Would this look funny?

[Cush29]

I've read as much as I can about tires, rims etc. and am still not so sure so I thought I'd ask the group.

I am running stock 17 inch snowflakes with the 205/55/17 tires on it.

Car is not lowered at all.

Looking at possibly going to a 215/45/17 tire on snowflakes without any lowering.

Will this look stupid? How much (if any but I think there would be) more of a gap would there be between the top of the tire and the wheelwell would there be with the new tires?

Thanks in advance.

[cwp_sedan]

I don't think it will look horrible but you will have more wheel gap. There are some cars that have more than ours do from stock.

What's the reason for your tire size choice?

[Cush29]

Thanks for the quick response!

Reason I'm considering the change in size is a member's F/S thread with some powdercoated snowflakes and these tires............:)

Just trying to figure out the math to figure out how much more of a gap would be created, if I am doing the math correctly over 3.5 inches?

[pacmann33]

The difference in wheel diameter, on the same rim would not be detectable by a human eye, that's for sure, no added wheel gap. It will look better IMO due to the added width though, which will be very noticeable.

[bluemazda3]

your speedo might be affected too..

[pacmann33]

The difference is within 2%, so still within acceptable limits....1.8% slower is what your speedo will read at 60mph.

[Rob23]

my tires are 215/45/17 and my last set of tires were 225/45/17 you don't notice the wheel gap much.

[Cush29]

Thanks everyone - once I get these rims/tires on my ride (probably not until spring at this point) I'll snap some pics and post but I think they will look great.

Apprectiate all the feedback and 411.

Now just to try and find some winters on something other than steelies.....would like some 16 inch OEM's I can plasticdip but not having much luck thusfar.

[Cush29]

Just picked up these rims/tires (Thanks again Kevin), now just the long wait for spring to come to see them on my ride!