New Wheels and Tires for Stock 1987 XR4Ti

[DomMazzone]

I have a completely stock '87 and have the OEM 15" x 5.5" + 41 mm offset wheels with 195/60-15 OEM tires that is just back on the road after 8 years. Tires are bad, brittle and need to be replaced. I would like to go up in wheel size and tires. Can you help me with what wheels 16" or 17", width and offset would be a good fit without rubbing. Also the right tire size for each wheel. I know I need to stay at 24.2-24.3" tire diameter.
Help greatly appreciated!
Dom Mazzone

[andyofcolumbusmerkur]

I like a 195 on a 6 (but 5.5 is ok) a 205 on a 6.5 (but 6 is ok) a 215 on a 7 (but 6.5 is ok) etc. But not all tires are really the same size even if the numbers say they are. Some 33 inch mud tires are 33.1 inches high while another may be 32.8 inches high for example. A 205 Azenis sport sure looks wider than a 205 Mastercraft. My basket weaves (15x5.5) came with bald 205/50/15 kumhos squeezed on them and the tire shop agreed to put toyo extenza hp 195/50/15's on them for me. I like the lower final drive ratio (than stock sized). The car in the avatar has a 225 on a 17x7 which looks better but is making the car slower. Put the smallest wheel that will fit over you brakes. A tire that is available. Lower profile if you can. Wider rim if you can. See what combination a successful autocrosser is running. Ask if they have wheel spacers, ground off the high spots on there PBR calipers, have rubbing issues etc. And keep a daily with oem stuff and a working speedo for perspective. Good luck

[John Brennan]

I run 16 x 7 x 38mm wheels with 205/50 Yokohama S-Drives, and that works very well on a street car with mild mods and driven con brio.
However, there are not a bunch of tires in 16" any more, so if I had to replace them, I'd probably go 17 x 7 and run a 205/45 or even a 215/40 tire, but I would only run the latter with suspension mods (including going for 0° camber, which these cars like), and finding a more round-shouldered tire design which will accommodate the camber changes that our suspension makes under use.
There are still a lot of good tires in 205/50 15 size, so that's another option which will yield less unsprung weight, as long as the wheel design has good clearance to allow for brake upgrades.

[thesameguy]

I really liked 205/50-16 on the XR, but as noted even 16" tires are going extinct.

I switched to 215/45-17 probably ten years ago and have been very happy. I tried 225 but lost a bit of fun in the process so went back to 215. For the street, it's a good mix.

[DomMazzone]

I run 16 x 7 x 38mm wheels with 205/50 Yokohama S-Drives, and that works very well on a street car with mild mods and driven con brio.
However, there are not a bunch of tires in 16" any more, so if I had to replace them, I'd probably go 17 x 7 and run a 205/45 or even a 215/40 tire, but I would only run the latter with suspension mods (including going for 0° camber, which these cars like), and finding a more round-shouldered tire design which will accommodate the camber changes that our suspension makes under use.
There are still a lot of good tires in 205/50 15 size, so that's another option which will yield less unsprung weight, as long as the wheel design has good clearance to allow for brake upgrades.

Thanks John - I have been researchig this and thought that the 205/45-17 would be the best option for my car with 17" wheels +40 mm offset. I am hoping that the wheel/tire will fit in the front also without rubbing. Do you think it should be OK and not rub against the spring perch?

[John Brennan]

Most likely, yes.

[DomMazzone]

I want to thank you guys for responding to my post on wheels and tires. At first I wasn't sure what would work best but will most likely go with 17 x 17" + 40 mm offset and 205/45-17 front and back. I guess if I have trouble with spring perch in front could go to 195/45-17 or 200/45-17 for front only. Hope that is not necessary.


Dom Mazzone
1987 XR4Ti bought new
2004 BMW M3

[John Brennan]

I want to thank you guys for responding to my post on wheels and tires. At first I wasn't sure what would work best but will most likely go with 17 x 17" + 40 mm offset and 205/45-17 front and back. I guess if I have trouble with spring perch in front could go to 195/45-17 or 200/45-17 for front only. Hope that is not necessary.


Dom Mazzone
1987 XR4Ti bought new
2004 BMW M3

If you have issues with that combo, I'd just use a small spacer. I don't think you will.

Don't forget maybe longer studs and properly-angled lug nuts for your wheels.