15 replies to this topic

[nzlh00]

I know that tyres are a recurring theme on these forums, but after extensive searching, I have not found an answer as to whether 205/50R17 tyres can be used on the standard front wheels. This size tyre is permitted on a 5.5" rim and based on nominal sizes it appears to be <2.1% larger. Would they fit?

Comparing specifications of the standard Bridgestones to 205/50R17 Toyo T1-Rs:

Bridgestone Potenza RE040 Specs:
E040 BZ 175 / 55 R 17 81 W
Measuring Rim: 5 1/2
Overall Diameter: 624
Overall Width: 182
Static Loded radius: 291
Rolling Circumference: 1903

Toyo Proxes T1-R Specs:
205/50ZR17 93Y *
Rims: 5.5-(6.5)-7.5
Measuring Rim: 6.5"
Tread Depth:8.4
Overall Diameter: 635
Overall Width: 212
Overall Width on 5.5" rim: 202 (allowing ~5mm for each .5" change from the measuring rim size according to Tirerack and the Wheel and Tyre Bible)
Revs/mile: 831
Rolling Circumference (1609344/(Revs/mile)): 1937

Differences of 205/50R17 T1-R compared to 175/55R17 RE040:
Overall Diameter: +11mm (+1.8%)
Overall Width: +20mm (+11%)
Rolling Circumference: +34mm (+1.8%)

I realise that some people have had problems with 205/40R17 tyres fitted to standard rear wheels on the front, but the width of a 205/40R17 T1-R on a 7.5" rim is 219mm and with the increased offset of the wheel (+10mm), that would put the inner edge of the tyre (219-202)/2 + 10 = 18.5mm closer to the chassis rails (where I believe these tyres rub) than a 205/50R17.

The issues:

• Is the outside diameter too large? Would they rub on the wheelarch liners? Or would they foul the chassis rails on full lock?
• Many 205/50R17 tyres are reinforced (including the Toyo T1-R and T1-S). Other posts indicate that this is undesirable on a car as light as a VX220. Tyres are available that are not reinforced, but it appears that the Toyos are a couple of millimetres smaller (in width and diameter) than most tyres of this size. The Yokohama AVS Sport also appears to be a fraction smaller than average and is not reinforced.
• Is it wise to use a tyre at the limit of its recommended rim width range?
• Are they close enough to standard size for the ABS to still function? (They are closer in size to the rear tyres than the standard fronts).
• Will they give a reasonable balance with the rear tyres? Old 911s had a much greater rearward weight bias than a VX220 and still used 205s on the front and 225s on the rear.

[Foxy]

Don't bother. The B'stones are much better anyway.

[i need nos]

after writing all that u seem to be clued up more than a tyre specialist so why dont u just try them out and see if it works then do another essay on if or how they worked out for u!!! sorry i cant be of much help but id go with foxy, stick with what u know the cars seem to be fine just the way there made...

[speedster]

I know that tyres are a recurring theme on these forums, but after extensive searching, I have not found an answer as to whether 205/50R17 tyres can be used on the standard front wheels.

One conclusion that was reached is that the 205's are the correct shape
















Personally I think you're pushing it, putting 205 on the standard front rims... if you do try it I would suggest you go up a rating.

[snoopstah]

Don't bother. The B'stones are much better anyway.

You need to say what else you've tried on the VX before making that claim.

[Pipo]

I've read about someone who did that. It took them 2hours with special machines to get the tyre on the rim, and seeing the pictures I thought those balloon tyres looked awfull. Why don't you buy two second hand rear 7,5" rims and put them on the front with a 205/45 tyre on them. Works perfect in combination with a 10mm spacer. That's what I will be doing in a few weeks (received the rims today )

[Anarchy]

I think the fronts are too thin and affect braking, my mates Elise has wider fronts and stops much better and drives fine. Didnt I read somewhere that it has thinner fronts to make it safer for inexperienced drivers cos of over/under steer issues? Personally I would rather stop faster.

[Foxy]

Don't bother. The B'stones are much better anyway.

You need to say what else you've tried on the VX before making that claim.

I've tried 205/40/17 t1r's on the front with std size t1r rears, and speedlines with a048s.

[Richy]

I have not found an answer as to whether 205/50R17 tyres can be used on the standard front wheels.

No

Ive got rears on the front, with no spacers.. Ive had no rub untill recently [long story] geo is now out, and nearside has touched the chassis on full lock..
But once geo is done again all will be fine..

Conclusion.. Fatter fronts are great and also cheaper to re-shoe.. good grip in the wet and on a smooth track/road work fantasticaly

But you get alot of bump steer and ''tramline'' tracking with them....It can make the car feel very unstable on fast bumpy B-roads

It feels like it want to spit you into the next ditch.


IF and when i fit nitrons, and my T1rs are fooked, i will go back to the standard fronts..

IMHO its 50/50, what you lose from one you gain in the other, its vice verser.

So stick with what you got

[Pidgeon]

Personally I would rather stop faster.

Try a tree sideways - stop bloody fast then

(apologies, cannot help myself )

[Foxy]

(apologies, cannot help myself )

!STOP PRESS!

Partridge caught making illicit smilie action!!

[Pipo]

I have not found an answer as to whether 205/50R17 tyres can be used on the standard front wheels.

No

Ive got rears on the front, with no spacers.. Ive had no rub untill recently [long story] geo is now out, and nearside has touched the chassis on full lock..
But once geo is done again all will be fine..

Conclusion.. Fatter fronts are great and also cheaper to re-shoe.. good grip in the wet and on a smooth track/road work fantasticaly

But you get alot of bump steer and ''tramline'' tracking with them....It can make the car feel very unstable on fast bumpy B-roads

It feels like it want to spit you into the next ditch.


IF and when i fit nitrons, and my T1rs are fooked, i will go back to the standard fronts..

IMHO its 50/50, what you lose from one you gain in the other, its vice verser.

So stick with what you got

No need to go back to the standard fronts.
What you experienced, lot of others feld too. Untill they added a 10 to 15mm spacer. And that unstable effect seems to dissappear as by magic I've read somewhere the technical ground for it, but i've forgotten it

Edited by Pipo, 01 February 2006 - 10:49 PM.

[BogBrush]

I tried 205 50 Toyos on standard fronts. Even though they fit, there is far too much tyre flex. It makes for some interesting cornering especially on roundabouts.

[nzlh00]

What pressures did you try in the 205/50s? Did increasing pressures help at all, or did that reduce the contact patch size too much? Did you notice any improvement in braking performance (reduced front wheel ABS actuation)? What happened on roundabouts? Did the tyres just keel over at low g's and understeer? Was the break-away sudden? Presumably they generated less grip than the standard 175s.

[nzlh00]

Now found some old threads on this topic: >Tyres?, any alternatives......<; >Tyres......... Again! No.2<

And on the German Speedster forum: >Freigabe Yokohama<

Did the Toyos need the wheelarch liner mod as described above?

Edited by nzlh00, 03 February 2006 - 03:08 PM.

[walkes]

go for the VXR or OZ wheels... will be replacing with BF Goodrich Tyres next time round.. 195/45-16 and 225/45-17 on the rear...