Yes but there are many Car Guys that can make an intelligent assesment based on their experiences and conversations with other Car Guys with similar qualifications. That kinda brainstorming can be very productive.

In general I only try to put down information that I have personally experienced or gotten info from a trusted source.
In the case of my 2LT referenced in my earlier reply, it comes from actually doing what I suggested and pre-testing the results myself.

Over the years also in the Boating Business I had many so called experts contact me for help and my opinions based on what they had heard and seen of my quality work.

 

Right .. My mistake... S/be FE1

Thanks for catching that.

SF

 

I think theres a chance someone on these forums would swap the full fe1 suspension/wheels/tires for your fe3, just a thought.

 

I searched and didn't come up with any results directly to my questions, but will a larger/wider tire like a 235 55/16 fit without any clearance issues?

 

1. Tire Rack search does not show that size available.

2. 235/55/16 is still a 55 Aspect ratio tire.... Not much improvement over OEM 16"

3. 235/ wider tread width ... Harsher impact.

4. 235/ Wider Cross Section .. potential slightly softer ride depending on air pressure.

5. 205/60R/16 standard load Best size for better ride/impact and will fit your standard wheels with out any clearance or other issues.

5. Proper choice in 15" size could slightly improve ride quailties over 16".
Fewer choices in wheel selection.

6. Different Tires Brands and selections within can make a difference in ride quality and handling.
Lots of luck trying to figure that one out ...

Air pressures can make a difference and can vary at different times of the year because of temperatures, so if you are ride concience then you will have to monitor pressures with temps thru out the year.

 

Sounds good. I was looking at a wider width for better grip and a wider stance. Plus, I like the look of a wider tire.

 

Also it will clear but it's probably not recommended for a 6.5" wide rim .....

Maybe consider a 215 x 60 x 16 .....

 

Wheel tire reco's,

205/60R/16
Range .. 5.5 to 7.5 wide
Prefered .. 6.0
RPM .. 808
O.A. Diameter .. 25.7"

215/55R/16 Standard OEM on LS & 1LT
Range .. 6.0 to 7.5 wide
Prefered .. 7.0
RPM .. 820
O.A. Diameter .. 25.3"

215/60R/55R/16
Range ..6.0 to 7.5 wide
Prefered .. 6.5
RPM .. 797
O.A. Diameter .. 26.1"

Only issues could be the 26.1" O.A. Diameter and your speedometer reading..
The 215/60R/16 will probably clear on front but will be close.
Each brand and model tire could be slightly different on this measurement.
Check it out before making a final decision.
I quoted Michelin MXV4
Also keep in mind that the 215/60R/16 SL has a different carrying capacity then the standard 215/55R/16 SL.
That means your air pressure will be slightly different between the 2 sizes to fullfill the Gross vehicle weight requirements.

Because the 215/60R/16 only requires a 6.5" wide wheel you could run your tire pressures just a little lower (approx. 2 lbs.) to compensate for using a 7" wide standard wheel.

If Looks is that important the 215/60R/16 would be the best choice if it fits OK.

P.S. Michelin does make a 235/60R/16 size tire in the MXV4 but it is way too big.
Don't know why the first 2 searches didn't bring it up.

Let us know what you end up with.

SF

 

Thanks for the replies. I have a 1LT and it came with 215/55/16's and rides smooth. I guess I'll keep the same size that's on there now since I plan on lowering it.

 

215 x 55 x 16 = "BIG WHEEL WELL GAP" ..... So then consider 225 x 55 x 16 ..... Will fill the wheel well without having to lower as much .....