Technical Tyre size for 15x8 ET25

[brinker]

I own a 2005 mk2b, lowered on Eibach Sportline (50/40) and have purchased a set of 15x8 ET25. As far as I'm concerned, the wheels will fit fine - I am however unsure which tire size to get, and also wonder whether I need to roll the rear fenders.
I have been looking at 195/50 and 195/45 - are any of you running that size? Do you have your rear fenders rolled to avoid rubbing?

Side-note, I have no interest in 185/45-15, as the only manufacturer of these is Nankang. I want decent quality tires, ie. Bridgestone, Conti etc.

 

[MikeSalt]

185/55 R15 is one of the genuine mk2 Punto sizes, for which there are plenty of tyres available. 185/45 R15 is too small, which will cause your speedometer to over-read by more than 6%. ET25 is only 8-12 mm further out than a stock rim, so take a look at your car now and see if that would foul the fenders. Remember that it mustn't foul for the whole range of suspension articulation either. Also, be aware that the difference in offset will affect scrub radius and wheel bearing life too.

As for the wheels themselves, do you know the centre-bore and pitch-circle diameter for the bolt holes? If I recall correctly, you need 4x98mm pitch-circle diameter and 58.1 mm centre bore. Also, check with the tyre manufacturers if the width of the tyre is compatible with an 8-inch wide rim. In fact, an 8 inch rim might foul regardless of tyre choice, Puntos were only really designed for 6 inch.

 

[brinker]

I am aware that fitting a 185/45-15 will give me misreading on the speedo - that's not really an issue to me. 195/45's will also give me roughly 5% misread.
ET25 will extend by 10mm yes, IF you don't factor in the additional width the 8" have. Then it extends by 42mm compared to the 5.5" it's currently fitted with - which means that the rims are more or less flush with the edge of the fender.

I have seen other members photos of Punto's with 8" and even 9" wheels fitted, with a fairly low ET as well - but hardly any of these state what tyre size they run - hence why I am hoping for some feedback from them, or anyone who might know what is able to fit without too much of a hassle.

 

[jonik]

Hi!

Those wheels won't fit to front without spacers, rear should be fine. I have Keskin KT3 Solar 8x15" et18 wheels with 195/45-15 tires. There is about 5mm space behind front wheel and 10mm in rear. Speedo shows 3% more than with 13" wheels, example 100->103km/h.

Greetings from Finland
https://www.facebook.com/PuntoDemoBuild

 

[brinker]

Thanks Jonik, appreciate the reply!
I have test fitted the bare rims and they clear fine, both front and rear - so I assume the problem will not occur until I have the tyres fitted?
I was leaning more towards the 195/45 myself, as they're about 30mm less diameter than what's currently fitted - which I guess should give me the clearance I need at the fender.

 

[jonik]

Are you sure wheel wont hit the car body when you turn steering wheel to max? Mine hit (had to use hammer) and you have 10mm less space. I had 4cm ground clearance so that may be the reason
You may have to roll the arches, at least I had to.

Here's a pic with those wheels

 

[brinker]

Well, I haven't checked that - only checked inwards rim clearance. We'll have to see once I have the tyres ordered and fitted in a couple weeks. Yours does seem to be lower in the front end than mine though, but rear looks about the same.