Optional Tires for 2002 PR5 OEM 16X6 Rims
 

What are (safe) optional tire sizes for the 2002 Protégé 5 for the 16”X6” OEM rims?

I would like to keep my OEM rims, but would like to go to a 205/50 tire. I know this is a little taller & wider, and may cause ~1% error in odometer and speedometer… I can live with this…

I am primarily looking for style/handling improvements especially in the rain. the 195/50 OEM Dunlop’s SP5000M were so-so... and now have got to go-go!

I am seriously considering Pirelli P-Zero Nero (M&S) 205/50s. I have seen lots of good reviews for this tire…

I believe this can be done without any modifications... Would someone please confirm?

Are there any other Pro/Cons that I should be aware of???

Thanks in advance for your time and feedback.

NCPR5

I'd get 205/45's. They are a tick smaller in diameter (lower gearing =better acceleration) and a tick wider, just like the 205/50's you mention. A 45 series doesn't ride much worse than a 50 series either, it's when you get to the magic number "40 series" (or lower!) that things really go to hell in the ride department.

I put 205/50/16 tires on my factory P5 rims - no problems at all. The tire fills the wheel well a little nicer too :)

The 50 series is a titch bigger in diameter than stock, the 205/45 is a titch smaller. The 6" rim is definitely acceptable for a 205/50/16 tire from a safety point of view, you would need to confirm whether the 205/45/16 is a safe fit on a 6" rim.

A 205/45 tire is not an optimal choice on a 6" wide rim.

i have the Pirelli P-Zero Nero 205/45 on the stock rims. they are awesome during rain and light snow, had it now for about 3 months. .. I will buy these tires again, if i have to.

I put Toyo Proxes FZ-4s on my stockies, 205/45/16. Pic is up in the other thread...

I agree the 205/45 is not "optimal" for the 6" rim, but I think a 6" wide wheel is not exactly "optimal" for the Protege, or any car really. Ulimately you should get at least 7" wide wheels, regardless of 16 or 17", 205 or 215mm, etc. The 16x6's look too skinny, especially in today's modern automotive world.

Things to consider
 

Although I can't argue the visual advantages of going up to a 205 width tire (either a 205/45 or a 205/50) two things to consider are the ability of a 6" rim to properly support the wider tire (so it doesn't flex too much) and the weight of the wheel and tire assembly. Given the Protege's limited power, accelerating a couple extra pounds per wheel may be a factor. Back in my Showroom Stock racing days, we were often suprised when a larger size tire was slower than the stock size...due to a combination of the stock rim not adequately bracing the larger tire and the greater weight. So the larger/wider tire may look faster, but it may not actually handle better or lower lap times.

I have a 2001 ES 2.0, and I fit 215/40's on it, and it is great, but I have since gone to 215/40/17's now.

My 205/45/16s fit well, handle *so* much better and are a 2% smaller diameter (pretty small/insignificant IMHO). They look 'correct' (not like a saggy donut!).

However - it drove me to the lowering springs becasue now too much wheel well was showing. The combination of the improved tires and the springs has been awesome!

I would do again in a heartbeat!

Purchased & Installed the Pirelli P-Zero Nero (M&S) 205/50s An exceptional Tire... Much improved ride and handling over the Stock Dunlop SP5000Ms, Superior wet-traction, and less road noise too...