OK, so I have done my reading and found that most people feel that it is acceptable to put a tire that is 205 mm in width on stock Draco rims. Keeping in mind that the stock tires are 195-60R15, I began my search. After my uncle's friend tried to con me into paying way more than the agreed upon price for some Yokohama ES100's and after another tire guy tried to trick me into paying an extra $50 for an alignment he had already included in his quote, my grandma said she would call her brother (a tire salesman in Michigan) and see if he could get me a deal. He said he mainly deals with Cooper tires and he also said he'd get me a good price.

So, I have decided to either go with Yokohama Avid H4S's or (if possible) Cooper Zeon 2XS tires. Can anyone recommend which to get? I would go with the Coopers straight out but the closest sizes to my tires are 195-55R15 and 205-55R15. I would like the 205's but want to know if they will be smaller in radius then 195-60R15's. I understand the aspect ratio and how the tire numbering works but how closely do the actual sizes compare to the numbers (do 195-60r15 and 205-60r15 have the same diameter, or is a 205-60r15 closer to stock diameter). Let me know, this would be a huge help.

Keep in mind that I don't want a decrease in fuel efficiency.

Thanks,
Eamon
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'Where's your common sense?' 'It left me when I was 5' http://members.sounddomain.com/ladeadhead

For tire-diameter data - and also for load ratings - I recommend the Pep Boys web site, www.pepboys.com

On the left-side menu bar, use "Tires and Wheels", then pick a category and a tire model. Hunt around in the models till you find all the data you need.

Apparently both diameter and load capacity stay constant for any given tire size, pretty much regardless of tire model or manufacturer. I suspect the max air pressure will influence the specs if you compare tires with a 35 psi maximum with tires having a 44 or higher psi maximum (if you actually use them at those different presures). But if you compare apples to apples I think you can count on those specs to hold for same-size tires from other sources.

Miyata.net has an awesome tire calculator program on their site.
The number of plies also has a huge efect on load rating.
It is my opinion that tires with one ply sidewalls are more prone to sudden failure. I have 205 60 15s on my 740, ar get slight rub on the IPD bar with the steering at lock. they look great though.

Eamon,

195/60/15 = 24.2"
205/55/15 = 23.9"

Not enough to make much of a difference IMHO on the speedo, so I say go for it.

-- Kane
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Blossom II - '91 745Ti/M46 ... Bubbles - '74 144GL/BW35 ... Buttercup - '86 245GL/AW70 ... The Wayback Machine - '64 P220/M40