Anyone using 205/50-16's . . .

[Don]

. . . on the OEM Protege 5 wheels?

I'm looking ahead, and really wanted to go to a Bridgestone tire, and the RE-730's come in this size, but not in 195/50.

1.7% too big around, I know, but it just changes the speedo by 1 mph, and will likely make it MORE accurate, instead of less. Might not hurt the freeway gas mileage either . . . .

Don

 

[sttl013]

As my car is right now, with stock wheels/tires, I have measured it against both milage post signs and radar guns, and both show my speedo to be 3 mph over. By over, I mean it shows 73 when I'm actually measured at 70 mph. so by increasing the diameter of the tire, one turn of the axle would be on increased distance, thereby lowering the speedometer's reading. Maybe not all 3 mph, but then again I'm not sure, and I'm too tired to do all the math right now. So, if my rambling deductions are correct, then I say go for it.
Just make sure the wheel can hold the extra 10mm of tire width.


I'm wondering if carmakers calibrate the speedo a little high on purpose.

 

[Don]

I'm sure they do.

On my P5, compered to a GPS on a long run, 72 indicated seems to be 70 actual. The Tire Calculator says the 205's will decrease this by just one MPH, but I guess it will still be closer with the bigger size than it is now.

Bridgestone says the 205's will fit rims as small as 5.5 wide, so I guess I'd have no problems there.

Don

 

[Traveler]

Automakers DEFINATELY calibrate factory speedos a little high. 3-4% is typical. It's to avoid product liability lawsuits for speeding tickets. I just worked on a car last week that the customer was complaining of speedo error. I checked it with the diag. computer and it was off by 4% (BMW 740i) which is where it's supposed to be.

As far as tires, I've been told that 205's would fit fine but no larger. That's the max width for the stock rim.

 

[rodslinger]

I'm using the Potenza RE-730 in a 205-50R16 on my stock P5 wheel. Fits fine, no rubbing and excellent ride. You won't be disappointed. I swapped out the Dunflops for them with about 15 miles on the car.

 

[Don]

Thanks for the vote of confidence.

I've had Bridgestones on my last half dozen cars (currently have RE-71's on my Miata) so I was already pretty sure I'd like the 730's.

I've never met a Dunlop I was very happy with, and although I must admit that the OEM P5 tires are maybe the best Dunlop I've ever had, I sure wouldn't pay what they want for a set of replacements - There are LOTS of better tires around for the same money, but not many in the 195/50 size.

Don

 

[taylor5]

What TireRack says.......

I have heard from a few souces and TireRack that the "next up'' custom size that is correct for the wheel is: 205/45-16.....Plenty of tires to choose from in "that" category of size....good luck!

 

[rodslinger]

There are a lot more choices of tire in a 205-50R16 versus a 205-45R16. Also, the slightly larger overall diameter slows the odometer a little and helps 'keep miles off the car'....