Tire size?

[LMTech]

Originally Posted by Mattdoommaster

I know it is a federal mandate that cars be built with this system. But what does the mandate say about end user modication? I don't know the wording of the law, but I know people who did not replace their airbags after an accident and of course you don't have to drive a mile to see someone who is missing their 5 mile per hour bumper.

That just shows that there are complete idiots out there. Especially if they were the ones involved in the accident and the air bags saved them from getting hurt or killed. If theses same idiots sold the car without air bags that were operational and someone else gets into an accident and gets hurt or killed then the person that sold the car and/or made the air bag system unsafe is liable for any injuries or deaths. So if you know these people and want to save them from a possible big lawsuit then I would warn them of what their stupidity could cost them and suggest that do anything needed to avoid this both for the person that has the car now and for their own health and wealth.

[mrbirdman330]

This is also why we need to have better Motor Vehicle Regulation laws. Inspections in every state and it should be mandatory like in the MOT. You can't get your yearly tag without the inspection. I'm due up for my personal inspection I do myself to make sure everything is in order.

[Ataru]

Originally Posted by BRGT350

you will need to step down a tire size if you are using 215/45 17 on the wheel. I put my 17" Axis wheels on the Fiesta and noticed there is about a half inch gap between the tires and the fender when using the 215/45 17, so I am going with either a 205/40 17 or 215/40 17. Both tires will be very close to the same diameter as the stock 16".

195/50/16 is 23.7" diameter
215/40/17 is 23.8" diameter

I'd say that's the best bet if the width is not an issue.

[BRGT350]

Yep, that is what I thinking as well. I get a bigger footprint, extra sidewall for rim protection, same overall diameter, and more tire options. The bad thing is the tires are much more expensive in that size compared to 205/40 17, extra rotational mass, and the taller height will slow acceleration. For daily use, I think those draw backs are not enough to deter me from the 215/40 17.

[Ataru]

I'm thinking about either using my Momos or my Motegi TrakLites on the Fiesta. The TrakLite tire/wheel combination is 10 lbs lighter per corner than the Momos, and a 215/45/16 is the same diameter as the 195/50/16 as well. I am sure that light weight would help the feel of the car immensely!

Of course I would need to paint the TrakLites again. lol

[BRGT350]

I think with 120hp, wheel weight is going to be an issue with the Fiesta. The factory 16" wheels and tires are insanely light! I should toss them on the scale and weigh them for hoots and hollars. I would bet three Fiesta wheels and tires are still lighter than one of my Mustang Cobra R wheels with the Hoosiers. When I get my Axis wheels back from painting, I will weigh them without tires as well.