Biggest fit for 2003 TL-Type S
 

I currently have BF Goodrich Traction T/A, The factory size of the tire is 215/50R 17. Can someone tell me what the biggest tires that can fit on the factory. Thanks.

225 would be the best fit

Why do you want the biggest tire on your stock wheels?? Do you want wider or taller?

:agree:
If I be you, I'll get 225/45/17

bigger wheel gap IMO.

The reason why I wanted to know was because, I got a free set of 4 brand new tires, that are 225/55R 17. I was wondering if this would fit on the stock rims.

Thanks for the help.

True. The diameter of the 225/45 is 1/2-inch smaller/shorter than the stock 215/50 and you get a shorter sidewall. This does create a bigger wheel gap, but you can compensate by dropping the car (if it isn't already).

You can also go with 225/50 which is slightly bigger/taller (diameter is 0.4-inch bigger) with a taller sidewall.

Either way, both tire sizes are within acceptable spec to the factory tire.

So would you say that the 225/55 17 will be fine on the factory 03 type S rim?

It will be fine. I have 235/45/17 on mine and they have been fine for the past 3 years.

Now that I am dropped with suspension, I am going back to stock 215/50/17.

Is your TL dropped? If you're dropped, you may have clearance problems. Actually, you might have clearance problems with your stock suspension with that size tire.

225/55-17 tires are 1.3 inches taller than the stock 215/50-17 tires. That's close to 5% diameter difference; recommended is +/- 3% difference. I would go with the other members' suggestions ^.

There's a good tire size comparison tool at http://www.1010tires.com/TireSizeCalculator.asp

Did you mean 225/45-17?

No he said he got them for free, thats why he was inquiring..

Even if you don't have clearance issues, it will look wierd. Not to mention your speedometer being off.

225/40/18 No problems.

i think i have 225/40/18 and the gap between the tire and wheelwell is big. makes the 18's look small!!

To the above 2 posters - we are talking about 17 inch wheels :thumbsup:

thank you, sir. i was about to say the same.

at any rate, i think if you want wider, then go with 225-45-17. you shouldn't have a problem with that size, but it will throw off the wheel gap and speedometer a bit. to be quite honest, the way most of us drive, you won't be able to tell the difference between 215 and 225.

Didn't read thread carefully enough sorry :tomato: I had 225/45/17 before I got the 18s. They fit fine with no problem and didn't rub when I dropped the car 3/4.

225/45/17 is the same profile/ height with 215/50/17 but wider.

Mistake!!!! I have 225/45R17 on 8" wide wheels and they fit perfect. Do not put them on 6.5" wide wheels. you speedo will be of by about 3mph at 60mph you will be going 57mph. Not the same size if you do the 225 it should be 50R17, 55 will be bigger and you will look like you have 16" wheels...

DO NOT mount 225/55/17 tires on your rims if you plan on driving them with your TL. The speedo will be over 5% off spec. As someone has already stated ... car is going 60, your speedo will say 57. It may not mean much to you, but on a safety standpoint ... definitely not recommended.

Some have debated the validity of this point ... but the ABS or other safety systems work within a small range of error ... any large deviation in speed, etc ... handling in an emergency situation can be affected. Free tires or not ... I would rather you err on the side of caution and go with a tire setup closer to wheel spec 215/50/17. :2cents: