Tallest Tire to fit the Sonic LTZ (17" OEM wheel)

[LorbeerTLC]

Does anyone know what the tallest tire size is that will fit on a Sonic LTZ OEM rim of 17"? Not the widest, but the tallest for height.
This is to minimize rim damage due to huge potholes.

 

[The Champ]

If you want more sidewall, go to 16" rims. That will give you 1" more sidewall (.5" top and bottom).

Adding the same inch of sidewall on a 17" rim you'll change your effective gear ratio and your speedometer will be off.

The OE tire height is about 25" - whether you have 15, 16 or 17" wheels.

If you want to stay with your 17's - a 205/55/17 (25.9" tall) should tuck in the wheel wells.

 

[LorbeerTLC]

If you want more sidewall, go to 16" rims. That will give you 1" more sidewall (.5" top and bottom).

Adding the same inch of sidewall on a 17" rim you'll change your effective gear ratio and your speedometer will be off.

The OE tire height is about 25" - whether you have 15, 16 or 17" wheels.

If you want to stay with your 17's - a 205/55/17 (25.9" tall) should tuck in the wheel wells.

Thanks!

I want to keep the stock wheels and get maximum height without modifying the suspension. We have some steep driveways where the front end brushes against the ground when entering the street.

My main concern is the tire clearance against the front struts. The speedo error will be taken into consideration.

 

[Hotrodder07]

If you want more sidewall, go to 16" rims. That will give you 1" more sidewall (.5" top and bottom).

Adding the same inch of sidewall on a 17" rim you'll change your effective gear ratio and your speedometer will be off.

The OE tire height is about 25" - whether you have 15, 16 or 17" wheels.

If you want to stay with your 17's - a 205/55/17 (25.9" tall) should tuck in the wheel wells.

Would 225/45/17's fit ok for 17" 7.5 rims? Friend of mine has tires of that specification that he's looking to sell.

 

[LorbeerTLC]

If you want more sidewall, go to 16" rims. That will give you 1" more sidewall (.5" top and bottom).

Adding the same inch of sidewall on a 17" rim you'll change your effective gear ratio and your speedometer will be off.

The OE tire height is about 25" - whether you have 15, 16 or 17" wheels.

If you want to stay with your 17's - a 205/55/17 (25.9" tall) should tuck in the wheel wells.

I'm now thinking about a 215/50R17/XL 95V size tire for my stock 17" LTZ wheels. I'd rather go up in height (215) than width (55). Even though the speedo will be off (I'll just remember 53mph will be about 55mph).

The front struts are my main concern. I'll have to check and see if they'll clear.

 

[Stew]

I'm now thinking about a 215/50R17/XL 95V size tire for my stock 17" LTZ wheels. I'd rather go up in height (215) than width (55). Even though the speedo will be off (I'll just remember 53mph will be about 55mph).

Oops, got that backwards. 215 is your width, 55 is your height.

 

[laborsmith]

Stock 17" wheels width is 6.5" including the RS, if memory serves.

Laborsmith

 

[Swordsmith]

If you have a tune you can probably get the induced speedometer error compensated for.

I believe the real question is, if the stock tires are 25 inch overall diameter, whats the largest overall diameter that can fit in the wheel wells..

Factors that would affect this would be how lowered you are, and how wide and what offset your tires have; the rear tires aren't a big issue, but the front tires have to be able to turn.

 

[LorbeerTLC]

Oops, got that backwards. 215 is your width, 55 is your height.

*Homer Simpson's voice*
"D'OH!!"
*slaps forehead* "You're right!"
Time to start the weekend... *sounds of a beer can opening*

 

[SmoothSonic]

My dealership is offering 20" wheels for my car. I thought 17" was the maximum

 

[LorbeerTLC]

My dealership is offering 20" wheels for my car. I thought 17" was the maximum

The only thing I caution about a larger wheel is that you'll have less rubber between the wheel and the road. You'll notice bumps a lot more and you'll increase the risk of rim damage if you hit large potholes.