[DirtyBlueshirt]

So, after a road incident yesterday morning, (See below), I will be running my stock rims and wheels again for a while. I'll need to see if my rim can be repaired, but more importantly, I need to get some new rubber. I noticed that the Dunlop Direzza ZII tires have no stock in the 205/40R17 size native to the ST's rims. TireRack does have stock in 215/40R17 (10mm wider) or 205/45R17 (5% more sidewall). Obviously the 205/45 will fit, but will the 215/40 fit? In reality the additional width is negligible so I don't think it's an issue, but what's your suggestion? Taller or wider?

The TARDIS fell victim to a ploy (probably caused by The Master) and hit a large metal object, taking out the front passenger tire and causing damage to the rear passenger rim (my beautiful powder coated rims! The horror!). Luckily there was no damage to the body, and my decision to hold onto my stock wheels and tires has paid off. This Fiesta's regeneration will continue, possible needing tsome tea or fish fingers and custard to recuperate on.

You'll notice I said the front tire was punctured but the rear has the donut. Since my brake rotor upgrade, the donut no longer fits on the front wheels. After a few seconds of panic followed by an idea and some creative re-jiggering, the back wheel went on the front and the donut on the back. Et voila!


Blowout by dirtyblueshirt, on Flickr


Blowout by dirtyblueshirt, on Flickr


Blowout by dirtyblueshirt, on Flickr

 

[Kevin R]

Keep in mind the 215/40 will be wider AND taller than stock. They'd still have a slightly shorter sidewall than the 205/45 though. If it was me and I couldn't wait for stock size, I'd go with the 215's just because they're closer to stock diameter so the speedo wouldn't be off as much. 215 width should be fine on the 7 inch wide stock wheels, 225 would probably be the max.

Sorry about your wheel, that sucks.

 

[DirtyBlueshirt]

Keep in mind the 215/40 will be wider AND taller than stock.

Sorry about your wheel, that sucks.

True though the difference 40% of 205 and 40% of 215 are negligible (4mm), where the 205/45 is basically a centimeter taller in the sidewall.

205/40 Sidewall: 82mm
215/40 Sidewall: 86mm
205/45 Sidewall: 92mm

I know both will probably look near identical, but is there an advantage of one over another?

 

[Kevin R]

I know both will probably look near identical, but is there an advantage of one over another?

Everything else being equal, more grip with a wider tire

 

[eRic]

215/40R17 should be fine on the OE 17x7-inch wheels. That is the size I used on a set of 17x7-inch SVT Focus wheels on my 2011 Fiesta.

 

[limbo]

215/40-17 would be a great size. No way you'll run into issues.

(BTW if you haven't driven on the Z2's you will love them)