205/55r15 vs 205/50r15?

[Ph0nK]

So I ordered a set of 205/50r15 tires from Tire Rack yesterday, and a guy from there called me to talk to me about how that size tire is going to change my final drive ratio and that I would get unexpected results on the track because of that and I most likely wouldn't be happy. He suggested that I switch to 205/55r15s, and so I did, mostly because I respected the fact that he even called and had the conversation with me. Now I'm wondering about the details behind what he was talking about. How does this affect track performance, acceleration, etc?

[anjapower]

So I ordered a set of 205/50r15 tires from Tire Rack yesterday, and a guy from there called me to talk to me about how that size tire is going to change my final drive ratio and that I would get unexpected results on the track because of that and I most likely wouldn't be happy. He suggested that I switch to 205/55r15s, and so I did, mostly because I respected the fact that he even called and had the conversation with me. Now I'm wondering about the details behind what he was talking about. How does this affect track performance, acceleration, etc?

With the 205/50s, technically you get better acceleration because of shorter gearing but you will have to shift sooner, which might hurt you on a dragstrip. You will rack on more miles, get slightly worse gas mileage (won't notice unless you get your speedo/odo recalibrated), have a slightly stiffer ride, slightly larger wheel gap, etc.

I would've got the 205/55s, good decision in switching.

[Zero Three Si]

I got 205/50's and I'm not really happy with them.

[icegrill]

I got dunlop sp8000s 205/55 from the tire rack and love them. Size is perfect on stock wheels and the tires stick like hell.

[Ph0nK]

Good, I'm glad to hear that it was a good choice. The track I go to is a road course, so acceleration is important, but probably not as important as if I were at a drag strip. Handling in the corners is more important to me, so hopefully they'll do the job well there.

[anjapower]

well there will be a smidgen more body roll because you have a bigger sidewall with the 205/55 but the pros outweigh the cons. It's better to buy the right sized tire.

[oogy-boogy]

I'm running 215/55/16's and they're comfy but look like inner tubes (to quote another member). I'm actually planning on downsizing in the next few months...

[1fastminivan]

yeah Im running 215/55/16s also and they rubbed my rear fender. Im going to try out 205/50/16s and if Im not happy then Ill try 205/55/16s instead of the 215s. Although I do love the way they feel.:)

[03silverEP]

you made the right choice, 205 50's are too small for the new civics, it will f-up your speedo and look funny because they are too small and don't fill the wheel wells

on older civic's/integra's 205/50's are a very good size

but as the cars get bigger so do the tires

[skooba]

i've got 205/55/15's on stock rims. they look much better than the 195/60, and the speedo is barely off.

upgrading tires is the best mod possible IMO.

[Stoop]

you made the right choice, 205 50's are too small for the new civics, it will f-up your speedo and look funny because they are too small and don't fill the wheel wells

on older civic's/integra's 205/50's are a very good size

but as the cars get bigger so do the tires

Yeah, I agree 205/50 is too small for 15 inch wheels, but IDEAL for 16 inch wheels IMO. :winkm:

[Btrthnezr3]

Yeah, I agree 205/50 is too small for 15 inch wheels, but IDEAL for 16 inch wheels IMO. :winkm:

We all know how you feel about that Stoop... :D

[Stoop]

We all know how you feel about that Stoop... :D

:p