Gentlepeople:

If I am running 17x7.5 rims on an '87 16V, what of the following tires sizes are possible?

215 45/17
225 45/17
235 40/17.

I am trying to avoid any body mods to fit the wheel tire combo.

Thanks in advance,

John

I have the EVO II 17x8.25 on my 16V and run 225/45's on all four corners. I just needed add a little spacer at the front lower fender attachment and a little trimming. Nothing that I would consider a body mod. So I know 225/45's will fit. The big question is what is the offset of your wheels? The wrong or a different offset could make a huge difference.

dbenz

I seem to remember AMG putting 225/45/16 tires on some cars.
The 215/45/17's are going to be too tall by the 3% variance rule at 3.1% taller so I would not recommend them.
The 225/45/17's are also the wrong rolling radius, even worse in fact at 4.6% taller than the OEM rolling radius.
I don't know if the 235/40/17's are possible but since AMG stopped at 225 section width I would guess that is the limit.

The sizes I would recommend that are within 3% of OEM rolling radius are as follows:

215/40/17 is .4% shorter, there are several good tire choices available in that size.

225/40/17 is .9% taller rolling radius, there is only the Michelin Pilot Sport available in that size which is a great tire, but can be a bit pricey. ($266 each at Tirerack)

225/45/16 a widely used size that is .4% taller than OEM RR. Was used by AMG, many tires available in that size. Only downside is that it will not work with the rims you have now.

If you plan to run a size that is really pushing the width limits then make doubly sure your offset is perfect to ensure suspension/fender clearance.

Hope this helps....Lee