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Howdy All,

I'm in the position where i will be buying wheels and tyres in the next month and i'm a little stuck on what to get.

I have definitely decided on two things. The wheels will be 949 Racing 6UL's and the Tyres will be Bridgestone RE002.

What I can't decide on is size... I have narrowed it down to four options:

- 15x7 +36 with 195/50R15
- 15x7 +36 with 205/50R15

- 15x7.5 +40 with 195/50R15
- 15x7.5 +40 with 205/50R15 (Most Expensive Option)

I will be using the car mainly as a daily, with the occasional track day (most likely 2 a year). I want looks too, the car is on Koni and Kings so i want a nice stance. (was thinking the 15x7.5 +40 with 205/50R15 would do this well)

Thanks Guys

Cheyne I'd stick with a 7" wheel, don't see the need for wider especially if you've go the same tyre sizes in mind anyway +36 will look a bit nicer than +40 as well for filling out the guards a bit... and if its cheaper as well... bonus!

195 or 205 will both be good. Less tyre will be perhaps a bit more responsive than a 205 I'm not sure... and of course a tiny bit less weight, though I don't think it'll be a lot of difference overall.

15x7 +36 and 15x7.5 +40 would be close enough in stance difference to make no real difference either way (<2.5mm visible difference). With that in mind, and the fact that you don't need the extra width because you're not running particularly wide rubber, I'd recommend to just save the extra little bit of unsprung weight and go with the 15x7.

Thanks for the advice guys.

I guess the only reason for going a wider wheel is if I wanted to place much wider rubber on down the track (which I don't plan on doing with the current power)

15x7 is looking like the sensible choice.

Andrew, you mentioned a 205/50R15 would not be as responsive, would you mind explaining a little more? I would have thought that going a wider tyre (even marginally) would increase grip.

If it was predominantly a track car, I'd say go the 15x7.5 with the 205/50.
But seeing as a daily, then get the 15x7. Cheaper, lighter, and run the 205/50 as imo they'll look better than 195s

I think it would be a very marginal difference you would feel between a 195 and 205 tyre and its possibly not worth concerning yourself about! Rascal has it right that a 205 will probably look a little better on the wheel.
My meaning was that while there would be more grip with the wider tyre you *might* feel more steering response with the smaller tyre... thats as best as I can put it from reading and trying to understand tyre behaviour. Would need clarification from someone much more knowledgeable about the behaviour of the tyres than myself though.

I really appreciate the input guys.

I think your on the money rascal. You also place some interesting points too Andrew.

I think I'm pretty much decided on the 205/50R15.

I'm guessing side wall flex won't be a noticeable difference between the 7 & 7.5?

CheyneX5 wrote:I'm guessing side wall flex won't be a noticeable difference between the 7 & 7.5?

nope, not on public roads anyway...

Hmmm...

I know 15x7 will be fine. My ego is yelling to get the 7.5's though ;P

Just go 8 inch and 205 and be done with it.

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7.5" +40 rims wont give you any stance.

I'm not going for ridiculous stance. I just want something that will fill out the guards a little better than standard.

Have a look in my build thread at my rims. I think my fronts are 7 inch plus 21 but it says in the garage thread. Front fill nicely, rears stick out just a touch. Plohl's 8 inch 6ul rims with 205 fill his guards reasonably but aren't "stanced" and no rolled lip.

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I'll agree with sailaholic and get the 15x8's with 205/50/15. I reckon you'll regret getting the 7's or 7.5 later on. Stance-wise they will look more like stock rims.

You said you plan on fitting much wider rubber in the future. The 15x8 6UL's would be more versatile with tyre options ranging from 195/50/15 to 225/45/15 if need be.

Here are my 15x9's with 225/45/15. They still don't fill out the guards but that's the point with these wheels.





But to answer your question, go the 15x7.5 6UL's with 205 rubber

Cheyne,

Johnd on this forum has 205/50 x15 on et 35 15x7's and it will do exactly want you want, much bigger and you will have tyres sticking out or rubbing.

Looks much better than standard but has no drama associated with the fitment.You will also take a bit of the inbuilt speedo inaccuracy away as well!

Peter.