Tire Size Options for 16x8 & 9?

onewhippedpuppy · 08-23-2012, 12:21 PM

I may be picking up an '88 Carrera project, and one of the first requirements will be tires. Currently it has 225/45-16 front and 245/45-16 rear, wheels are HRE 16x8 and 16x9. Options in the current size are terrible. Many of the turbo guys seem to be running 225/50-16 and 265/45-16 on their 8/9 combos, but options are limited there as well. I'd prefer to go with a UHP all-season to cover driving at low temps, which do not exist in any of the above sizes. There's lots of choices available in the stock sizes of 205/55-16 front and 225/50-16 rear. So, the questions:

1. Are there any other sizes available that are close to the current 225/45 and 245/45?
2. Could I safely install the stock sizes 205/55 and 225/50 on 16x8 and 9? It seems like a lot of stretch for the tire size.

Halm · 08-23-2012, 12:44 PM

IMO, up front a 225/50 would be fine. In the rear, either 245/45 or 255/50 should fit. 245/45 is a "correct size" tire meaning no speedo error.

Bridgestone recently introduced the RE-11 in 245/45, but it is an extreme summet tire. A great tire but not all season. There is also an unknown (to me, anyway) brand Nexus that has the size and it may be closer to what you are looking for.

onewhippedpuppy · 08-23-2012, 01:08 PM

Thanks Hal. If I went 225/50 and 245/45 I would go with the RE-11, I have RE-960 on my RX8 and have been very happy. I'm not big on the Korean Nexens, I tend to be paranoid about cheaping out on tires. That's a decent option, though I'd still really like to get an A/S tire.

89911 · 08-23-2012, 02:34 PM

Currently running 8's and 9's on my 89 with 225/45/16 and 245/45/16 Toyo RA 1's. I needed the smaller ratio up front for the rim offsets lowered ride. They have worked out well although you can't get them through tire rack. They come in a lot of odd ball sizes that I hope they don't discontinue any time soon.

JAR0023 · JAR0023's Garage

I also have 8s and 9s on a Carrera. I just ordered a set of the Nexen n3000. We'll see. The get decent reviews. I'm not sure why people get the heeby jeebies over south Korean made tires when Toyos are made in China. They are half the cost of the RE11s. My car is a daily driver.

When I was searching I found that there is another cheap tire out that can be had in 245/45r16. It's a Primewell being sold at Firstone. It looks similar to and is supposed to take the place of the now defunct Fusion ZRi. It gets horrible reviews.

Search here on the Nexen if interested. Several Pelicans are running them. A PM might get more info from a 911 perspective.

J

onewhippedpuppy · 08-23-2012, 04:50 PM

Maybe I'm a but of a tire snob, but I have trouble with the less common brands. A friend has Nexen tires on his GTi and was less than impressed, though I'm not sure which model.

LJ851 · 08-23-2012, 05:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 89911

Currently running 8's and 9's on my 89 with 225/45/16 and 245/45/16 Toyo RA 1's. I needed the smaller ratio up front for the rim offsets lowered ride. They have worked out well although you can't get them through tire rack. They come in a lot of odd ball sizes that I hope they don't discontinue any time soon.

Where did you find 225 45 16 RA1 tires? I would run the combo you have in a heartbeat if i can find them.

89911 · 08-23-2012, 05:46 PM

Sorry, confused with my old track tires. I have ToyoT1R's and no, they are no longer available on their website but I was able to track down a few at some tire sites on the web. They are a good tire if you can find them.

onewhippedpuppy · 08-24-2012, 03:44 AM

Thanks for the input guys. Regarding #2, would the original sizes even fit a 8" and 9" wheel?

javadog · 08-24-2012, 06:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by onewhippedpuppy

Thanks for the input guys. Regarding #2, would the original sizes even fit a 8" and 9" wheel?

Look at the tire maufacturers' specs for fitment. They will tell you what the approve rim widths are for each tire. Not all brands are the same.

Buy the RE-11's in 225/50 and 245/45 sizes and just don't push the car to it's limits in winter. It's not like they quit working altogether in cold temperatures. I'd rather have a better tire in the 3/4th's of the year that I mostly use a car like this than one that is best during the time of the year that I park the car.

JR

onewhippedpuppy · 08-24-2012, 08:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by javadog

Look at the tire maufacturers' specs for fitment. They will tell you what the approve rim widths are for each tire. Not all brands are the same.

Buy the RE-11's in 225/50 and 245/45 sizes and just don't push the car to it's limits in winter. It's not like they quit working altogether in cold temperatures. I'd rather have a better tire in the 3/4th's of the year that I mostly use a car like this than one that is best during the time of the year that I park the car.

JR

Thanks JR. I've been doing some research this morning, most don't recommend using the 205/55 on an 8" wheel and I found some forum reports from people that have difficulty getting the beads to seat. That's too much stretch for me to feel comfortable, so I'll probably be going the RE-11 route.