2001 Celical GT Wheels and Tires

[NotBradPitt01]

I have searched the site and I can't seem to find the answer to which is the best setup of wheels and tires for my 2001 Celica GT. I have around $1000.00 budget.

First, I wanted to know if I ran a tire size of 225/45/17 or a 225/40/18 would I run into any problems?

Second, whats a good inexpensive 17" or 18" wheel preferably in a gun metal.

I have had good experience with Nexen N3000 tires. But I have seen a few postings for Falken ZE512, ZE452 and ZE912. Looking for some feedback on which tires are preferable.

Thank you

[04CeliFTW]

With tires that size, rubbing won't be an issue. The only thing that I look at it the speedo comparison. Compared to the stock wheels/tires on the Celica GT, you need to get a wheel/tire combo that is comparable when it comes to speedo readout. The 00-05 Celica GT came stock with 195/60R15's, so to be really close, you'd want 205/45R17's...they put the speedo @ 59.8MPH, when you're really doing 60MPH. If you wish to compare tire sizes, check out the link I posted below for reference. As for a cheap gunmetal wheel...I'd look for Motegi or some company of the like. I had the MR7's on my 1990 Celi and they held up great, but it all depends on taste of course.

As for tire, it depends if they'll be summer or all season. Kumho is making a pretty good tire for both, the ASX for all season and the SPT for summer. Also, General has been making a comeback as well with the UHP. It's worth checking out tirerack to get some ideas too. If you have anymore questions, feel free to ask em, I'll get back to you...

Here's the like to that site...

http://www.1010tires.com/TireSizeCal...?action=submit

[NotBradPitt01]

Thank you for your reply.

One of the reasons I was choosing a larger size tire is because of my speedometer. Right now I have 195/60/15 on the car. On certain streets here they have those speed check signs that show you how fast you are going. When I am going 40 mph by my speedometer the sign says I am going 36 mph. I figured by going to the larger tire I would get my speedometer close to the actual speed I am traveling.

Thank you again

[04CeliFTW]

Well, I wouldn't take the numbers off those speed signs to heart. The speedo on the Celica was calibrated for the 195/60R15 tires or a combination of wheel/tire that has the same figures like diameter and revs per minute.

225's are pretty wide ass tires, and unless you're going with a rim that's 7.5"+, then they might be overkill. Sure, you'll get great traction and cornering would be better...but you also have a bigger tire, which means more weight. I'd say don't go any larger than 215, unless you have to or really want to. Also, if you move up to 215/40R18...you're speedo will show you're going 58.6MPH, when really you're doing 60MPH. Go to 225/40R18 and then you're speedo shows you're doing 57.9MPH when you're actually @ 60MPH.

Trust me, it can be a tough decision to make. Oh, and is your car lowered at all, or do you plan to lower it? If you're thinking about doing it, be careful when you buy the springs. If you go with 18's...you don't need a huge drop to make it sit nicely. I know Tien has a set of springs that only drop 0.8 inches...which might be ideal if you have 18's on the car.

[NotBradPitt01]

In case anyone wanted to know I ended up getting 215/45/17 Falken 502's and MSR Style 092 Gray 17 X 7 wheels. So far, I love them. My speedometer seems to be much closer to correct. I get great traction and little road noise. I also put on an Eibach Sportline Spring Kit which really lowered my car and made the car much more stable while cornering. My car looks fantastic and the ride is good. The car handles really well.

I am debating on which to do next. Put on the Eibach Anti-Roll Bar Kit to even get better handling while cornering or the Magnaflow Exhaust kit so it sounds better and get about a 5 boost in horsepower?

When the rains end I will takes some pics and post them.

I just love my 2001 Celica GT!!!

[catric69]

My suggestion is start from the ground up and get the sway-bars.

[04CeliFTW]

I agree...start from the bottom up...you won't regret it! Also, take a look at the Ansa Silverline exhaust. It's got a nice deep tone and sells for about $270.00...which is probably cheaper than what you could find the Magnaflow for, even on ebay. Partsgeek.com has em...and here's a vid of one on a white Celi like yours

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bWE3NhNEqi8

[NotBradPitt01]

Thanks for all the help and information. I really appreciate all the suggestions you all have sent. I will take your advise and do the sways bars next.

I thought I took care of my oil burning problem by replacing the PCV valve. But, I was wrong. My car burns about a quart of oil about every 1000 miles or so. I bought the car used from the Saturn dealer. I think the prior owner must have really run this car hard or didn't keep up on the maintenance. My fear is I may ultimately have to rebuild the engine. I can't do it myself. So, if anyone knows a good reasonable engine machine shop near San Diego County and what that may cost. Let me know.

Thank you again for all your help

[blackcelica01]

Would 215 45 tires work on 17 inch wheels without rubbing? I have 215 40 tires on 17 inch wheels are the car right now. I am thinking about replacing the tires and debating whether I should keep the 215 40's or put 215 45's on. Any suggestions?

[christine_lives!]

Easiest to install and best bang for your buck is a strut tower bar. Yeah, you can drop a ton of cash into a nice setup, but the place I always start is easiest. My bar tightened my cornering considerable, and I have way more confidence taking corners at speed. Good luck!

[NotBradPitt01]

I agree, tightening up with a strut bar helps a lot. I also upgraded the sway bar and coils. Rougher ride, but man I out corner most everyone. Just ask the guy in the Porsche 911S I blew away in the mountains about 3 months ago.

I have had the 215/45/17 on for a long time. The only time it rubs a little is when I turn the wheel all the way to the right, which is not that often.