Increase tire sizing on OEM 15/16?

[Gumby]

Hi ,I have a set of original 15/16s that came with my car (1993), and I'd like to put something on them for the occasional trip to an autocross event or to the track--but still drive on the street.

Can anyone suggest whether 225-45-15 and 245-40-16 will work on these rims? I seem to remember specs being 15x6.5 and 16x8.

Been looking at some A032s or equivalent for tires. Car is all stock save early Comtech headers/exhaust.

thanks!

 

[nsxtasy]

You would need wider wheels for 225/45-16 (7.0-8.5" widths). And I've never heard of 245/40-16 tires.

If you're not competing for trophies/points (and I'm guessing you're not, since you mention the long-discontinued A032), do what I do - get R comp tires in the stock sizes for the track, and pack them inside the car, then drive to the track on your street tires.

 

[Gumby]

NSXTASY-hey thanks for the video and the R compound thoughts.

Will the OEMs hold 225s up front a nd 245s in the rear? Looking for just a tad more tire on each corner.

Soon I'll be off to pack up the car, helmet and all.

 

[nsxtasy]

Will the OEMs hold 225s up front a nd 245s in the rear?

As I noted above, most 225/45-15 R compound tires (such as the Hoosier R6) aren't approved for mounting on 15x6.5 wheels. I don't know which 245 size you're looking at; the 245/45-16 is usually approved for 7.5-9.0" widths so it's probably okay.

Anything bigger than the '91-93 stock sizes, you probably won't be able to fit inside the car. The tightest fit is the front tire behind the passenger seat.

 

[Gumby]

After reading a bit more on tires, geometry, etc., I accidentally found a set of Michelin Pilot Sport Cups in standard sizes--205-50-15 and 225-50-16. They've been heat cycled and have been sitting.

For the price, it gets me where I want to go, preserves geometry, and will fit on the stock rims without question. And, since my track time will be limited, the setup won't set me back more than $350.

Thanks again for the help.