Question about rim/tire combo for winter

[Mikey444]

This question is for a buddy of mine at work.

He would like to know what the smallest size rim he can put on his Speed 3, height, width + offset with that, what tire would be best size for such rim that you may sugest. I believe the bolt pattern is 5 x 114.3 correct me if I am wrong. Cheers!

 

[Twisted]

I started a thread on this titled "Snow Tires" awhile back. I know 17" rims fit, but not sure about 16" (if you wanted to go the cheap steel wheel route). I'm not sure 16" rims will fit over the brakes. I just ordered some Michelin X Ice snow tires (215/45 R18) from Tire rack for $602.xx delivered. There are some other snow tires but the Michelins rated the highest and they are the cheapest. I still think its the cheapest way to go. The only downside is if you slide into a curb or something in the snow/ice, you'll bang up your OEM rims instead of some cheapo steelies.

 

[major error]

from everything I've read here, the Speed has the same fitment as the 2.3L 3, so a 16" is as small as you can go...

 

[SwampAss]

nothing smaller than a 16 unless you go crazy with offset.

 

[major error]

^^^

or mount 'em backwards...

 

[dcomiskey]

Just go with the recommended package from TireRack. Save yourself a few hundred bucks and just get steel rims. Who cares if they look bad. It's winter mode.

After making a BAD choice in tires last winter (Winterforce) I'm going to have to swallow another $600 on tires next month....

 

[Sacrilicious]

i kinda wish that i had gone with steelies, but my justification to myself is that if i move down to texas (which is actually very possible this coming summer), i will have 17x7.5 wheels to put 235/45/17 tires of GOD on...