215 40 17
- Thread starter ND4MSP
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ND4MSP said:
I've got 215/40ZR17 Goodyear Eagle F1's on my MP3. It is very tight, but I haven't heard or felt any ususual rubbing. And compared to the 205/40-17s that were on there before, they are much better riding and really quiet, but at-the-limit grip isn't really any better, perhaps marginally worse. I highly recommend these tires and fortunately only had to pay $110 installed per tire for mine. Some deal
I started a thread recently in the MP3 section if you want more information on the 215 size. Apparently some brands will rub because of the contact patch. I know that the MazdaSpeed suspension is marginally different, but they should be close enough to be reliable. Good luck
oh, and my tires look plenty wide. Well, I mean, as wide as you're likely to see on most FWD Japanese cars. Beyond 215 or 225, I'm not convinced the performance benefits are really that great on the front wheels. For high horsepower or ultimate grip, i personally favor the compound/tread design over the width. I've even heard of cases where 195-16s or 205-16s have outhandled wider-tired 17+ inch wheels.
the middle numbers (aspect ratio) are just the height of the sidewall proportional to the width (first numbers). the lower the number, the shorter the sidewall. benefits can be less flexing of the sidewalls and improved responsiveness of the steering. possibly better handling but depending how far of a difference you switched from one to another will determine the dramatic difference of ride quality you will feel. a taller sidewall will help better cushion the ride but will be less responsive. do your research. there are several tires out there that have flatter sidewalls and some with sidewalls that curve so some might clear better then others while others maybe better for different driving habits.
speedhawaii
Member
exactly
Bump, I'm just curious if anybody has some technical break down, of what are the advantages and disadvantages from 215/45/17 to 215/40/17.
I am actually thinking about this for my next tire purchase (which won't be for a while)and would like hard numbers and facts to make a decision.
I am actually thinking about this for my next tire purchase (which won't be for a while)and would like hard numbers and facts to make a decision.
won't be much...it will possibly make your speedo read faster than you are actually going, since the overall diameter of the tire is smaller. It also may make your tires look too small for the wheel well. I dunno, doesn't sound like it would be any great benefit.
mspdfreak said:
Cool that is what I was wondering and doesn't sound like any benefit is really there. I was thinking there might be better handling due to the tire be'ing stiffer, but that is not always the case.
I have a really good article around here somewhere from SportRider magazine. they brought in all of the tire engineers for tire companies and they go into physics and all kinds of stuff. they basically stated use the tire size that came on the rim.
See bike guys like big back tires thinking it would add more contact patch, but in reality it was producing less contact patch due to the tire becoming disorted at speed and taking on an oval shape producing less contact...
I just got 215/40/17, i had the 45's on there, but they rubbed too much, my wheels are a lil wider that stock. Now i got no rub, and like it was a said above they look a lil smaller in the wheel well, but they look just as wide if you look from the back. and they perfored af good if not better than the old ones.
Frank
Frank
4
4001
A smaller aspect ratio (i.e. 40 vs 45) will give you a smaller overall diameter, as well as a smaller sidewall.
Advantages:
better acceleration (smaller diameter, also lighter tire)
more contact patch, usually the tread width is a bit wider than a "45"
stiffer sidewall
lower Center of Gravity (CG) = better grip and a cheap way to lower your ride
possibly better grip (?) in cormers due to smaller sidewall, bigger contact patch, and lower CG
looks? (for some...)
Disadvantages:
faster speedo
higher RPM at cruisin' speed (more fuel consumption)
lower top speed
generally higher price per tire (most 215/40/17 are more expensive than 215/45/17)
less sidewall to absorb bumps and potholes, rims are less protected
harsher ride
looks? (for some...)
Advantages:
better acceleration (smaller diameter, also lighter tire)
more contact patch, usually the tread width is a bit wider than a "45"
stiffer sidewall
lower Center of Gravity (CG) = better grip and a cheap way to lower your ride
possibly better grip (?) in cormers due to smaller sidewall, bigger contact patch, and lower CG
looks? (for some...)
Disadvantages:
faster speedo
higher RPM at cruisin' speed (more fuel consumption)
lower top speed
generally higher price per tire (most 215/40/17 are more expensive than 215/45/17)
less sidewall to absorb bumps and potholes, rims are less protected
harsher ride
looks? (for some...)
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May be a dumb question and def don't mean to thread jack but didn't see why a whole new thread should be started. but all you guys running sizes different than the stock 215/45 R17 are you guys using the stock wheel or aftermarket wheels? Is anyone else running a different tire size on the stock wheel?
I am having some issues and i can get a hold of some 205/40R17's but i'm not sure if that will work. Or if there are some issues i havn't thought of.
I am having some issues and i can get a hold of some 205/40R17's but i'm not sure if that will work. Or if there are some issues i havn't thought of.
Last edited:
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