I have the 16" wheels on my 1LT. Will a 225/45 tire fit in the wheel wells OK? On the stock rims? May use them for snows and get an aftermarket wheel...something that looks like a torq thrust or something classic. Would prefer a 50 series tire though, if possible...any suggestions?

Jim

 

Hi Jim. A 225/45/16 would be quite a bit shorter than your stock tire, and only about 10mm wider overall. The added width is not a problem, but I don't think you want to go down on height. The sidewall would be over half an inch shorter, and well over an inch shorter overall. It would throw your speedometer off 5% and not help with mileage either.

As far as the wheels, we've had several customers choose the Euromax 612 because they are styled similar to the Torq Thrust. It's hard to get the dished look of the classic due to the high offset required on the HHR.

 

Perhaps a 225/50/16? I am reallynot into the "rubber bands on rims" look. Need some sidewall showing for me!

Jim

 

Your stock 16-inch tires are 55 series, so why go down to a 50-series?

You can fit a 225/55/16, no problem. Sidewall would just a slightly taller than stock by about 2/10ths of an inch. Ans also wider by that amount per side.

 

Wow, Just the info I was looking for! Thanks a million. I have seen a few threads on the stock Firestones that are unflattering. I would like to go with an aftermarket, classic style, stock size, chrome rim. An extra 10mm of width would be cool, then use stock rims for winter tires of stock size. 225/55/16 in a nice looking/performing/comfortable tire would suit me fine. Any feedback on tire brands? I am biased against anything with "stone" in the name and Uniroyals (past bad experiences). I like Michelin/BF Goodrich/Yokohamas/Kumho/Pirrelli/Goodyear and a variety of others. I usually check out the tirerack.com, etc. Thinking of a set of American Racing rims.

Jim

 

Oh ya, while I am at it, will there be any clearance issues if I drop it 1.5-2"?

Jim

 

You mentioned that you check out Tire Rack. If you look into the specs on any tire, they have the data that may help you decide on a different size. The important one to compare to your stock is the REV / MI to keep the speedometer and odometer as close as possible.

There's a lot of user feedback and looking at things like wet weather performance ratings, etc. should help you decide what best suits your driving and climate.

As for brands, it really is getting confusing anymore. Many of the old US brands are now owned and produced by others. For example: Firestone = Bridgestone and B F Goodrich and Uniroyal = Michelin.

As for possible rubbing, especially with a drop, the biggest issue will be the rear fender lip at some point. If the offset deviates much from the stock 42 mm (less than 42 will shift the tire/rim outward) or the tread width gets wider, the more likely having to get your fenders rolled.

 

Did not see a calculater on their site so I did it myself. This is what I came up with.
Stock 215/55/16 = 25.31" high (total dia.)
225/50/17 = 25.85" high
225/55/16 = 25.74" high
They recommend staying within 3% which is about 3/4 of an inch. There are not many 16" chrome rims I like on the site so I checked the 17's too. I am kinda partial to the Montegi Racing DV5's 17X7...wish it was a 16", maybe another brand. Lots of time though, gotta let the bank acct. recover lol

Jim

 

http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html

this may help. on same note anyone have an idea of widest tire possible. maybe 235or245?

 

that would make a 235/50/16 almost a perfect match at .2%.....but will they fit....with 2" drop???

Jim