/Steve ran 245/45/16 OK.
Of the available 15" tyre sizes AFAIK 225/50/15 is one of the more common sizes.
Here is a link to a tyre size calculator, hope it helps you choose your new boots. Cheers 
www.tyresave.co.uk/tyresize.html
www.tyresave.co.uk/tyresize.html
I'm running 16" Cerbie wheels and the rears are very close to the tie bars (A frame), and the fronts scuff on full lock (or at least they used to - they have worn a groove in the wheelarch now ;^)
They could really do with some spacers but I'm wary about reducing the number of turns that the nuts hold on with - maybe spacers and longer studs would do the trick.
OK so I just installed a new pair of SO3's on the back. The sidewalls seem to bulge a bit more than the SO2's that were on there previously, so I had to make up thicker shims, about 3.5mm, to clear the tie rods. These tyres also rub on the wheelarch at the outside, just a little bit, on deep bumps, so I think they are now at the optimal position at least at the rear.
They could really do with some spacers but I'm wary about reducing the number of turns that the nuts hold on with - maybe spacers and longer studs would do the trick.
OK so I just installed a new pair of SO3's on the back. The sidewalls seem to bulge a bit more than the SO2's that were on there previously, so I had to make up thicker shims, about 3.5mm, to clear the tie rods. These tyres also rub on the wheelarch at the outside, just a little bit, on deep bumps, so I think they are now at the optimal position at least at the rear.
Edited by adam quantrill on Wednesday 9th May 10:35
I have put 16" s as my rear just to see the difference and they are fab in lots of respect. increased top end being one of them , however My body is mounted off centre (noticed this initially but the bigger wheels highlight this greatly)Not sure what to do now for the best ,spacer ,body remounted, Doh!.
Edited by beacon on Tuesday 8th May 17:28
Thank you gents for all the replies.
I still need to know the range of sizes which will fit on the Wedge-standard OZ rims. So: what sizes of tyre fit on 8 J x 15in rims, instead of the standard 225/50/15 ?? And, are there any difficulties with using any of these?
Interestig to see someone using 245/45/16 because that does seem to be a more common size of tyre, and so I expect we'll have a wider choice. I assume he's fitting them to the standard wheels.
I still need to know the range of sizes which will fit on the Wedge-standard OZ rims. So: what sizes of tyre fit on 8 J x 15in rims, instead of the standard 225/50/15 ?? And, are there any difficulties with using any of these?
Interestig to see someone using 245/45/16 because that does seem to be a more common size of tyre, and so I expect we'll have a wider choice. I assume he's fitting them to the standard wheels.
Well I just drove back home in pouring rain with the new 245/45/16 Toyo Proxes on the back, and they are brilliant. First time I have ever driven a wedge that's so planted at the back in the wet. Fantastic - I'd recommend them to anyone. I even caught up the chap from work with the Lancia Delta Integrale HF - 4WD advantage - so I'm well chuffed. They are showing up the SO2's on the front now, so I can't wait to get them changed.
[They aren't SO3's - they are Proxes!]
[They aren't SO3's - they are Proxes!]
Edited by adam quantrill on Monday 14th May 12:29
karkila said:
inch tyres fit 15 in rims, or have you bought new wheels?
Ha ha - that's the one dimension you absolutely _have_ to respect when getting tyres.
They are 16" Cerbera wheels. There is a set on ebay or Sprint I think at the moment but you'd have to get them machined. The tyre choice is 15" is dwindling, the good performance ones don't seem to be made any more. I personally wouldn't touch Dunlops for instance.
I have previously used 55 profile on the 350i on 15" which worked OK.
I have been asking this same question at various tyre suppliers, and I keep getting similar answers:
on the 8 J x 15 rims I might fit from 215 through to 235 sized tyres, but the maximum would be 245 / 45 / 15 provided they go into the wheel well and the profile is aesthetically acceptable for a classic car. This agrees with various PHers say as well. This increases the range of options open to wedge owners, and though I imagine I'm goanna end up with Yokohama A048 in 225/50/15, at least I can look at a much wider range of options.
Thanks y'all
Simon the Karkila
on the 8 J x 15 rims I might fit from 215 through to 235 sized tyres, but the maximum would be 245 / 45 / 15 provided they go into the wheel well and the profile is aesthetically acceptable for a classic car. This agrees with various PHers say as well. This increases the range of options open to wedge owners, and though I imagine I'm goanna end up with Yokohama A048 in 225/50/15, at least I can look at a much wider range of options.
Thanks y'all
Simon the Karkila
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