correct tire sizes?!

[vonhep]

Ive been to just about every tire webite I can think of and actually finding a matched set of 16 or 17" tires is all but impossible if you keep at least a couple 10ths difference in diameter front to rear.

stock front 155/60-15 = 22.32" diameter
stock rear 175/55-15 = 22.58" diameter

so here's a couple options that seem like they make sense:

195/40-16 front 22.14" diameter
205/40-16 rear 22.45"diameter
Seems perfect, a little closer in width to lessen understeer, a little smaller diameter but still 3 10ths difference...Great! plenty of choices of rears, but no matching fronts.

195/35-17
205/35-17
perfect diameters, but same deal, no matching sets.

I dare ya, find a set of suitable tires in 16 or 17", they don't exist. You will either end up with too much width difference causing more understeer (i.e.175 fr, 215 rr) or too much/not enough diameter difference front to rear.

Maybe 195/40-16 front and rear is the answer? .26" diameter is only .13" of tread depth, seems like the ECU will have to have at least that much tolerance.

[SMARTIEPANTS]

has anyone tried using the rear wheels for the front and then using 195/50/15 all the way around, will the fronts clear , i thing their is plenty of room in the rear

[evoluzione]

Originally Posted by vonhep

...a little closer in width to lessen understeer...

have you been having problems with understeer on your smart?


regards,

ken

[SMARTIEPANTS]

i think with the esp thing kicking in it's hard to get out of shape,, coming around a freeway ramp yesterday i thought it was very intrusive, ain't gona be very good for drifting

[WJReiss4]

I like:

175/55R15 F
195/50R15 R

for the best in handling and no signifigant loss of wheel HP. This is the sizes used on the very nice looking 6-spoke wheel which USA is apparently not getting for 2008. The wheels are wider than the ugly 9-spokes too.

If I am going to spend (some might say waste) money on wheels, I'd prefer a 17" wheel in the correct offsets which would permit a 195 or 205 on the front and a nice wide 225 or 235 on the rear. Flares would be ok if required.

These are of course my opinions only

Bill

[WJReiss4]

Based on what others have been able to do, these sizes seem to be a good choice:

205/40R17
225/35R17

TireRack lists limited supply for both sizes in the Pirelli PZero Nero. They should be a bit over 23" tall.

[oilman930]

Here are the correct tyre sizes for a smart. These sizes cames out the of smart uk accessories catalog.

15 inch wheels (All models)

Front: 155/60 R15 Rear: 175/55 R15
or
Front: 175/55 R15 Rear: 195/50R15


16 inch wheels (All models)

Front: 175/50 R16 Rear: 215/40 R16

This size requires wider rear wheel arches



16 inch/17 inch (BRABUS model only)

Front: 175/60 R16 Rear: 225/35 R17

This size requires wider rear wheel arches

[smartass1]

BINGO!!!! I called Tire Rack - Your performance experts for tires and wheels and talked to Sonny at ext 698. He gave me the best answer! If you purchase a set of five 15X5 wheels for the car including a spare wheel and note that if the car is new, 3 additional 175/55/R15 tires, he told me that everything will fit and not mess with the car. I have seen a picture of a spare mounted on the back of a smart car. If that can indeed be done, the problem is solved! Now I need to decide which bank to rob for the money! Oh crap my Smartie won't make a very good getaway car! LOL!!!

[iconpyro]

I ordered a set of 16 X 7s I am going with 195/45/16s. I thought I was going to go staggered on the set but I just evened them out all the way around rather than deal with the size differences. I also can fit the 205/45/16s.

[GiantKiller]

Originally Posted by oilman930

Here are the correct tyre sizes for a smart. These sizes cames out the of smart uk accessories catalog.

15 inch wheels (All models)

Front: 155/60 R15 Rear: 175/55 R15
or
Front: 175/55 R15 Rear: 195/50R15


16 inch wheels (All models)

Front: 175/50 R16 Rear: 215/40 R16

This size requires wider rear wheel arches



16 inch/17 inch (BRABUS model only)

Front: 175/60 R16 Rear: 225/35 R17

This size requires wider rear wheel arches

Not really, not too bad. I have 7.5x17'' wheel with 195/40 tire front. With 9.5x17" 225/35 rear. No rub any where. Understeer was slight with stock. Now can't get the front to slide at all. Could go wider on the rear. Right now just for looks more than anything. If I get to do the smartuki kit, I'll need all the tire I can get.
If you want to see them on car check my gallery.