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Tire Size for 17x8

MagnetiseST

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#1
So I just picked up a set of Konig Hypergrams. 17x8 et40. They have the stock size (205/40/17) tires on them right now, but I do not like the minor stretch in the sidewall and want to fill the fender gap a bit. I wanted a 215/40/17 tire but there are not a whole lot of options in that size. 215/45/17 seems to have a LOT more options as far as what tires are available but I am worried about rubbing on the fenders at speed / full lock, the car sees a few track days in a year and I would like to use these wheels for the track as well as daily driving. I am lowered on Swift Spec-R springs with Bilstein B8 shocks in the front / Koni yellows in the back, so about 1" front .8" rear.

Will it rub? Is anyone else running a 215/45/17 on a 17x8 and is lowered?
 


jeff

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I did a good bit of research back in the day when I got my 17x8 et40 grids. Same situation as you, I'm lowered on Mountune springs and wanted a wider tire but no rubbing or other issues. The stretch is too much with 205s. I have 215s and it looks pretty decent. There are some decent 215/40 size tires (Nitto, Federal) that are great for daily or track use, and reasonably priced. My Federals have 14,000 miles on them and are still doing great. I did research 225/40 which would eliminate the stretch look and look awesome but the only thing I found was a Yoko S-Drive and I'm not happy with what I'm reading. But a 225/40 would be perfect. I think you're gonna rub with 215/45 especially if you're lowered and IMHO it looks too much like a donut.

Make sure you read up on section width and etc. before purchasing. Not all tires are created equally, they might be the same size but have very different dimensions. I made a video on this that details everything on my youtube channel if you want more info.
 


OP
MagnetiseST

MagnetiseST

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I really love the Firehawk 500s that I have. I found them in 205/45 and 215/45 but I figured it would rub. Where did you find you 215s? Tire Rack doesn't really have a great selection in 215/40.

I had S Drives years ago, I wasn't impressed.
 


jeff

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OP
MagnetiseST

MagnetiseST

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Thread Starter #5
UTQG of 140... Thats scary. But I know they aren't bad tires.
 


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I have 17x8 Compomotive wheels with 215/40 Kumho Ecsta PS31 tires. Lowered on MeisterR zeta-CRD coilovers. The drop is probably a bit more than mountune springs and I have no rubbing what so ever.
 


danbfree

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#7
I really love the Firehawk 500s that I have. I found them in 205/45 and 215/45 but I figured it would rub. Where did you find you 215s? Tire Rack doesn't really have a great selection in 215/40.

I had S Drives years ago, I wasn't impressed.
There's a lot more than just Tire Rack out there, I'm going with 215/40/17 myself and have bookmarked tire-easy.com, 1010tires.com, simpletire.com and tirebuyer.com as all having some selections in that size and good prices.
 


OP
MagnetiseST

MagnetiseST

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Thread Starter #8
I have 17x8 Compomotive wheels with 215/40 Kumho Ecsta PS31 tires. Lowered on MeisterR zeta-CRD coilovers. The drop is probably a bit more than mountune springs and I have no rubbing what so ever.
If you had to guess how much lower than stock? Also your coil overs probably have a higher spring rate and therefore less chance of rubbing :(
 


OP
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Thread Starter #9
There's a lot more than just Tire Rack out there, I'm going with 215/40/17 myself and have bookmarked tire-easy.com, 1010tires.com, simpletire.com and tirebuyer.com as all having some selections in that size and good prices.
I'll have to check them out but I get an SCCA discount with Tire Rack that made some of the better tires a lot more cost effective.
 


M-Sport fan

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I did a good bit of research back in the day when I got my 17x8 et40 grids. Same situation as you, I'm lowered on Mountune springs and wanted a wider tire but no rubbing or other issues. The stretch is too much with 205s. I have 215s and it looks pretty decent. There are some decent 215/40 size tires (Nitto, Federal) that are great for daily or track use, and reasonably priced. My Federals have 14,000 miles on them and are still doing great. I did research 225/40 which would eliminate the stretch look and look awesome but the only thing I found was a Yoko S-Drive and I'm not happy with what I'm reading. But a 225/40 would be perfect. I think you're gonna rub with 215/45 especially if you're lowered and IMHO it looks too much like a donut.

Make sure you read up on section width and etc. before purchasing. Not all tires are created equally, they might be the same size but have very different dimensions. I made a video on this that details everything on my youtube channel if you want more info.

Even the S.drives were only available in a 225/35-17, NOT 225/40-17.
Pure road race/upper autocross class, slick, sticky, gumballs, with a 00 to 40 tread wear rating are the ONLY thing available in a 225/40-17, sadly enough. [mad]
 


kivnul

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I run 17x7.5/45mm wheels, 215/45/17 tires. On the stock suspension I rubbed the wheel well liners when hard cornering. Upgraded to stiffer coilovers (and kept stock height) and the rubbing is gone.
 


M-Sport fan

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I run 17x7.5/45mm wheels, 215/45/17 tires. On the stock suspension I rubbed the wheel well liners when hard cornering. Upgraded to stiffer coilovers (and kept stock height) and the rubbing is gone.
WHICH coil overs let you adjust to factory ride height??
 


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If you had to guess how much lower than stock? Also your coil overs probably have a higher spring rate and therefore less chance of rubbing :(
I measured for you, from the middle of the wheel straight up to the bottom of the fender.

Front: 30.1cm
Rear: 30cm

I only measured the drivers side, but it shouldn't be too different.
 


OP
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Thread Starter #15
I don't mind rubbing the liners themselves, I mind rubbing the fender arch. The liners can be modified / replaced.
 


OP
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Thread Starter #20
That looks fantastic. I'll have to find some 215/40/17s
 


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