What size 15inch wheel/tire? - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

mytoy · 10-04-2009, 08:08 PM

About to replace wheels an tires on my 99 Camry from
stock 14x5inch wheels to 15inch wheels. I see two
15inch wheel choices. 15 x 6 and 15 x 6.5. Also see two
tires size choices. 205 65 15 and 205 60 15.

No doubt there are folks on this forum who have already
been down this road. I'd appreciate your advice...

Bdub215 · 10-04-2009, 08:13 PM

205/65/15. it'll keep your speedo accurate.

mytoy · 10-04-2009, 08:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bdub215

205/65/15. it'll keep your speedo accurate.

Thanks very much for the quick response and excellent point.

Any opinion on whether 15 x6 or 15 x 6.5?

Gibson99 · 10-05-2009, 08:53 AM

at this size, 6 or 6.5 won't make any real difference. if you want a slightly wider look then go for 6.5, but the only way you'll be able to tell them apart is to set them side by side.

mytoy · 10-05-2009, 09:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gibson99

at this size, 6 or 6.5 won't make any real difference. if you want a slightly wider look then go for 6.5, but the only way you'll be able to tell them apart is to set them side by side.

Thank you for responding. I assume there's no rubbing issues with a
15 x 6.5 wheel and 205 65 15 tire.

Second question if I may. The Wheels I'm looking at(Borbett or RIAL)
I'm told come with something called "Centering Rings". Is this an
OK arrangement?

Gibson99 · 10-05-2009, 09:25 AM

width doesn't necessarily mean it will or won't rub. my car used to have 18x8 rims on it and there was no rubbing. but that's because they were the proper OFFSET. do a little homework on offset and whatnot before buying rims.

as for hub centering rings, or "hubcentrics" that's a good thing. that means there's less chance of vibration from the wheels not being perfectly centered when you install them. i wouldn't want to install aftermarket rims without them.

mytoy · 10-05-2009, 09:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gibson99

width doesn't necessarily mean it will or won't rub. my car used to have 18x8 rims on it and there was no rubbing. but that's because they were the proper OFFSET. do a little homework on offset and whatnot before buying rims.

as for hub centering rings, or "hubcentrics" that's a good thing. that means there's less chance of vibration from the wheels not being perfectly centered when you install them. i wouldn't want to install aftermarket rims without them.

Thanks very much for these comebacks...really appreciated. Yes, I understand
your point about offsets. Its a blind item to me, I have no idea what offset to be
striving for. I'm assuming Tire Rack or Discount Tire have that worked out when
they show available choices based on year/model. True? I'm not looking for
an overstated appearance, just want nicer wheels and meatier look. Can I trust
those merchants recommendations or should I do more digging myself?

Gibson99 · 10-05-2009, 09:37 AM

tire rack is one i'd trust for fitment recommendations and a good "complete package" of rims, tires, hubcentrics, and even new lugnuts if necessary. i have no experience buying rims from discount, though i do like their service for tires.

that said, if you're already getting rims AND tires together, why not upgrade a bit to 16 or even 17" rims for a better look? 15s always look small inside the "balloon" 205/65/15 tire size. i can't afford 18s again, but 17s are surprisingly affordable. something like a 215/50/17 will look nice without looking too much like a rubber band. plus it gives you more meat on the road.

mytoy · 10-05-2009, 09:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gibson99

tire rack is one i'd trust for fitment recommendations and a good "complete package" of rims, tires, hubcentrics, and even new lugnuts if necessary. i have no experience buying rims from discount, though i do like their service for tires.

that said, if you're already getting rims AND tires together, why not upgrade a bit to 16 or even 17" rims for a better look? 15s always look small inside the "balloon" 205/65/15 tire size. i can't afford 18s again, but 17s are surprisingly affordable. something like a 215/50/17 will look nice without looking too much like a rubber band. plus it gives you more meat on the road.

