Why not 225-40 on 17' ???

[Manic2k]

Why is everyone choosing between 215-40 and 215-45 when they choose tires for 17' rim??
It seems that 225-40 has closest factory diameter spec.

I don't know much about tire things.., so can anyone enlighten me??
Thanks.

[NoCones]

Probably 215/40 is favored because it's a little smaller and gives more favorable gearing for acceleration. Helpful when going to a wheel/tire combo that is often heavier than OEM and nearly always offers greater rotational intertia to overcome.

But you're right, 225/40 is darn close to OEM in circumference.

Probably the other reason (or maybe the main one) is it's not a common size...I just did a quick search on tirerack.com...I came up with nothing-nope-nada for that size.

I probably wouldn't consider 215/45...too big, especially given the stuff I said above.

[autxr]

Bryan-

I doubt anyone does it for the gearing, you just talked over most plus size folks heads. They do it because it is lower profile (for looks).

The Nitto 555 is the only tire I'm aware of in a 225/40-17 - that's the reason no ones goes with it.

Scott

[The Game]

Well I just got 215/45/17 today and they looked good to me on the car!!

[Fourgig]

I got 225/45-17's. Not exactly stock diameter, but close enough for me.

[Manic2k]

Why?? Something wrong with Nitto 555 tires??
Well, I guess I'm gonna go with 215-45 since I don't wanna lose mileage for having lower profile tires. -_-;
Thanks,

[Sups]

whats wrong with the nitto 555?
Originally posted by autxr

The Nitto 555 is the only tire I'm aware of in a 225/40-17 - that's the reason no ones goes with it.

Scott

[Blue Batmobile]

215/45/17's:).

Bat

[liquid]

Originally posted by autxr
Bryan-

I doubt anyone does it for the gearing, you just talked over most plus size folks heads. They do it because it is lower profile (for looks).

The Nitto 555 is the only tire I'm aware of in a 225/40-17 - that's the reason no ones goes with it.

Scott

I did it for gearing.. :) and the benefit of a lighter wheel with 7.5" of width... :)

[NoCones]

Originally posted by autxr
Bryan-
I doubt anyone does it for the gearing, you just talked over most plus size folks heads. They do it because it is lower profile (for looks).

Sometimes I forget how many people around here are more into show than go (whether they admit/realize it or not)

Bryan

[autxr]

As far as I know, nothing is wrong with the Nitto.

But, it is the ONLY choice. Kind of limits your options doesn't it.

We could all own Civics, but we don't.

Scott

[coxmw]

I have another question along these lines. I just put on new 17's with 205/40/17 Kuhmo's. They look way too small - especially with my non-lowered car (I am planning on lowering it very soon). I was thinking about selling the tires and getting 215/40 or 215/45s. Would this look much better? Also, would it ride better since the sidewalls are thicker?

This is what I am talking about:
My small tires (http://mywebpages.comcast.net/coxmw1/Car/)

[NoCones]

compared to 205/40R17:
215/40 is about 1/3" taller (still slightly shorter than oem)
215/45 is a little over 1.1" taller (and taller than oem)

play with sizes here:
http://www.secret-secret.com/turbo/DIY/tirecalc/turbotire.html

and, yes, given the same/similar tire construction, the taller sidewall will have a more compliant ride.