Please help me with snow tire size options?
 

Hey all, please help me out here, I am looking for advice on what the smallest/narrowest tires I can fit on the stock 17" wheels. I am shopping for snow tires for my DD 2003 S.

There are a decent variety for the fronts (205/50-17)

It's the rear I'm having trouble with (255/40-17)

So I'd like to fit the smallest narrowest tires for winter. Thank you

You can fit a 225/45-17 on the rear 8.5" rims. You could in fact run square using the 7s in the front having essentially the min and max rim sizes for that tire size.

Depending on the tire a 205/50-17 may be a little larger in diameter than the 225s , so you could try a 205/45 or 215/45. if you want to retain the stagger.

With snow tires that Boxster should make it almost anywhere this winter and be a kick to drive when it does snow.

Thank you, I'll get back on tirerack and see what the options are on those sizes. Thank you I appreciate it. The boxster is balanced front and back pretty even so with some weight in the back trunk and good dedicated snow tires I'm looking forward to it.

I think a bigger diameter would be a good thing to give a little extra ground clearance in the snow. Taller and narrower if it'll fit.

I don`t think much of the problem is the 255 tires at the back, it could be that the tires are worn or old or that the car is to light in the rear, etc. I run winter tires (245/35r18) in one of my cars that`s rwd drive and I have no problems with traction, unless I push the car. But like others have said, taller and wider tires are much better for the snow. 225s/45 or 50 or 235s/40/ or 45 for the rear and you can use the 225s also at the front if you want to go with a square set up.

I finally pulled the trigger and bought a set of continental viking contacts on tirerack. 205/50 fronts and 225/45 in the back. I appreciate the replys, I think I am finally learning about tire size, width and aspect ratio lol. Tirerack has exact specs as well telling you the range in width rim each tire will fit. I get them installed Friday I'll try to update after a good snow in northern illinois.

I have been using snow tires on my 986 for several years, and it's become increasing hard to find 255 rears I now run run 205 front / 225 rear on 17" rims. The narrower tires "cut" instead of "plowing" the snow, or so I have been told. Just be careful around curbs, the 225 rears do not go past the edge of the rim, so it's a lot easier to get curb rash. :cheers:

I put a set of Blizzaks on my CSS and it gets around great on ice and snow < 4". With any snow amt > 4", I become the plow. I figure I have nowhere I need to be if it's snowing that much and just stay home.

225/45-17 is listed in owners manual as approved size for winter tires.

I have Vredestein Wintracs which are listed in the Porsche approval list, but do not have N on the sidewall.