How wide a tire for my 17-in wheels?

[socratic]

This summer I may be replacing my tires. I'm looking to see if there are ways to make the tires fill out the wheel wells a bit. I've seen some Audis and even Jettas with not too wide a tire but they fill out their wheel wells really nicely. My stock sized tires, in particular the rears, are much wider than the Audi/Jetta tires, yet they look slightly anemic in the 986 wheel wells.

I love the look of my 17-in S wheels (in my 01 non-S) so changing wheels is not what I'm looking to do.

I'm thinking of getting the widest tires that will safely fit into the 17-in wheels that I've got.

That and/or perhaps some spacers.

In the past there was the "Plus 1" concept of increasing the width of the tire but go down a bit in sidewall size (e.g. in a previous car, I went from 155/75-13 to 185/60-13 on the same rim--something like that, I can't remember the actual numbers). That was what I was leaning toward.

What would be some things I could do to flesh out the wheel wells a bit.?

How wide a tire can I put on my 17's? Front? Back?

I should say that I drive spiritedly but don't race nor will I track the car. So unltimate grip isn't a big issue for me. In fact, I'd like a more comfy and quiet ride and/or good rain performance rather than ultimate grip (I'm including this info in case that could affect peoples' comments).

[John V]

The Plus 1 concept applies to increasing the rim diameter and adjusting the tire's aspect ratio so the overall rolling diameter is the same. Doesn't apply if you're sticking with the same diameter rim.

Your front wheels are 7" wide and your rears are 8.5" wide. The widest tire that should go on that 7" rim is a 215, not much wider than the stock 205. You can squeeze a 225 on there, but handling will not benefit, in fact it will probably get worse. The narrower tire actually helps steering feel and reduces tramlining, and a 215 or 225 won't be noticably wider on the narrow wheel.

The stock rear for a 8.5" rim is a 255/40 I believe. If you can find a 265 in a 17" diameter that may be an option, but I don't think there are many 265/40s out there (if any).

A better bet would be to try to find a set of wider wheels. Sorry!

[Boxtaboy]

Interesting. Stock set up on the 17s is 205/50 fronts with 255/40 rears. On the fronts, I was considering going from to the 225/45 size, as many folks have done this to reduce understeer, and keeping the rear tire sizing the same. Sounds like there isn't much benefit from doing this though.

[Sammy]

I'd say go for spacers if all you're trying to do is move the wheels out a little.

[racer_d]

Originally Posted by Sammy

I'd say go for spacers if all you're trying to do is move the wheels out a little.

Agree. If its only for cosmetics, I would look for either adaptors or spacers to "push the wheels" out in the fenders. If you are looking to enhance performance, then a jump to wider rims and tires would do much better than simply "larger tires". This can get $$$$ when new/replacement wheels are the direction you choose.

The widest tires for the stock 7 and 8.5" rims are likely 225/275. But a 225/255 would provide a better "balanced" feel.

[socratic]

Thanks for the tire advice guys.

Any thoughts on the thickness of spacers permitted? Front? Rear?