Thanks for merchant input, will likely will go with Tire Rack as they have
the two choices I'm considering. Borbett and RIAL

Will 16 x7's be too much for a 4cyl Camry? I agree, the look will be nicer. I assume
the tire size would be a 205 60 16. Would there be allot of speedometor error and
diminished ride quality?

Gibson99 · 10-05-2009, 10:09 AM

nah, 16x7 will be fine. the 4cyl solara could be had, bone stock, with 16x6.5's so you'll be fine. ride quality won't change much but you will get slightly better steering response with a wider tire.

don't guess on tire size. www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html - use that to get something within about 2% of your stock size and you'll be fine. if you're doing 60 and the speedo says 61, will you really care? and do you think a cop's radar is that accurate anyway?

mytoy · 10-05-2009, 10:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gibson99

nah, 16x7 will be fine. the 4cyl solara could be had, bone stock, with 16x6.5's so you'll be fine. ride quality won't change much but you will get slightly better steering response with a wider tire.

don't guess on tire size. www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html - use that to get something within about 2% of your stock size and you'll be fine. if you're doing 60 and the speedo says 61, will you really care? and do you think a cop's radar is that accurate anyway?

Hey...what a terrific web site...THANKS!!! You're so right, speedo variation is
minuscule. Only thing subjective is ride quality. No question in my mind
appearance and handling would be allot better. i'll look into the 16 x 7's.
This has been really helpful, I thank you for your interest and taking time to volley
these questions. I may be back with more!

...Bob

eddie926 · 10-05-2009, 10:56 AM

These may not be your style since you're looking at Borbets and Rials, but since you're considering 16s, I thought I'd pass you the info.

These wheels were specifically made for the Camry as an upgrade option on the Gen 3s. They have the correct bolt pattern, offset, and hub size. You don't need centering rings with them. They come with all the necessary hardware.

I have a set on my '95 V6 XLE and have been very happy with the look and performance.

Very good prices for BBS wheels. A similar 17" BBS on Tirerack sells for $320 each. Again, may not be your style, but thought I'd pass it along.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/16-BB...Q5fAccessories

EDIT:
I can't vouch for this particular seller. I bought mine from a different seller on eBay. Shortly after that, he apparently sold out his stock to WAC.

Gibson99 · 10-05-2009, 10:59 AM

nice! and for only $400?? that's a steal. that's the style of wheel that was previously on my 98 - the BBS RX. i'd love to get the 18s back on it again since it looked awesome and handled great, but it's just too much money. i never expected having a kid to have this much financial drain on me!

eddie926 · 10-05-2009, 11:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gibson99

nice! and for only $400?? that's a steal. that's the style of wheel that was previously on my 98 - the BBS RX. i'd love to get the 18s back on it again since it looked awesome and handled great, but it's just too much money. i never expected having a kid to have this much financial drain on me!

Yeah, I couldn't resist at that price. I like the "classic" look, and the fact that they were spec'd for the Camry (i.e. correct hub size, etc.) Everything else I was considering would have set me back A LOT more $$.

And yeah, having a family changes those financial priorities a little. My oldest just started college, so I know how that is

mytoy · 10-05-2009, 09:01 PM

Gentleman, forgive my silence during this exchange. Had to run off and attend to
some distractions.

This has been a terrific dialog, can't thank you folks enough. Before today I was pretty much
focused on 15 x 6.5 wheels, now you guys have me convinced to go to 16inch. Also many thanks for the link to the BBS's. Yes, different look than the Rials and Borbet's but very compelling. I've printed the picture of the BBS's, will see how they "hit me" tomorrow. Give them a day to sink in. I once had BBS's on a European-tuned Scirocco I owned many years ago. Great car...great wheels.

Was at the Toyota dealer today, parts fellow showed me a 16X6.5 15spoke Toyota Wheel. Price was $169.00 each. Quoted, $1400 for 4 wheels, Michelin Primacy 205 60 16 Tires, Mounting, Balancing, Valves, Wheel Alignment and Toyota Care Tire Warranty.