I'm getting 16x7 wheels with a 45mm offset... will 205/50/16 tires rub at stock height or do I need to go down to 205/45/16 for a smaller overall size?

 

yes go with 205/45/16

 

Thanks for the quick reply. 205/50/16 is closer to the stock 185/55/16 size, but it is larger by a tad. I'll go ahead with the 205/45 for the extra clearance.

 

The 205/50x16 will just clear unless you drop but 205/45x16's are a better fit because the just slightly diameter makes up for the extra weight of the tire and probably the wheel too, assuming you use 16x7/45 wheels.
If you're a Hokie you can use engineering to understand why keeping the rotation torque needs to be kept close to stock as possible or even slightly less for more performance. The 205/45x16 will do that.
PS I graduated from VT over 50 years ago. And for those interested we're finding 195/40x17 tires on 17x7/42 wheels are possibly faster on track than 205/50x15's but more runs are needed to have statistical results.

 

Yeah, keeping the rotational weight as close to the center as possible was the reason I went with 16" wheels over 17" wheels for the Fit. Going with the slightly smaller diameter tire will also help out in that department. This car is mainly being driven by my girlfriend, so I wanted to give her a little more tire thickness for daily drive-ability if possible. Thanks for the help guys! Oh, and yes I'm a Hokie (BSME 07).

 

I picked these up a few days ago. 17x7 +43, I hope they fit flush with 205/45/17 lowered.

 

fronts will be flushed as for rear you have like another 15mm to make it flush

 

205/45x17's are too big diameter without risk of rubbing.

 

Actually it's 215 that's too big. 205 is the best size you can get with a 45 series on 17's

 

On my car and a customer's, 205/45x17 was oversize. not only getting rubbing but less mpg and accelertion too. Downshifted on every incline that used not to do.
That extra quarter-inch mattered at 43 mm offset. But thats not a guarantee; thats why its a warning, not a no-no.

 

conclusion thus is best to get 195/45/17. But that is an impossible size to find in North America.

 

I've been through several local tire shops today. From their suggestions I most likely will go for 215/40/17s.

This will be a safer choice right with regards to rubbing?

17x7 +43 215/40/17.

Its overall size is closest to OEM size rather than 205/40/17 and 205/45/17 based on the tire calcs.

Thanks again.

 

I have 40 series on right now and it's making my DF drop look weak :/ today I'm about to switch to 205/45 cuz it will make it sit flush. I also think 205 is great because it sits flush for me. Unfortunately I don't know my offset so I can't say much. But go with 45 series if you want to keep the comfort

 

Close though. We have a customer who put 19/40x17's on his 08 Fit and likes them very much. At 23.24" diameter (about 1/4" less than stock 08)they drive extremely well he said his first tank of gas right on theaverage and acceleration is just as good if not better as original. Cornering vastly improved on the Yoko S Drives compared to stock 08.
S Drives also come in 195/45x17 which should fit precisely on an 09. both are $89 per tire at tire rack.

 

I got the wheels and tires from Tire Rack and mounted them on my car in under 15 minutes. Everything fit fine and no rubbing as of yet. Drove for 2 days and the car feels great! Smoother and quieter ride quality and definitely more grip around the corners and the on and off ramps onto the highway. Great first upgrade, but now the car is begging for a drop. The wheel gap is huge, especially next to my RSX-S (dropped on Mugen SS).

Wheels: Enkei Performance EDR9 16x7+45
Tires: Dunlop Direzza DZ101 205/45/16

 

Will a 16x7 wheel with an offset of +43 and 205/50/16 tire and lowered with nf210 will have rubbing issue?

 

Yes I have 16x7 +45 205/50/16 & nf210s and it rubs like crazy in the front!

 

you just need camber bolts then, I run the same tire wheel setup with DF210's and no rubbing at all.

 

Wouldnt having camber bolts in that far kill the inside of your tire wear, because mine would have to be in so far it would kill my tires.

 

yes excessive negative camber will kill tires quick, but i may have -.9 degrees at max, just enough that I never rub at all. A proper alignment will go a long ways, improper toe setting kills tires quicker than anything...