Gas mileage w/205/40-17's

Beezfit · #1 (**permalink**) 11-05-2009, 05:20 PM

Has anyone clocked their mpg using a 17" rim running 205/40-17? I'm thinking about getting a set of wheels, but if it's going to dramatically affect my mpg then I might not do it. I have an automatic trans and usually get around 33 mpg city. If anyone has any info on this please let me know. Thanks.

Padraic · #2 (**permalink**) 11-05-2009, 05:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beezfit

Has anyone clocked their mpg using a 17" rim running 205/40-17? I'm thinking about getting a set of wheels, but if it's going to dramatically affect my mpg then I might not do it. I have an automatic trans and usually get around 33 mpg city. If anyone has any info on this please let me know. Thanks.

I was running that size tire on some Motegi FF7's. My mpg went down by probably 2 or 3, so now I average between 32-33. That is a heavy wheel and I have a 5-speed, so take that into consideration.

Beezfit · #3 (**permalink**) 11-05-2009, 05:48 PM

Thanks for the info, I really appreciate it. Sounds like your mpg wasn't really affected too much. I just didn't want to go down into the mid 20's. I was also thinking about running a 215/45-17 instead to have a little more rubber. Have you ever ran this tire or known anyone that has? Also I am thinking about lowering it after I see what the wheels look like on the car. I want a mild drop that rides close to the stock feel, nothing stiff. Any suggestions?

theFITMASTER · #4 (**permalink**) 11-05-2009, 05:50 PM

i routinely got 40+mpg using azenis rt615 (70% highway)

mpg is about 80% driving technique!!!!!

i could probably get 10mpg or 100mpg in a prius

i have also gotten 40+mpg running 215/40/17 star specs and kwsc high boost!!!

theFITMASTER · #5 (**permalink**) 11-05-2009, 05:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beezfit

Thanks for the info, I really appreciate it. Sounds like your mpg wasn't really affected too much. I just didn't want to go down into the mid 20's. I was also thinking about running a 215/45-17 instead to have a little more rubber. Have you ever ran this tire or known anyone that has? Also I am thinking about lowering it after I see what the wheels look like on the car. I want a mild drop that rides close to the stock feel, nothing stiff. Any suggestions?

what offset wheels?
how do u drive? slowmo show or r u a track star?
do u care about rubbing?
how much modifying r u willing to do to make that tire work?
camber?
how often r u willing to change tires?

anybody who tries to give u advice without knowing the above is a FOOL
anybody who listens to a fool is a MORON

Beezfit · #6 (**permalink**) 11-05-2009, 08:47 PM

normal offset that's recommended. I drive normal, not slow, not fast. I'm a daddy of 2, but want the Fit to look half way decent. I don't want anything to rub, don't want to modify, and want to be at 0 camber. I don't want to change tires often, and want a high treadwear rating. Basically just want a nice looking wheel with a possible small drop, and want it to ride smooth, not stiff at all. If the 205's will ride good, I'll stick with that size. It's cheaper and lighter. If I do a mild drop on 205/40's, will it rub? I wouldn't think it would, but I've never dropped a Fit. Thanks again for all your input

Fit_Dr · #7 (**permalink**) 11-05-2009, 09:08 PM

You'll lose about 3 mpg until the tires wear significantly then it'll improve.

Swift springs for a mild drop with good ride.

No need to make it difficult.

Beezfit · #8 (**permalink**) 11-05-2009, 10:04 PM

If using the Swift springs, can I just use the stock struts, or would I need to replace those also? I've always heard it's bad to not replace the struts if your going to lower a car b/c eventually the struts will blow out. What type of drop does Swift offer(inches)?

Fit_Dr · #9 (**permalink**) 11-05-2009, 10:11 PM

You can use the stock struts. Most aftermarket Fit springs really aren't that stiff, certainly not the Swifts. They only drop it about an inch, just enough to look better without compromising your stated needs for the car - you won't look like a 16 yr old.

Beezfit · #10 (**permalink**) 11-05-2009, 10:19 PM

so using the 1" Swift drop springs & running 205/40's, will there be any rubbing?

Fit_Dr · #11 (**permalink**) 11-05-2009, 10:27 PM

There shouldn't be rubbing as you'll still be within the factory tire diameter. Something else to consider though, the larger the wheel and tire you use the heavier they become over the stock weight. This means worse gas mileage, decreased acceleration from a start and potentially increased clutch wear. Be sure and get as light a wheel and tire combo as is practical.

Fit_Dr · #12 (**permalink**) 11-05-2009, 10:39 PM

I was just searching Tire Rack for you on the 17", if you want to go that route, and I would get Enkei RPF-1 or Kosei K1 TS wheels and General Exclaim UHP's. Bet you'd be happy with those combos. Light and inexpensive but good performers.

http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/resul...&filterNew=All

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/TireSe...All&loadRank=2

Beezfit · #13 (**permalink**) 11-05-2009, 10:57 PM

Hey I really appreciate the time and effort you're putting into my questions. The Enkei's are ok, I'm just really picky when it comes to wheels. Ideally I'd like to have my favorite design along with being very lightweight, but it's probably not going to happen. I like a mesh style kind of like a BBS. I really like the TSW Donington, but can't find the weight specs. I also can't find the weight of an OEM 14" steell Fit wheel(want to compare). Any suggestions?

Fit_Dr · #14 (**permalink**) 11-06-2009, 06:31 AM

A 17" mesh-type wheel is going to weigh a lot, but whatever you like.

OEM 14" steelie is going to be about 10 lbs, maybe a bit less.

mahout · #15 (**permalink**) 11-07-2009, 11:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beezfit

Has anyone clocked their mpg using a 17" rim running 205/40-17? I'm thinking about getting a set of wheels, but if it's going to dramatically affect my mpg then I might not do it. I have an automatic trans and usually get around 33 mpg city. If anyone has any info on this please let me know. Thanks.

With my AT the mpg dropped 1.6 mpg; went back to normal 30 mpg after switching to 195/40x17 tires. Performance too went back to normal or better so it is our preferred setup now.

jtsimaras · #16 (**permalink**) 11-07-2009, 12:27 PM

Stick with 16", 17" in my opinion has too much rotational mass which will make the car accelerate a lot slower. It will also add additional weight too the suspension which in turn will make the suspension less responsive.

Just an opinion

Fit_Dr · #17 (**permalink**) 11-07-2009, 02:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jtsimaras

Stick with 16", 17" in my opinion has too much rotational mass which will make the car accelerate a lot slower. It will also add additional weight too the suspension which in turn will make the suspension less responsive.

Just an opinion

I agree with this but the OP seemed set on 17's. I was going to go back to 15's but nobody wants to buy my 16" SSR's.