225/50-16 Tires

Well I finally bought a set of period correct rims for my car, a set of 16x8 rial mesh rims. They have some curb rash but are in pretty good shape considering they are 23 years old.

I am thinking about getting a set of tires and hear 225/50-16 is the way to go. I'm thinking about putting summer tires on these rims and keeping my original Fuchs as winter rims because they are ratty and the Rials are a pain to clean. I spend 10 hours cleaning and waxing these rims while I was rained in.

I was curious if anyone has any suggestions as to good tires in 225/50-16? This is a much easier size to get than the stock size of 205/70-14 so I am overwhelmed by the choices.

Thanks folks!

On an 8" wheel i would run 245/45r16 if i had the choice.

I know Nexen N3000 and Fuzion Zri are available in that size.

Ive heard good things about the Zri and had the N3000 in that size and liked it.

Either one is not super aggressive and have fairly good treadwear.

What are your performance/driving expectations?

Just remember you will lose the "atomic marshmallow" ride.

I'd go 245/45r16 as well.

I've got 225's on 7.5inch rims and they are stretched to the limit of what I would feel safe with. It'll be at least 235's for me next time

Tirerack only lists 2 street tires in 245/45 right now, the pickings are slim. I wish it were otherwise, I have been running the now discontinued Hankook RS-2's in that size on my Supra and love the price and performance of them. 16's are tiny by todays standards and nobody seems interested in making wide ones any more, you gotta go baller 17" or 18" to get anything wide these days. When will the madness end?

1slowcrx wrote: I'd go 245/45r16 as well. I've got 225's on 7.5inch rims and they are stretched to the limit of what I would feel safe with. It'll be at least 235's for me next time

I have 225/50/16 on 16X7.5 rims on my E28 BMW and they are not stretched at all. Even on a 16X8 it wouldn't stretch. Now on a 16X9....

If you insist on putting 225s on some kind of ancient rare 8" rim, make sure you get ones with a big rim protector lip.

The 225/50-16 is the tire many of the people on the mercedes board run on the 8x16 rims and there are a lot of choices in that size. I have heard that I may have to roll the front fenders to accommodate the new rimz but if I work it right I'll look like I timewarped straight from the 80's. The only issue is I've never seen them on a 107.

I really don't know anything about tires so maybe I'll do some research into how wide I can push a tire and still fit. Another issue is my car doesn't really need any more tire than a 225 or so because the engine only puts out 180hp.

Thanks for the help if anyone has a tire they like in the 225/50-16 just name it.

benzbaron wrote: I really don't know anything about tires so maybe I'll do some research into how wide I can push a tire and still fit. Another issue is my car doesn't really need any more tire than a 225 or so because the engine only puts out 180hp.

Not the point! My engine puts out double digits to the wheels. I run a 16x8. I put 245/45-16s on it, and it's perfect. No stretch, no bulge, it's the perfect fitting tire for that wheel size.

Just for kicks. 225mm= 8.9" 245mm=9.6" 8" rim=203mm Which doesn't really prove anything.

Lol sure doesnt. IRL experience says 245s fit perfect on 8" rims.

I have Hankook Ventus IIs on my 89 Volvo turbo brick in that size. They seem to stick decently and you can't beat the price. The wheels are 7" but the tires still have a bit of bulge to them.

Thanks for the information, I'll keep y'all posted as to which route I go. The roads in califronia suck so I'll have to watch out for pot holes. I'll need to see how fat I can go on tires and still fit in the fender. I guess it is easy to roll fenders though. I don't really want to modify anything.

Thanks again!