QuestionI have a 2001 Dodge Stratus S/E coupe. The factory tires are 205/55-16. There is a 4 inch gap all around, between the tires and the wheel wells. That makes the tires look too small for the car and is not visually appealing. Dodge also built a Stratus SXT coupe (205/60-16), and an R/T coupe (215/70-17). I don't plan to go to a 17" wheel. I included that info for reference. I am trying to go to a larger diameter tire to try to fill in some of that 4" gap. Everybody seems to have a differing opinion as to how large I can go. My wheel is 6" wide. I believe that a 225 is the largest I can put on that rim. I'll give some info on the tires I was considering.
First of all info for my current tires 205/55-16
Sidewall height - 4.44" Tire width - 8.07"
Tire diameter - 24.88"
Considering two possibilites 215/60-16
Sidewall height - 5.08" (+.64" from original) Tire width - 8.46" (+.39") Tire diameter - 26.16" (+1.28")
225/60-16 This is the one I would prefer to do if possible.
Sidewall height - 5.31" (+.87" from original) Tire width - 8.86" (+.79") Tire diameter - 26.63" (+1.75")
By comparison, the Stratus R/T has the 215/70-17
Sidewall height - 5.93" (+1.49") Tire width - 8.46" (+.39") Tire diameter - 28.85" (+3.97")
I realize there is a consideration for the tire rubbing during turns. The 225/60-16 gives the greatest diameter but may be too wide. It's .40" wider than the tire on the R/T. Also there's the computer to consider and speedometer error, etc. According to Dodge, the computer can be reprogrammed a certain amount to account for a larger overall diameter, but they don't seem to be sure how much it can be changed. They claim that even if it's off it won't cause any physical damage, it will just be very inaccurate. I also can't find out if the S/E and R/T use the same computer. If it's the same exact computer, then it should be able to compensate for any change I am thinking of, considering the vast difference between my tire size and the size tires on the R/T which is built the same and has the same engine.
Any help would be appreciated. As I said, most of the experts I have talked to at tire stores seem to be experts only in their own minds. If I talk to three, I get three opinons.
AnswerFirst, you have the tire size for the R/T wrong. It is a P215/50R17, making it about the same diameter as your SE.
Secondly, the widest tire that will fit on a 6" wheel (and that is correct) is indeed the P225.
The key dimension missing in all of this is the limiting point of the fenderwell. Unfortunately, there isn't a book published that gives that information, so it has to be developed for each case and guess what - you have the vehicle, so you are in the best postion to get the answer. (Remember, the worst condition is fully depressed, fully turned.)
I have been told that an increase in 1 size is pretty much a sure thing, and 2 sizes up is usually OK. That means the 225 part is probably OK, but going from 55 aspect ratio to 60 means you are going up 3 sizes - probably not OK.
I, too, have found that the knowledge at the tire store level is unusually weak. What bothers me most is not what they don't know - It's what they KNOW wrong!
Hope this helps.
