What is the narrowest tire I can run on a 15 X 5.5 Riviera?

[mpate]

I need a little input here. I currently run 195/50 15 on the front, but I feel the tires are to wide on the front. The car has dropped spindles and air ride on the front with a stock beam. The tires have a little bulge off the rim, but I want to run a narrower tire on the wheel and keep the height if possible. Would a 185/50 or 175/60 stretch on the wheel with better results. I figure many of you have tried various combinations. Thanks in advance.
_________________
Matthew Pate

62 Ragtop Beetle
66 Beetle in Progress

[Mike Fisher]

I have run 175/65 & 186/60 on my 2.0 liter Fuchs that are 5.5" wide on the front of my squareback. I have run 195/70 & 205/70 on the rear.
_________________
http://s169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/mr_bojangles500/
69 FI/AT square Daily Driver
66 sunroof,67,71,71,71 AT,72,72 AT Parts
56 & 57 oval ragtop $2,500

[nice-diver]

165R15 on my 5.5 8-spokes...I believe 145 will, always been afraid if 135 would fit though
_________________
many 68's and 70's bugs...i want a 68-71 bus

People are more violently opposed to fur than leather, because it's easier to harrass rich women than motorcycle gangs!

[Dubbydubdub]

narrowest? probably 145.

[ALB]

A 165 or 175 (doesn't matter what profile) will fit quite nicely on a 5.5" rim. The tire calculator I consulted http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=B...;tab=Specs didn't list a 145-15, but did list a 145/65-15 and the widest recommended rim width is 5". I suspect a 145-15 (being about an 80% aspect ratio and much taller than the 145/65) could be safely run on a 5.5" rim. A word of caution- after running 195/50's on the front, you may not like the poorer handling and braking of 145's. A 165 or 175 will fit the rim better and you won't notice the lack of performance you would with the 145's
_________________
On a lifelong mission to prove (much to my wife's dismay) that Immaturity is Forever!!

Slalombuggy- Now I understand my trust issues...

[dragsters for life]

i been running 135 on a 5.5 rim for 18 months with not a hassle
_________________
for t shirts and hoodies contact [email protected]
send them an email and they will take it from there

[smitty24]

Remember, tires stretch a bit to seat the rim. The goal is to get a comfortable seat for the tire to the rim, tight and safe. Depending on how low you are in the front (doesnt sound too bad if you have a stock width beam with 195/50 on it, the 175/60 would work but may be too tall. You may need a lower profile. A 185/50 may not be narrow enough. Also, a thing to consider...I have been through MANY tire/wheel/suspension combos over the years- EVERY brand of tire is different, no matter what the specs say. If a calculator says 25" thus A=B, it does not mean the tire you buy that says it is 25" equates the same as A=B; make sense? My last 195/65 was 25" tall, according to specs on that tire. When I got the tire mounted up, it was more like 24" and a quarter, no matter how I took different measurements. A lot of times it takes me a set of tires or two to get the exact height and safety specs.

How low is the front of your car? Post any current pics?

[Mike Fisher]

That is why I have been running good cheap pairs of Used tires.
_________________
http://s169.photobucket.com/albums/u236/mr_bojangles500/
69 FI/AT square Daily Driver
66 sunroof,67,71,71,71 AT,72,72 AT Parts
56 & 57 oval ragtop $2,500

[smitty24]

I don't trust used tires...seems like false economy.