225/45zr15 Rim Width
So Tirerack shows a rim width range from 7-8.5" for the 225/45ZR15 size.
Car is a 2002 Miata running at about stock ride height.
We have 15x7 rims on the car now what would be the widest we could get away with without having to roll the fenders? What are the cool kids running?
If you are wanting to run 225s, then I would go with at least a 7.5" rim. Probably no more than 8".
Now for the rubbing, you might just want to try someone else's rims. For example, if you want to co-drive your car on my 7.5" rims with 225s, then I would be down for trying.
You could do 15x9 6UL's or TRM C3M's. Mine is lowered and slightly rubs on the aftermarket sway bar at full lock, but never had them rub the fenders.
Wouldn't 9" wide rims be more rims that the tire 225/45zr15 needs??
What size tires are you running on those rims maan1986?
Originally Posted by POS Racing
I have a stock height '03 with 15x8 Koenig Flatouts and 225/45 RS-3's. I'm in N. Richland Hills if you want to drive it. No rubbing problems at all.
Jim Moller
817 - nine nine four - three sevens, and a two
Mick, not sure if you know Jim, but I can vouch that he's normal in case you want to hook up with him.
The cool kids run a 225/45 on a 9" rim, and it's not too big for the tire. From what I hear, it stiffens up the sidewall and gives you sharper turn-in. However, you have to do a little fender rolling on an NA - probably on the NB as well.
I'm running the 225/45 on an 8" rim, and it feels great. I'm not a good enough driver to notice the difference in turn-in. I've only had minor interference issues that I was able to take care of using the "ghetto roll" method - prying a couple of fender tabs in with a cheater bar, using the tire as leverage.
'94 Black & Black & Tan
'99 head swap, JR header, TDR intake & header blanket, MegaSquirt, RB hollow bar, Tein Flex, 15x8 6ULs, HD M2 Sport, FM cat, Borla cat-back, black '95M interior, MOMO Zebrano, IL Motorsport console...
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8/16/08 (bone stock): 103.1 hp/99.0 lb-ft - Dynojet
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8/13/11 (more stuff...): 126 hp/116 lb-ft - Mustang dyno
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I've got 225s on my 8s with a +25 offset and sit way lower than stock. I can say at stock ride you shouldn't have to roll the fenders and with an 8 the sidewalls are straight up and down where as with the 9s you will have a slight stretch. I have had not complaints about mine on 8s.
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That's right. I'm running the RB hollow front bar - I think it's 1.125" or so; 4" from the front pinch weld to floor, 4.33" rear pinch weld to floor height. Haven't had any fender rub, but at full lock the inside of the rim rubs against the front swaybar arm. A 5mm spacer would probably do the trick, but then it'd probably rub the fender.
15x9 is probably the widest you could go without modifying anything.
I'm running 15x8 6UL's with 225x45x15 Toyo R1R's as my DD. I've also got the RB front sway bar, Koni shocks and GC coilovers and is lower than stock. No rubbing issues except for when in full lock to lock.
Where did you get your spacers? Do you have any closeups of the look? Sounds really nice. I assume it didnt affect ride quality?
Oops I assumed spacers.
Last edited by Monster; 07-07-2013 at 08:29 PM. Reason: Correction
I have 6UL 15x9s with 225/45/15's on a '99 with no fender rolling.
The issue with the 9's and 225's is your spring size. Stock springs are bigger around than my Xidas, IIRC 3" vs 2.5".
I have had a little rubbing on my RB sway bar, if I turn the wheel to full lock, so I try to remember not to do it.
I also make sure the wheel balance weights are not right on the inside edge of the wheel.
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I had 9" 949s for my 225-45-15 RS3s. Slight rubbing on the RB front bar at full lock. FCM springs were also smaller than stock.
9" was the supposedly 'hot choice' size of choice for the kooks, but maybe the BFG will like the 8" just as well.
Oh yea, I also pinched the inside of the fenders. Well, no so much pinched as beat flat with a rubber mallete, which actually worked quite well.
Normal!!! What a total disappointment.
If it makes you feel better Jim m I am very Leary about contacting you since jrj512 vouched for ya!
If it makes you feel better Jim m I am very Leary about contacting you since jrj512 vouched for ya!
I don't blame you a bit.
I have a 225/45/16 on a 9 inch wheel on my car. Previously, many moons ago, I had a 225/50/15 on a 7.5 wheel, and light clearancing was all that was needed.
No a 225 street tire will work best on a 9" rim. Performance drops pretty significantly on a 8" and it will be pretty crappy on a 7".
So is anyone running a 9" rim fitting under a NB running stocks springs at stock ride height??
I gotta feeling that isn't going to fit without clearance issues.
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