Hi all,

I'm looking for advice on whether i can run 205/55r16s on 16x7s with something like a +35 or +42 offset with a mild drop without rubbing.

Here's my thinking:

- I prefer the look of 15 inch wheels, but I want to have minimal speedo error since it's my daily and 205/55r15s are super rare, 205/50r15s are more speedo error than I'd like. 205/55r`16 is pretty minimal speedo error
- I don't think i need 205s (not going to be tracking, and planning on going to much more sticky tires than i have now anyway) but 195s are a little bit more speedo error and i think the wider 205s look nicer
- I'm currently stock height, but planning to get some streetable coilovers (maybe tein flex advances or hks hipermaxes) and going for a minimal drop - probably near the minimum amount of drop on the coilovers, since again this is very much my daily
- I've looked through forums and groups a lot, it seems like some of people run 205/50r16s for better fit and people tend to rub on 205/55r16s with a significant drop, but i haven't seen much about closer-to-stock drops.
- My car is a 2013 sport 5MT, currently on stock sport wheels and suspension with some all-season 185/55r16s, progress rear sway bar

would love to hear anyone's thoughts on any of this, and thanks in advance!

 

205/50-16 is the size you want if you want the same height as stock. These will also give a much better chance of not rubbing than the 55's would.

As for rubbing, running the correct offset wheel is the most important thing. You want 16x7's with an absolute minimum of +40mm offset. Preferably +42 to +45. +40's will probably require a bit of work in the rear where the bumper tab is in the wheel well. +42's May not require work at all.

 

you are 100% correct, i've spent so much time fiddling around with tire size calculators i mixed up 205/55r16 and 205/50r16, thank you for correcting me! That should make it easier, as well

also regarding offsets etc, that's super helpful - I will look at 42+ offsets and see what works. thank you! good to know that it may be doable even with a slight drop

 

Which wheels and specs did you end up going with?

I am looking at TE37 Sonic in 16x7 +35 and going with a mild drop Spoon progressive springs (25MM or .96 inch). I am wondering if this mild drop will rub. I am using 16" 205/50 Firehawk Indy 500 tires now.

 

Hey! I ended up going with 205/55r15s on 15x7 +41 RPF1s (I need to update my build thread...) I am still stock height so unfortunately I don't have much insight (except that I don't rub at stock height). However, I have heard that for a 205/55r15, anything under like +41/42 will rub with a drop - so I would guess that +35s will with a drop.

 

Thanks for update! RPF1s are very light and nice wheels. I measured wheel gap on stock suspension between the tires and fender. It is about 4 inches gap. I think with a mild drop .5 - 1.5 inch should still clear without rubbing but I would go 205/50 to be safe.