I'm having mathematical difficulties. Here's the quick version:

I have 215/45r17s on my car now. Next tire I want, I want narrower (195 preferred) with a higher sidewall than I currently have.

The problem I keep running into is something like a 195/55 is actually longer from inside back edge to outter front edge and I'm already rubbing the wheel well when I crank the wheel one way or the other. Any ideas? DONT SAY GET SMALLER RIMS! Haha. I will eventually. $$$

Thanks for the help.

 

Well you simply need smaller overall diameter wheel (tire+rim). Since rims are a given and you want to leave them for now, then we can only play with tires. Your current tire "height" (besides rim itself) is 215*0.45 = 96.75mm; something like 195/55 will give you 195*0.55= 107.25mm and you are right - it's even bigger overall tire. No good. So the smallest you can go with 17'' rims (considering that your rim has probably width of 7 inches) is 195/45 - which will be narrower and won't rub but unfortunately will have rough ride level since height is even smaller: 195*0.45 = 87.75mm;
The bad news is such a tire that will suit you is not available in 17 inch size. IMHO I would sell/trade those 17 inch wheels for 16 or 15 inch ones.

 

not all tires truely measure 195/55 or watever size that's on your sidewall. it's only a guide as it is affected by wheel width and sidewall design.

and 215/45/17 are imo too wide and little tall for the GE. i run 205/45/17 RE760 on 17x7 ET45, no rubbing with swifts.

205/50/16 DWS on 16x7 ET40 also no rubbing with swifts, but the DWS is physically wider than the RE760 at the widest point.. to give you an example.

 

Smaller wheels/tires are the only way to get everything you want. 'Tis that simple.

 

You have it right; 195/40 or45x17 tires are best, but the wheel offset needs to be 42-45 mm. 215's are not only too wide but also too heavy so the mpg and acceleration are reduced.

 

Agree with everyone above. The real question is what are you trying to accomplish (bigger picture)? smoother ride? that = taller sidewall = need for a smaller wheel your overall diameter needs to stay relatively close to stock so a little bit bigger is ok but a lot bigger won't work. Looking to have a larger wheel? you'll need to deal with a much smaller sidewall = rougher ride. (or get a bigger car).

~SB