pmilf103

Okay so my dad sent me money for a new set of tires. Right now my 97 Base Mustang has 205/65 R15 tires on it. Doesn't look too fancy... I have the stock Mustang 15x7in wheels on it, and buying new rimes isn't really an option right now. I want to go with a lower aspect ratio and as wide as possible, but I want to double check what sizes will not rub on my wheel well. I think 225 is as wide as I can fit on the wheel. Can I do something like 225/50 R15 and be alright?

neo8222

the width should be good but if you lower the "aspect" or sidewall you will lose MPG, top speed and off set the speedometer plus with lower profile tires on stock 15" rims it will actually look worse than it does now.

RogerDodger1

A P205/65R-15 has a height of 25.5"

The safe load carrying capacity for this size is 1,400 lbs. per tire.

If you are going to try to use a different size, the above two specifications need to be adhered to as closely as possible. The height is an issue because if you were to use a taller or shorter tire, the speedometer of the vehicle will read incorrectly. The safe load carrying capacity is a safety issue.

A P215/60R-15 is slightly too short and will throw off the speedometer and also has less safe load carrying capacity than the O.E. size.

A P225/50R-15 is much shorter than the P205/65R-15 and also has less load carrying capacity, so that isn't a good choice either.

The P225/60R-15's, with only being 20 mm wider, should fit fine and they actually have more load carrying capacity than the O.E. size at 1,521 lbs. per tire. This size stands 25.6" tall so is very close to the O.E. tire height of 25.5".

Here are the specifications for the stock P205/65R-15 size -

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....num=065TR5TTAT

Here are the specs for the P225/60R-15 size -

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....26SR5RADTARWL2

When you compare the two size, you will see that the P225/60R-15 size is very, very close to the O.E. tire height, has more load carrying capacity, but is wider, which is what you're looking for. A wider tire will provide better handling, but wont be as good in the snow as a narrower size and generally wider tires reduce fuel economy. This size is called a plus zero fitment, where the rim diameter is not changed.

Whatever tire store you purchase your tires from, be sure to test fit the new tire size on the front, (if they fit on the front, they should also fit on the rear), while your car is still in the shop and turn the steering wheel from lock to lock, left and right, with someone laying on the ground with a strong light and their hands feeling for tire clearance to be absolutely sure the new tire size doesn't hit anything and cut a sidewall. A good rule of thumb if is you can fit your hand between the tire and the frame, or whatever, the tire should be fine. If you drive away with your new tires and a few days later notice they are hitting, some tire stores will give you a hard time about taking back the tires and putting something else on, because now they are stuck with used tires and can't sell them for the regular retail price. So be certain to check tire clearance before you leave the store.

Also, make sure you have a good thrust angle alignment done with your new tires so they don't wear out prematurely, the car will deliver better fuel economy and it will handle better too.

I hope this has been of help. Let me know how you make out with it, or if you need a hand.

B.F.Goodrich T/A Certified Tire Specialist

TurtleSLow

i would go 225/55 or 225/60

ByPopularDemand

^^^This