Taller Tires for 2000 Camry

[TheGreatGrizz]

I recently bought at 2000 Camry and I'm trying to figure out if I can get tires that are any taller than the OEM tires. Thanks for your advice.

[LynchburgCSI]

You can, but why would you? All it's going to do is throw off your speedometer.

[deadrx7conv]

Speedometers are optimistic. Automakers don't want to responsible for your speeding tickets. Usually a tad taller tire gives you a more accurate speedometer reading.

To go a tad taller, just up to width by one size leaving all else the same.

Greatgrizz, what size do you already have?

[Zembonez]

My Accord and my Truck speedos are right on with my GPS. Taller tires on a Camry are also going to wreck fuel economy.

[deadrx7conv]

Why would it wreck fuel economy?
We're not at the limit of power so a slightly lower operating rpm should improve economy.

GPS isn't how speedometers are calibrated.

[Zembonez]

Well GPS is accurate. Taller tires increase final drive ratio and therefore add to the effort the vehicle needs to accelerate. Mileage is not all about cruising speed.

Give it a whirl. You'll find out the hard way.

[deadrx7conv]

I do. Just about every vehicle I've ever owned had taller tires. Only my Bronco needed new front/rear gears to make up for diameter(because I went up 4") and it didn't affect MPG once the gear ratio was decreased(numerically increased).

Like I said before, we're not at the limit of power.

And, GPS is accurate. But, its not how you calibrate a speedometer. Don't forget hills.

[2win2rbo]

Originally Posted by TheGreatGrizz

I recently bought at 2000 Camry and I'm trying to figure out if I can get tires that are any taller than the OEM tires. Thanks for your advice.

Yes you can. In ecomodding, it's called "poor man's final drive upgrade." It's beneficial if you are driving mostly in the highway. It's going make the engine work more in the city.

pgmomni, an active Camry member in ecomodder.com and who was once posting here on TN, uses a 6% plus oversized tires since he does mostly highway. He already broke his 35 mpg mark with the front air dam and the lower grill block for winter. He also reached up to around 37 to 38 mpg recently, if I am not wrong.

[deadrx7conv]

To understand hills, use an extreme hill. Take your GPS into an elevator. You'll be moving up/down at a speed but what does your GPS read? If you paid attention in geometry class, you'll understand.

[LynchburgCSI]

Deleted some posts here. Let's play nice gentlemen and stay on topic. No personal attacks per forums rules, please.

[Zembonez]

Originally Posted by deadrx7conv

To understand hills, use an extreme hill. Take your GPS into an elevator. You'll be moving up/down at a speed but what does your GPS read? If you paid attention in geometry class, you'll understand.

I'm quite sure my comparisons between GPS and my speedos were not climbing pikes peak. Thanks for the geometry refresher.

Hey OP. Sorry for the nutty thread derail.

A small increase in size would probably not be noticeable fuel economy wise... but I don't think you can hope to increase your fuel economy by increasing tire size.

[Yuko]

I measured the tires on my 01'. I have about a little over an inch of clearance between the top of the tires on the struts. I have new 205/65-15 Falken ze912 on 15x6 wheels with +39 offset. I think the max you can run is 205/75-15 with is about 1.6 inch taller and with throw the speedometer off by 4 mph. May rub on turns?

Here's a good site to compare sizes
http://www.1010tires.com/TireSizeCal...?action=submit

[TheGreatGrizz]

Thanks for the response. I have 205/65/R15's now.

[deadrx7conv]

Originally Posted by TheGreatGrizz

Thanks for the response. I have 205/65/R15's now.

215/65/15, 195/70/15, or 205/70/15 are taller.

I don't like 'double' stepping when going taller since 'feel' of vehicle will be different if you're a observant driver.

Also, opens up different brands/types/availability when hunting for cheapest tires on closeout/sale..... So, different sized tire could also be a 'budget' decision having nothing to do with MPG. Would you turn down the neighbors 'free' tires if yours are bald? I didn't!

One thing I noticed is that taller tires seem to last a little longer too.
MPG might not be noticeable but many things affect MPG mildly and we use them. If MPG is the goal, synthetic ATF, PSF, motor oil is a start. Thinner fluids is another. Good alignment, more tire PSI, eco-green tires(no traction low rolling resistance), ... also help.

Miata tire calc is a good tool:
http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html

[TheGreatGrizz]

Any idea if these sizes will work without scrubbing?

Originally Posted by deadrx7conv

215/65/15, 195/70/15, or 205/70/15 are taller.

I don't like 'double' stepping when going taller since 'feel' of vehicle will be different if you're a observant driver.

Also, opens up different brands/types/availability when hunting for cheapest tires on closeout/sale..... So, different sized tire could also be a 'budget' decision having nothing to do with MPG. Would you turn down the neighbors 'free' tires if yours are bald? I didn't!

One thing I noticed is that taller tires seem to last a little longer too.
MPG might not be noticeable but many things affect MPG mildly and we use them. If MPG is the goal, synthetic ATF, PSF, motor oil is a start. Thinner fluids is another. Good alignment, more tire PSI, eco-green tires(no traction low rolling resistance), ... also help.

Miata tire calc is a good tool:
http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html