I have a 2009 USA Honda fit sport on stock suspension. I want to upgrade my wheels for better performance and mpg but I dont want to have to sell an arm and a leg. Ive been looking at enkei rpf1s in 15x7 +41 with 195/60r15 tires.
Can anyone confirm:
1. that this will have the same diameter as stock and not mess up my spedo or odo too bad?
2. That this is the proper offset and will not rub?
3. The actual weight of this rim tire combo (from what I have read should be around 28lbs per wheel)

Has anyone done this before or have any advice on tire or rim selection.
Thanks

 

That's the exact combo I am looking at. From my reading the diameter is very close to stock, Googling different tire size calculators verified this.

As for the offset, I cant help, but am also curious. I have a base model though.

 

I have owned 3 fits. Just bought the 3rd. Here is a spreadsheet with a lot of tires and weights. I've used 205/50 16 with good success. It works. But I have a commute with 80 mph traffic. I went with the 2nd most common tire size sold in the US today. 205/55 16. It is the lowest cost size for Conti DWS. $97. I decided to use the tire rack store brand c1 rims. There are lots of pictures of the 15 on miata forums. The DWS only comes in 16.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/...FBKeTkyMk03VUE

I rely on muscle memory too much and had to have a tire with identical dry and wet stopping distances. DWS is it. See tire rack test.

Also, this tire is bigger but within the profile of the chain allowance, and I will never use chains - see winter artic circle test. If you go with a bigger tire like this make sure it is a light weight tire and wheel. Even at that you will lose one or two tenths on acceleration. You are pushing the bulk of the weight of the tire out half an inch and there is an r squared multiplier.

I like wheels that run the spokes somewhat tangent to the hub. This allows torque to be transmitted to the hub without applying a bending moment to the spokes. PF01 is the model.

 

Thanks for the responces.
Ed in texas the 205/55 r16 tires that you use What rim width and offset are those mounted on? And that's on an 09+ fit without any rub? If those don't rub I'm pretty sure I'm. Safe with 195/60r15.
Actually, that makes me consider a 205/55r15. But I think in 15s the 205/55s are more expensive and a little heavier than the 195/60s. and not much wider. Any smart thoughts on this?

I'm still thinking id like to stick with 15 inch rims they are much lighter with similar weight tires so I think that rules out the dws.

Isis I don't think that there are any differences between the sport and base that would effect tire clearance. But please correct me if I am wrong.

Also how much advantage is there to 15x7 vs 15x6.5?

Sorry to have so many questions thanks for the help

 

Look for less than 24.5 diameter and consider copying the b spec guys with 205 50 15 s.



Have not received my tire rim setup yet. But offset is 42.

 

Dont be sorry for the questions! This is a 2 for 1 post, bc i'm thinking exactly along the same line as you.

The 6.5s can handle the 205/50 from what i've read, and the base and sport have the same suspension (minus sway bar). So the same generation would be ok mixing and matching wheels. Thought ive read that diff gens have differences, as ppl tend to say the GE should have bigger wheels thans the GD. Not sure why though...

Ed, how are you liking the 205/55 vs the 205/50? Feeling in difference?

Thanks, really it appreciate guys.

 

you know, you could just edit it.

you see along the right side of the post?

 

If I was the only one who rode in the 2009 car, the 205/50R16s are great. The carpool people seem to think they jolt a bit over speed bumps. That is one reason for the 55 profile.

The new 2012 is a base model that came with high profile tires. They seemed to like those better.

The 205/55R16s that are not here yet are a compromise. The side wall is tall, but I am hoping the 7 inch wide rim will stiffen them up a bit.

I will reply when I have had them a while. Due in 2 weeks.

 

Good point about passengers, easy to forget that aspect when thinking about the car.

 

If all you do is drive for a Carpool or long Sales trips with others, then consider buying tires for the passengers... else, buy them for you. The 205/50 has the same outside diameter in 16" form.

If you drop down to 15" wheel, you'll have a little softer ride than the stock Sport's 16" but will lose some handling in comparison (comparing the same wheel/tire combo in 15" & 16" sizes) and the wheel most likely won't look as good. You might increase 1-2lbs by going to a 16" wheel but that won't effect economy much if at all (again, comparing same wheel/tire combo in different sizes). also, some of the weight saved in smaller wheel form, will be lost in additional sidewall rubber as you'll need another 1/2" of sidewall to make up for the 1" drop in wheel size. Likely negligible impact on economy but handling at the limits will be impacted.

Find a wheel/tire combo you like (sounds like already done) and then figure out what size will provide the best balance of style/comfort that You wish for and unless your passengers are helping you pay for wheels/tires, don't worry about them (Unless you are married to one of them... then that's a totally different game).

I'd recommend sticking with the same overall 24" diameter for performance oriented wheels. Winter wheels... different story (I'm running 185/65/15" for snows - gives me a 1/4" lift in the winter)

~SB

 

Let's run the math. Daily commute is 60 miles and there are 5 days a week and 50 weeks a year. That is 15000 miles. The new mileage reimbursement/deduction rate is 55.5 cents per mile. That is $8325 per year. If I only drive 1/3 of the time, the carpool is shouldering 2/3 of that cost. Or $5,550 that I save. In three years the car is paid for - by my carpool.

