tire size choices, 5.5" rim

millerje78 · Posted: Mon Jul 19, 2010 3:28 pm Post subject: tire size choices, 5.5" rim

Hey folks

just wondering if anybody has a link for tire size options based on rim width. Question

I have 8 spokes on my 73, I think they are 5.5" in width. I'm wondering how big I can safely go in the back without worrying about sidewall bulge, popping beads, etc. thanks.
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Red Mage · Posted: Mon Jul 19, 2010 4:03 pm Post subject:

This calculator allows you to mess with tire sizes:

http://www.rimsntires.com/rt_specs.jsp

on a 5.5" wheel, you probably don't want to go much larger than a 205mm wide tire unless you're willing to run a large aspect ratio. 205/65R15 is pretty much exactly the same height as stock, and fits fine on a 5.5" wheel, although it does bulge out a bit, it doesn't do so unsafely.
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millerje78 · Posted: Mon Jul 19, 2010 4:08 pm Post subject:

cool man! thanks. I still wish I could find a site that I could enter the wheel specs into and it would spit out safe tire sizes that can be used on that rim. or maybe I'm just dumb and haven't figured it out on the link you gave me.
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do your research, consult with experts, and buy quality parts. you won't be sorry

lupin..the..3rd · Samba Member Joined: December 28, 2009 Posts: 1800

A 205 on a 5.5 inch wheel?? That's almost absurd. Bet it looks like a chocolate donut. I prefer my tires to actually fit on the rim, so I would use a 185 on a 5.5" wheel.

A 205 fits correctly on a 7" wide rim.

What size are you planning to run on the front? Too large of a difference front to back and your braking is going to suck - the fronts will lock up very easily.

TexasAirCooler · Posted: Mon Jul 19, 2010 6:09 pm Post subject:

Oh I don't know, I think a 205 will fit just fine on a 5.5 rim.

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

That would be the ones on the back lupin. Wink

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VOLKSWAGNUT · Posted: Mon Jul 19, 2010 6:14 pm Post subject:

For the rear I use 205 60's and 65's on my Beetles, I currently have 225 70 15's on my Buggy with 8 spokes.
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lupin..the..3rd · Samba Member Joined: December 28, 2009 Posts: 1800

neil68 · Posted: Mon Jul 19, 2010 7:21 pm Post subject: 5.5" wheels

I have 215/65's on my 5.5" Sprintstar wheels, no problems...street driving and racing at the track. Also, know of several others with the same size tire on 5.5's.

Having said that, a 205 or even 195 on 5.5's is also a good combo.
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millerje78 · Posted: Mon Jul 19, 2010 7:28 pm Post subject:

millerje78 · Posted: Mon Jul 19, 2010 7:50 pm Post subject: Re: 5.5" wheels

Phantom440 · Posted: Tue Jul 20, 2010 9:34 am Post subject:

I've got 195/65s on all four with 5.5 wheels...

ps- the tape on the headlights is cuz my hi/low beam switch is stuck on high... not trying to go the "hoodride" route... Wink

Bierboy · Posted: Tue Jul 20, 2010 10:47 am Post subject:

My PO had 225s on the rear with (I believe) stock rims of 5.5". 195s on the lowered front end again with stock rims.

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Ruwaldo · Posted: Tue Jul 20, 2010 11:22 am Post subject:

here are 195/65s front and back on 15x5.5 inch rims...

here are 185/60s all around on 15x5.5 inch rims...

front is lowered 2 1/2" with drop spindles. I'm going to end up going bigger on the back. the gap with the fender is too big and I don't want to drop it. I like the rake.

millerje78 · Posted: Tue Jul 20, 2010 1:25 pm Post subject:

thanks for the reference pictures, guys! very helpful and much appreciated.
_________________
always seeking a better way
my 73 standard project

do your research, consult with experts, and buy quality parts. you won't be sorry

Fattie · Posted: Thu Jul 22, 2010 7:40 pm Post subject:

do you want a HWY friendly size or just driving around town ?

I have a '73 as well and I'm running 195/65r15's ... check out the speed/rpm's

Link

sound like you want to go as wide as you can...

I would suggest 205/65r15 and will be friendly on the HWY

but if your not planning much HWY driving
185/65r15's will "fit" better ... without the tire bulge look

195/65r15 is a happy medium
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DrDarby · Posted: Thu Jul 22, 2010 8:49 pm Post subject:

195/65R15 is a perfect size for a 5.5" wheel and is nearly stock in height.
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