205 tires on 13" 5.5 wheels

[Torxx]

Anyone have experience putting 205 tires on 13" wheels with a 5 1/2" width? The tire manufacturer specs show the 5.5 witdth being too narrow. I am concerned with cosmetic issues as well as safty concerns.

Thanks

[mdrburchette]

I'm running 205's on my 6" wheel and I like them. I don't know what kind of problems you'd run into with a 5.5" wheel.

[dcorder]

I run 205 55 14 on 14" 5.5 rims and have no problems

[Torxx]

Could you post a close up picture or two of the wheels and tires ??? email me if it's easier for you

brunge@cox.net

Thanks

[Leesfer]

Are the cromodora Turbo wheels 5.5?

[Torxx]

here is what a 175 70 r13 looks like. I wonder if a 185 would be noticibly wider? i.e. worth the hassle and cost, being that 175's are in great shape.

I really like the width of teh 205, but afraid of the bulde sidewll look . Any pics of 205 on 5.5 would be great.

[Leesfer]

195 I think are perfect... I have them on my 78 and its a good width

Just my 2 cents

[Timmayy]

I have them on my car and I'm not a fan. Way too much sidewall and low speed steering is ridiculously hard. It also rubs a bit on the front shock tower at full lock.

I'll be switching to 185's in the near future. There's such a thing as too much tire, and I think this is one such case.

I'll try to post a picture later when I get home.

[BluEyes]

here is what a 175 70 r13 looks like. I wonder if a 185 would be noticibly wider?

Those 175's look just about perfect. Notice how the sidewall is nice and flat so the tire looks square. 185's would probably work (10mm wider tread section) but I think that 205's would really give you a bulging sidewall. If you want better handling, invest in stickier tires in this size, not wider rubber unless you get wider rims to match. Talk to any experienced autocrosser and they will tell you that a wider tire needs a wider rim to properly support the tread. The 205's would likely cause a loss in steering sharpness with such a narrow rim because the sidewall is free to flop back and forth as you go from a left to a right turn.