Sure, I'll drive on a 55 series tire (instead of 50 series) for 1/3 of the time (when transportation is provided by me and I drive) for $5,000 a year. Or $100 a week.

The tires are $97 each or $388 for 4. Those are paid for in less than a month.

So, yes, I will take actions in their interest. Like showing up on time and not jolting their kidneys on speed bumps and pot holes.

 

... and you are saving all of the other carpoolers the same amount in return so right there... you break even. If they were to claim that they won't ride with you because of this issue, then that is another thing...

... Wait... you get $.55 /mile for commuting to and from work? Or is this sales calls? and if you drive 1/3 of the time, you only get 1/3 of the amount... unless you let other people drive your car (in which case you don't really save anything other than having to be behind the wheel).
I'm smelling funky math.

oh... and did we miss the first sentence of my above post? I said... if all you do is car...
~SB

 

If one carpools with just one other person who lives close and works in the same building, one will spend roughly half as much money getting to work and back. You will also use half as much fuel/oil.

If many use half as much oil, there should logically be more left for others to heat their homes in the winter. Less competition for oil should drive down prices etc.

Why don't more people carpool?

 

Uh huh... =.='

My point was just, if you're gonna correct it... you might as well correct it. It's not like we're in a chat window where you can't edit it. Although some forums will prevent editing... this isn't one of them.

 

Ed, specboy, your both right its all a game of comprimise and I will keep in mind that as I decrease side wall height it will influence passenger comfort. I want to have a car that is fun to drive but also fun to ride in.

Specboy it looks like the difference in rim weight between 15x7 vs 16x7 is about 2 lbs. On the other hand the difference in weight between a 205/50r16 and a 205/55r15 is negligable. So I'm fairly certain I can find a lighter tire rim combo with 15 inch rims. Also a 205/55r15 would have the same sidewall height ratio and similar overall diameter as the stock 185/55 r16. It also only weighs 1 more pound. With a 15 rim I can be lighter have a wider tire and a similar sidewall ratio. I don't mind the look of smaller rims so I see no downsides.

So I am fairly sure I want either a 15x6.5 or a 15x7 rim. My question is more to what size offset do I need to not rub and what tires will work best. 195/60r15 I have read are very good on a 15x6.5 and will keep same diameter as stock. I have also read that a 205/55r15 and a 225/50r15 would keep stock diameter and fit well on a 15x7. Other 15 inch tires won't keep overall diameter or won't be very practical.

 

The tire rack web site supports and answers most of these questions.

I went down the same path (see spread sheet), but likely made a different and perhaps wrong decision.

Please let me introduce you to irrational paranoia:

1. Light tires have soft sidewalls which are great for ride but a struggle for cornering in higher aspect ratios. If one knows that 205/50R16 is a great tire for this car and can satisfy the sidewall stability needs for acceptable handling and acceptable diameter/engine RPMs at speed, it is kind of tough to walk away from that as a plan B.
2. Heavy tires have stiffer sidewalls at recommended pressures but I don't want to lose the vertical compliance. Or gain that weight. Not so good a plan B.
3. I on a tire rack search see 8 tires at 205/55R15 and 161 at 205/55R16. There are more degrees of freedom at the 205/55 size in the 16 inch space.
4. The 16 inch 205/55 tire is also 1 inch larger in diameter. When I drive the speed of traffic the tach reads ~4000. A little too busy.

You will be fine with 42-45 offset in a 205 width. See what Tire rack points you at and talk to them. If they mislead you there is some accountability.

 

I am about to order enkei rpf1 15x7 +41 with 195/60r15 tires, but tirerack warns that Wheels with less than ET42 are an aggressive fitment and may require fender lip modifications. Will this rub with a stock 2009 honda fit sport?
thanks

 

On Points 3 & 4 for the OP the 205/50/16" wheels match the overall diameter and there is a large selection of tires out there that are available. going with a larger overall diameter (such as the 205/55 in point# 4) will actually net you a lower engine RPM when driving 60 than 205/50 but will have the down-side of being heavier and not quite as responsive in corners. also, with a 205/55 your speedo will read 60 when you are actually going 62. [As I mentioned before] my snows are setup like this (taller than stock) but that was done for clearance and tire selection/cost primarily.

Likely it will not rub unless you are lowered. and the 195 width vs the 205 width will make it even less likely that you will rub. Looking at Performance+ all season tires at Tirerack, it looks like the 195/15" combo will net you more options than going 205/15". I don't think you'll see the difference between the 15" wheel vs 16" wheel but you will notice a little bit of ride comfort increased.

For absolute info on rubbing, check the wheel & Tires section of the forum as I'm sure others are running these same wheels. (or search for the rpf1 threads). nice choice of wheels by the way.

~SB

 

Hi,
I replaced my 2 rear 185/55-16 Bridgestone with Yokohama YK580 205/50-16 (only on the rear), on my 2009 Fit Sport. Not noticing anything different, do you see any concerns?
Thanks in advance,

 

Yes,

You are running a Staggered setup with extra rubber on the wrong set of wheels. Extra width on the rear of a RWD car is fine as they are much more prone to over-steer. The fit is already susceptible to under-steer and now you've increased this by giving the fit more grip in only the rear. Realistically, you want equal rubber all around or slightly more on the front for better grip during acceleration, braking, and cornering. I'd put another set of 205's on the front.

~SB