I am reaching out to you guys who are running si’s or have run si’s in the past. I have a agp db2 and I am running on the stock gsr wheels, with a stock suspension, and stock tires which are 195/60/14’s. I just purchased a set of si’s that have 195/65/15’s on the them which are way too large for my taste. Only 2 of the tires are good anyways so I want to start off with a fresh new set. I was looking at going with a 195/50/15 to stay around the same height that I am at with the stock wheels and tires. I was advised by a old tire guy not to go smaller. He said that " its never a good idea to go smaller". He said that the stock 195/60/14’s gives me a diameter of 23.2", a 195/50/15 gives me a diameter of 22.7", and a 195/55/15 gives me a diameter of 23.4". I know that the stock size of the si’s are 195/55/15’s but in my searches I have seen people running 195/50/15’s, 195/55/15’s. and 205/50/15’s. I drive my db2 as a daily driver mostly because its cheaper on gas rather than my Tacoma. I am just looking for something that will look nice, perform well, and possibly eliminate some road noise. Thoughts? All input is appreciated.
The smaller your sidewall, the lower your car will be and the more wheel gap you’ll have.
If you really don’t like the bulky tire you can run a 50/15… But I wouldn’t go any smaller than that.
After getting 50/15s on my LS wheels I actually missed the 55/15s lol.
cant go wrong with 205/50/15. it’s the typical norm for most Honda guys running 15in wheels; it’s low profile tire and it’s wider so you’ll get an extra bit of grip, but it’s really not that bad as far as road noise in my account, especially for daily driving. And additionally, you will not have any rubbing issues with that size.
Thanks for the responses. Any other input and opinions are appreciated.
Pick your tire compound first, then size. Personally I think 225-45-15, 205-50-15 and 195-55-15 are the only decent options. 195-50-15 will work but I think they look horrible when they’re that skinny. Plus, with a that size you are increasing your wheel well gap while decreasing your ground clearance just like unified mentioned - a combo which doesn’t make any sense IMO.
There isn’t a size which is identical to the stock one - you’ve already done the math on that for the 195-55, if you calc the 205-50 you’ll find its slightly smaller than stock. But those two are your closest options.
Also, ignore any input on noise or comfort because that is more dependent on compound and construction than size. Only compare those factors in relation to size if you’re looking at the same model of tire. If the tire is the same but you’re just changing size, then the thicker sidewall should ride softer. But there are tons of 195-55s which will be more noisy and stiff than 195-50s, just depends on the exact tires in question. And actually sizing even differs too. For example, high performance 195’s will often be wider than all season 205s. Again, depends on the exact tires you’re comparing…
I appreciate your advice colin. I’m going to try and get today to see what tires are out there.
lots of great tire choices in the 205/50 size
205/50/15 /thread