Tire size for 17x7 Enkei Wheels??

Most are using 215/45R17 because that's the OEM size. I think 215/45 is already narrow, but whatever you do, don't get 215/50R17 because that makes the tire wall look too fat and dumb on the Prius.

 

I agree with your consideration of a slightly adjusted tire size on the 17" wheels, but be very careful in your selection. Use a web site (like TireRack.com) and compair the measured sizes of the tire, including revolutions per mile.

My gut tells me that the GenIII can handle a little smaller tire (more revs/mile) better than a tire that is too tall - and that is something I would like to see verified.

Also, I've noted that some service locations (like WalMart for a rotate & balance) will not touch wheels or tires that are not OEM sizws.

 

Congrats on the wheel purchase, as for the tire size, most are using the 215/45r/17 which seems to be the consensus for best substitute for the oem size, I personally am using 225/45r/17 but that's another story. My personal opinion would be that any 50 series would be a little too tall & therefore, look funny but who knows it might look better by filling in the wheel gaps if your car is not lowered. G/L in your decision as I'm sure others will chime in w/ some factual basis.

 

Don't try this poor man's solution if your aftermarket wheels look funny with the car not lowered (relative to the stock 17s). The best thing would be to lower it, not put fatter tires on which defeats the purpose of it looking funny.

 

Ok 32k, I know your probably a respected member but I think my words were misconstrued, probably my fault, now that I reread my post at the end in sounding like I was ok w/ op's idea of the 50 series but in fact I wholeheartedly agree w/ u that stock 17" tire size would be best & to get the look, lowering the proper way w/ the proper kit would be best & that 50 series is not the "solution".

 

Hmmm, interesting, does this mean I have to eat my words again.

 

I've been looking at getting the 205/50R17 tire size too. I've done a lot of research & it's the closest, almost perfect in fact to the stock 195/65R15. The 215/45R17 is too short IMO. The 225/45R17 is the same diameter as the 205/50R17 but will hurt mpg more with the wider width & heavier weight. I've been looking for a light weight 17x7 +40mm offset wheel to mount them on.

 

The Canadian Touring model I have comes stock with the 17", 215/45R17. I've been thinking about the 205/50R17 come replacement time. Seems to me it'll be a slight improvement in aerodynamics and rolling resistance. I've worked up a simple spreadsheet (attached).

Stock on model 1 through 4 is:

195/65R15 (100%) <setting as base, for diameter, rev's per mile, etc

Stock on model 5 is:

215/45R17 (98.6%) <comparing to base

Alternate 17:

205/50R17 (100.4%)

 

There's discussions on a few threads regarding the tire size....It's been shown that 205/50's are overall the same height as the stock wheels/tires resulting in the closest speedo match. The 215/45's do look great with lowering springs and are also the chosen tire for the oem 17" wheels.

Just search the forum for aftermarket wheels and you'll find a ton of info, pics, and opinions.