Why is the norm for those with hondas and aftermarket rims to run 205's? I've just followed suit for all these years and I recently decided to get some 215/40's because the 205's I wanted weren't in stock. I was afraid of rubbing, but there is none. They ride great and have the same sidewall height as 205/45's so my speedo is correct.

Any insight? CivicSiRacer, I'd like your thoughts on this.

 

not a lot of good 215mm 15's out there? My rims are 6.5" (as are the most common honda 15's) and thats too narrow to fit 215's properly.

If I had 15x7 wheels, I'd look into it :dunno:

 

I have 16x7's

 

i thought u were selling the civic
....u trader

 

I'm running 195/55 Ziex's on my stock Si rims, I like the look and the ride of them.

 

I was contemplating the same thing ( :reechy: suggested it to me) and thought it'd be a great idea. The only thing that worries me is that I have a 16x7" wheel, but the offset is +37mm so I'm thinking that the rubbing might be worse. But depending on the brand, some tire manufacturer's have the same diameter tire for their 205/45 as they do 215/40 (some might be smaller).

So when my Spec II's give out, I'm getting a set of 215/40's. :goodjob:

 

I bought my rims off CivicSiRacer (16x7.5 Kosei K1's) and he had 215/40 tires on it. I replaced them with 205/45 to get a little more sidewall. I had a small rubbing issue in the front by my civic's also been hit in the front and I know the inner fenders are distorted slightly. There's 2 rub spots on the inner wheel well on both sides where they still touch a little at full lock. I don't really drive the thing hard enough, nor does it have enough power to really justify bigger rubber and I found a wider selection and cheaper prices for the 205 tires.

 

Is there any performance benefit using one over the other?

Btw, I have these tires on my car, I'm just curious as to the constant use of 205s over 215s. I'm still selling the car, but when tires are bald, they need to be changed. h:

 

Yes there is a performance benefit from 215/40x16". For a Civic at least the gearing is lower, but you suffer (at least I did) on the highway. At 80mph I was going 5000-5500rpms. Annoying! I didn't have any rubbing issues when I ran 215/40x16" with 16x7.5" rims back in 2000-2001.

 

I have 215x45x16, on 16x7's ... I went to the tire shop, and I asked them what was the closest thing they could give me to match the diameter of the stock wheel/tire, and they said 215's would be my best bet. Also, the Kumho 215's have a small lip that sticks out, and it kinda protects the wheel, which is nice...

As far as I know, performance benefits, depend on what you are going to be doing with the car....?