tyre sizes - any wriggle room?

Hi,

I'm looking for some new tyres to put on some plus rims (225/45/16) but it's not a popular size - is it possible (and safe) to fit something like 225/50/16?

Bit of research shows that size would just make the tyre wall a bit higher (1cm more than standard 205's).

Other than putting my speedo 5% out I guess that could cause problem with rubbing on the arches - especially as I'm on eibach lowering springs already.

Anyone tried this and know if it works or should I give up and get Falkens?

I had a moment of doubt the other day, having just put 225/45x17's on my Momo Sport 17" wheels. I had 215/45's on before, and have had 225/45x16's on the standard wheels, but now I have FK coilovers and it's lower than standard.

When the car is jacked up, the top inside edge of the front tyres touch the coilover but once on the floor and the suspension has settled, it's OK. At full lock I do get some rubbing on the inner wheel arch, not sure how much of a problem that is. The rear tyres are very close to the wheelarch, not sure I can even poke a finger in the gap, so not sure if I need to roll the arches. Actually I used to get that on my old Fiat Dino Coupe but I've long since forgotten what tyres I fitted and what was standard.

I prefer 225's to give better rim protection, and I went higher profile to give larger overall diameter to reduce the speedo error. At a true GPS 70mph, the old 225/45x16 on stabndard wheels gave 77mph on speedo (albeit they were almost bald tyres) whereas now I get 72mph indicated.

Several people have fitted 205/55x16 on standard wheels (they're cheaper than 205/50x16), and I was all ready to do that too (or go for 225/50x16, but that's the most expensive option).

Here are the prices for Toyo T1-R delivered from www.tyetraders.com + £30 to fit

205/50x16 - £285.25
205/55x16 - £253.77 (but Bracknell tyres quoted £244.60 fully fitted)
225/50x16 - £347.83
225/45x16 - £328.72

215/45x17 - £307.33
225/45x17 - £317.98

Hmm interesting, didn't realise you could chop and change so much.

That makes me wonder - would it be possible to put 205/50/16 tyres onto the plus rims?

Of course you can DaveM!

Yep, the plus rims are the same width as standard 20vt wheels.
The wider tyre does look better though, gives the car a slightly meaner stance from behind.

It does, got 225's on now, but I'm quite keen on Michelin tyres (balance of comfort and grip) and they don't do 225/45.