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The real scoop on aftermarket wheels/tires?

Joined
26 January 2002
Messages
314
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In the middle
Ok.....so I've been considering aftermarket wheels/tires for my 92. I've read this fourm for months (even done a search Forums Nazi!) and seen MANY different opinions about which size combinations work and which one's don't. I've seen the recommendations on where to find tire calculators etc., but still can't figure this out. My question is what is really critical to maintain proper TCS, ABS and odometer functionality? Is it the overall wheel/tire circumfrence or diameter vs. OEM wheels/tires? If so, then using the tire calculator on powerdog.com for example computes a difference between two sizes as a percentage. This percentage to me means nothing because I have no idea what is an acceptable range. I've asked at a local reputable tire shop and at tirerack.com and got different answers from all using the same size wheels (17" front, 18" rear). Anyway, I could go on, but can somebody give me the real scoop on aftermarket wheels/tires?

Thanks!
 
Front/rear tire circumference size differences must be within 5% of stock.

[This message has been edited by Soichiro (edited 28 May 2002).]
 
For the ABS/TCS the front to rear % difference is important. For your speedo/odom/gearing the overall tire diameter is important.

For the tire calculator use the front to rear to see the difference, the use stock vs your front/stock vs your rear to compare overall diameter.

for 17/18 for your TCS/ABS to work and not change the overall diameter by much use:
F: 215/40-17
R: 255/35-18

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92 Red/Blk
 
If I could do it all over again I would not have changed the wheels on my car. IMHO, Unless you keep the same diameter rims and OEM tires you will not be able to duplicate the factory razor sharp handling.
 
for 17/18 for your TCS/ABS to work and not change the overall diameter by much use:
F: 215/40-17
R: 255/35-18

Using a tire calculator for the fronts, OEM 205/50-15's have an overall diameter of 23.1". The 215/40-17's you recommend are 23.8" (a 3.0% difference)and 225/35-17's are 23.2" (a .6% difference). Why would the 225/35-17's not be a better match?
 
There is also a difference between both sizes of stock front tires.

91-93: 205/50-15 (23.1 inches)
94-2001: 215/45-16 (23.6 inches)



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92 Red/Blk
 
Originally posted by RACERnsX:
for 17/18 for your TCS/ABS to work and not change the overall diameter by much use:
F: 215/40-17
R: 255/35-18...

Those are EXACTLY the tire sizes I am using!
biggrin.gif


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'91 Black/Black
 
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