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Your question implies you want to go big. You start with the tire and than see if you can find the wheel that will work. The tire manufacturers specify the recommended rim width range for each tire.
The largest diameter 18” tire that will reliably clear the front spring perch is the P225/45R18 used on the HHR SS. The SS comes with a 7.5x18 wheels. The offset is the same as all the other stock HHR wheels, +42mm. Wider rims will call for less offset to put the inside of the rim in about the same place. 8x18 +35mm for example.
Lots of much wider tires are used, but it gets complicated. Will you use lowering springs? “Coilovers” can address the spring perch problem, but radically larger tires can involve removing or modifying wheel well liners, and modifying fenders. Even living with some rubbing and avoiding tight turns, bumps, and steep curb cuts, which I think is a terrible idea for anything but a strictly show car. And of course, the HotWheels look adds a bunch of unsprung weight, not good for performance.
P245/45R17 and P245/40R18 are pretty safe bets.
Disclaimer: I don’t want to present myself as an expert, insofar as I have limited actual experience with this. What I have done is read a bit about what others have done, and compiled a little bit of data. Take a look at this chart, and this thread for context: https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/tire...e2/#post931142
NOT EVERYTHING LISTED IS APPROPRIATE FOR HHR.
Last edited by PulpFriction; 10-30-2022 at 10:37 AM.
Thanks for the info. I actually would prefer a smaller wheel and tire, maybe 15" and narrower, as I don't take the freeway much and have trouble getting up to highway speed when most on-ramps are up a steep hill.
I noticed the 205's vs the 215's add a lot of acceleration.
With the sub, the hitch and the folding rack, the rear tire clearance is just about even with the front. Maybe even a tiny bit lower...
I do know the Malibu Maxx had 15 inch aluminum rims with 11.6 inch brake rotors like the HHR SS non Brembo did. 2004 thru 2010 , if I remember. Not much chance of finding one in a pic a part
The 205 vs 215 is the width of the tire, in millimeters. Slightly less rolling resistance (friction), but not noticeable. The 45 vs 50 vs 60 or whatever, is the height of the sidewall of the tire, expressed as a percentage of the width.
Thanks for the info. I actually would prefer a smaller wheel and tire, maybe 15" and narrower, as I don't take the freeway much and have trouble getting up to highway speed when most on-ramps are up a steep hill.
I noticed the 205's vs the 215's add a lot of acceleration.
With the sub, the hitch and the folding rack, the rear tire clearance is just about even with the front. Maybe even a tiny bit lower...
Then you might like 225/50R16 on a stock wheel. More choices than 15” if you really want to upgrade from the base steelies. More load capacity, and appearance-wise, wider tread to make up for the smaller diameter. Also maybe some KYB shocks to stiffen up the back a bit. And a rear disc brake retrofit.
Or a TTR rear swaybar, but the question was about wheels. I’ve had 16”, 17”, and 18” wheels on my HHRs actually the LS 16” steelies with the 215/55R16 factory sized tires rode the best, for me even with upgraded brakes, KYB struts and shocks, Moog rear lca bushings and a TTR rear swaybar.
10-29-2022, 11:26 PM
