Original Wheel Size ?

[89SR5]

I have : P195/50R15 on my 1989 SR5 . Is that a good set up ? Are 15 inch rims the original size ? It seems like the new style of larger rims and low profile tires would ruin the cornering ability.

[miss_biss]

TokyoRacer says:

The bigger rims and lower profile tires will increase your cornering ability because the lwoer profile tires won't fold over themselves on a hard turn. Stock size is 175/70/13 .. I upgraded my wheels to the same size yours are at now. 195/50/15 means your speedo is off a very small fraction too so when it reads 60MPH you're actually travelling 60.1MPH.

[89SR5]

My theory of thought was that with more side wall to flex in the curves the "radial " would work better. ??? no ??

[miss_biss]

Well the more the tire folds udner the more you run the risk of a) having the tire rip clena off the rim and b) if all the weights on the sidealll of the tire then that means that the cars dropped an inch or so and the cars gunna wanna slide alot more easily..I think firmer side wall, grippy side down.

[89SR5]

Aspect Ratio
This number tells you the height of the tire, from the bead to the top of the tread. This is described as a percentage of the tire width. In our example, the aspect ratio is 75, so the tire's height is 75 percent of its width, or 176.25 mm ( .75 x 235 = 176.25 mm, or 6.94 in). The smaller the aspect ratio, the wider the tire in relation to its height.


Two tires with different aspect ratios but the same overall diameter High performance tires usually have a lower aspect ratio than other tires. This is because tires with a lower aspect ratio provide better lateral stability. When a car goes around a turn lateral forces are generated and the tire must resist these forces. Tires with a lower profile have shorter, stiffer sidewalls so they resist cornering forces better.

[89SR5]

OH I see.. Never one not to admit when I'm wrong... But I understand it now.
THANKS !!