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Tires differance ( width? )

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Old Jan 28, 2009 | 07:59 PM
  #1  
VABEACHPONYGURL's Avatar
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Default Tires differance ( width? )

OK.. so I was going to buy myself the Deep Dish Chrome Bullitts... But I guess not.. Finances are not allowing it!

So a question I have is... My stock tires/rims are 225-55-16 which is what all of my tires are. The front two are OK, as I just put them on last year... Now... That is the same tire size I am looking for, and locally found someone who has... 225-60-16 tires... can those be put on the back.. with the same rims, and keep the others on the front?

I have no idea.. and don't want to look like a complete idiot, but I would hate to buy these and find out I can't!!!! I know the 60 is the width, don't know if that can be changed per rim, or car.. or..

Well you get the idea.. lol any help would be appreciated greatly.. OHHH

And.. since I have the regular 5 spoke rims... How much does it cost to get them chrome, instead of buying new ones? I like them chrome... as that is what my friends CObra had and it looked SO much better.. I know I can't just buy any ol chrome spraypaint and do it.. so.. I figured I would see if anyone knows what it costs to have them painted/dipped? Thanks
Old Jan 28, 2009 | 08:54 PM
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225 is the width of the tire. The 60 is the height of the side wall. The sidewall size is a certain percentage of the actual width of the tire. So a 225/60R16, the sidewall would be 60% of the width of the tire tall. Hope that didn't confuse you too much.
Old Jan 29, 2009 | 08:19 AM
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BA is correct

Your current 225/55/16" tires are 25.7" diameter
..... Proposed 225/60/16" tires are 26.6" diameter

That means the car will sit just a smidge under 1/2" taller in back and your speedometer will be out of calibration by approx. 5mph at 70mph, if memory serves. You will also loose 1/2" of space between the tire and fender as far as the gap is concerned. The tires will fit and run just fine and the speedo can be calibrated via hand-held tuner by Ford or probably your tire shoppe.

The issue that arrises, and this comes up frequently, is the differential in tire diameters between front/rear and the ABS brakes. The brakes will continue to work fine, but the sensors will pick up the different rotational speeds and may flash the "ABS" warning light on dash at times. Your tire dealer will be able to explain exactly what happens and how to address it. Hopefully one day, Colin (Tire Rack sponsor here) or someone will chime in with the % of differential that will begin the ABS warning issues and help us out. In fact, I will post that very question in a moment in a new thread

As for chrome plating/painting your wheels.....bad idea . This is more expensive and troublesome than just purchasing new wheels. You may also want to go wider wheels if looking for a more sporty appearance to your ride. There are probably THOUSANDS of aftermarket wheels you can purchase starting around $500 for a set of four. If you cannot afford new wheels now, but want them later, I suggest you purchase the most economical tires to run on your car. If you eventually buy new wheels, you will most likely want to go wider and the current tires will probably not fit. If you buy new wheels that are the same size as current ones, you can re-use your tires if they still have enough tread to warrant it.

HTH

Jazzer
Old Jan 29, 2009 | 02:41 PM
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Thanks for everything.. I think I will stick with the regular size. I wasn't going for the look, just looking for a deal, lol and those tires were a better deal... I do plan on buying new Wheels eventually, so I have been looking for CHEAP tires... but tires that are halfway decent.. cheapest I found were online for about 53 bucks each and like.. 13 each for shipping... Locally I can't even find that.. then it is a matter of finding a decent price to redo them.. assuming I also need valve stems? I am completely confused!!! LOL
Old Jan 29, 2009 | 03:32 PM
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I would recommend you bring your car to a local Tire Rack or Mom & Pop shoppe that does tires/wheels. Talk to them about your plans for now and possible wheel upgrade in the future. I always like to purchase/install new tires locally. You would need someone to install your new tires anyway, so pay them to ship the wheels and cover them under their warranty. You will spend a little more money this way, generally, but get good service and not have to deal with any issues with defective tires or possibly purchasing the incorrect ones by mistake. You may also discuss the possiblity of finding some wheels you like and see if the tires you buy now, will work for those wheels in the future. That way, you may find that buying cheap tires is NOT the way to go, as you may be able to install them on your new wheels at a latter date.

Everyone who's been here for any length of time, knows my thoughts on tires. They are the single most important item keeping your car on the road, next to the driver him.... (or in THIS case) HERself . I don't know what kind of driving you do, but a good tire shoppe will help you decide on the many different styles that will suite your driving needs as well as road conditions you face.

HTH

Jazzer
Old Jan 29, 2009 | 04:16 PM
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....could go with a 245/50-16 on the rear tires if you wanted a fatter tire out back! ...same ride height as a 225/55-16
Old Jan 29, 2009 | 06:08 PM
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OK.. so last Question..

so.. I am looking for tires that just aren't bald lol that will pass state inspection... will worry about the rest later!

Now... with my 225-55-16..... those would be what fits the rim correctly?

There is a guy who has a set of 235 - 55 - 16.... a hundred bucks, they look GREAT... can I put those on ALL the way around.. on my rims?
Old Jan 29, 2009 | 07:29 PM
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As your wheels are very likely to be 7" wide, a 235/55/16" tire will be fine. The 225/55/16" wheels you currently run are only a little thinner and are just fine as well.

You need to take your driving needs into consideration along with your budget. In general, a softer tire (lower UTQG rating) will offer better tracktion for corners and acceleration, but cost more. A harder tire (higher UTQG rating) will last longer, be quieter and be cheaper.

Talk to your tire shoppe and discuss all this and will help you make a good decision.

Jazzer
Old Jan 29, 2009 | 07:29 PM
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Originally Posted by VABEACHPONYGURL
OK.. so last Question..

so.. I am looking for tires that just aren't bald lol that will pass state inspection... will worry about the rest later!

Now... with my 225-55-16..... those would be what fits the rim correctly?

There is a guy who has a set of 235 - 55 - 16.... a hundred bucks, they look GREAT... can I put those on ALL the way around.. on my rims?
the 235's will work, BUT they are going to be a little Taller then the 225's...your speedo will be off! ...maybe change the speedo gear (add one tooth) to correct if you buy the 235's...so if your car has a 18 tooth speedo, you could correct with a 19 tooth speedo gear...We're talking a Fox body Pony, correct?

235's 26.14" high
225's 25.67" high
Old Jan 29, 2009 | 08:03 PM
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Timmaaaaaaa is correct

I figure you will only be off by about 2mph at 70mph, so may will not even notice unless you DRIVE like him as well

..... When ever I ride shot-gun with him, I am always saying "SLOW DOWN....TIMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA"


The Jaz



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