New Shoes - 205/45r16 - help!!

Most 205/45r16 are pretty narrow for an 8" wide rim. Just about all 205/45s aren't even rated for a 7.5" wheel. The extra sidewall of the 205/50s helps them fit better. I personally don't understand going down a size in tires when most people went to 16s to get more rubber on the ground. The 205/45 are already shorter than OEM, plus a stretch makes them even shorter, so you're basically at OEM rubber thickness or not even .5" more rubber. I'd recommend the biggest 205/45 available if going that route, especially as a daily/commuter.

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Again I will reiterate one most look at the actual measured tread patch and measured section width before making their decision. Your statement above is a generalization or comes off that way unless you have actually measured most of the tires. Plus going 205/45 in a 16 is not going down a size because we go up in aspect ratio. Its actually closer to stock spec than a 215/45 16 when it gets right down to actual diameter circumference measurement.
You do pickup sidewall height even with the slight stretch. I say slight because it is. Most guys here are so freaked out about stretch they do over exaggerate the extent of it.
Its so minor its almost ridiculous to be worried about it.

Again I will reiterate one most look at the actual measured tread patch and measured section width before making their decision. Your statement above is a generalization or comes off that way unless you have actually measured most of the tires. Plus going 205/45 in a 16 is not going down a size because we go up in aspect ratio. Its actually closer to stock spec than a 215/45 16 when it gets right down to actual diameter circumference measurement.
You do pickup sidewall height even with the slight stretch. I say slight because it is. Most guys here are so freaked out about stretch they do over exaggerate the extent of it.
Its so minor its almost ridiculous to be worried about it.
I am not against running a 215/45 16 either its just we do not have a lot of options unless one is willing to go to a tire that does not match the handling capabilities of our cars IMO
aka Indy 500’s while good I feel could be much better.

Yeah, some have also claimed that the Yellow coil overs will go to factory ride height as well, but I want/need a setup that can go to .75" to an inch HIGHER THAN the stock ride height if needed, front AND back.

IF I go with a coil over setup over a Bistein B6 on new factory springs, it will probably be the soon to be released, Panda Motorworks exclusive, Silver NeoMax gravel rally spec suspension, with some higher rate, but shorter height, Swift springs on them, set to a factory ride height.

BTW, there is only ONE tuner shop around here who will even put a 205/50-16 on a 16x8 (for a substantial 'extra charge' of course ), and NONE of the online places that I've asked will do this at all.

So between that, the stretch which is NOT wanted for the bombed-out roads around here, and a bit more wheel edge protection, I will go with a set of STRONG 16x7s with the requisite for my cold ambient temp capable locale, UHP all season 205/50-16s on them, since this setup will NEVER see a road course, or an autocross course.

Quick pole update, 205/45 Indy more than double the rest. (Only 10 total votes, but HALF are for the 205/45 Indy)

I think I'm between the SC2 or the Indy in 205/45. Just not sure about stretch vs extra contact patch.

Hadn't thought that a stretch will reduce OAD.

St-1 still in the back of my head too.

Full paralysis of analysis engaged 😖

Anyone add some negative camber to clear the fender lips, or is it rubbing the liners?

Anyone add some negative camber to clear the fender lips, or is it rubbing the liners?

Interesting choices, I am about to run a set of Dekagrams as well and I am considering 2 tires Hankook Ventus RS4 and Federal RSR or RSR Pro all are 205/45. I do not look at the sectional width on the sidewall. I look at actual tread width and sectional width measured. Reason is some companies run them wide. Federal is famous for this. A 205 fits more like a 215 for instance.

...I should add all those tires listed are a step below the RE71 that is why I am looking at the Hankooks and the Feddys I want tires that are quite close to the performance of the RE71.

I can tell you first hand the RS-RR's run right at a 225 on my 205/50R15's. They are stupid wide. I have a picture somewhere that shows them next to a true 205 tire and they are easily 20mm wider.