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Tue Oct 20, 2009 3:46 am

Hi, I would like to know if someone here has 135/R15 tires on 5.5 wheels ?
Is it really dangerous ?

I'd like your opinion 8)

Sorry if the subject has been already treated, but I didn't find an answer.

Edwin.

Tue Oct 20, 2009 6:53 am

Man, I don't know. I have 145s on my empi 5 spokes and I think that's about as narrow as I would go. Just my opinion. I can take a pick of the wheel and tire up close so you can see if needed.

J

Tue Oct 20, 2009 7:06 am

I have Nankang 135's up front on my 5-spokes...No issues at all, I'd like to go a little wider to have a bigger contact patch but I just don't have the clearance with these rims and my suspension set up in front.
Here's a couple pics for reference..I think they look ok on that rim and they ride fine, they just stretch on a 5.5" rim. I've never had any steering/stopping issues either. If you can fit a 145 in your fender or even better the smart car tires (155/60's I believe?) you may put your mind at ease?

Tue Oct 20, 2009 8:32 am

if your gona spend the money on 135's . i would try to find some smart car tires 175 55 15. i here they are sweet on a 5.5 wheel. im lookn for a set myself. i just recently took my 135's off and replaced them with 195 50 15. because i had them laying around. and yes i agree 135's are not meant to stretch on a 5.5 wheel. 4.5 is ok. i was afraid of busting a bead in a turn.

Tue Oct 20, 2009 9:18 am

I have ran 135s on my 5 spokes for 20+ years with out any problems driving in all types of weather.
Tim

Tue Oct 20, 2009 12:54 pm

OK many thanks for your answers, even if I don't understand everything ;) I'm happy to have your point of views.

Nowadays I have Nankangs 165/55/15 :

But they are not really comfortable, and in my view, this is not the good stance with the rear tyres...

Ed.

Tue Oct 20, 2009 3:41 pm

that looks good dude. the 135's will actually lift the front of the car a little. as they are taller than what you have. but yes the 135 is softer.

Tue Oct 20, 2009 5:46 pm

One thing that really bugs me with 135's or even 145's on the 5 spokes is the lack of a side wall bulge.

You need to be really careful when you take the wheel off and lay it down, because the soft aluminum edge of the rim is what hits the pavement.

You can chew that edge up real fast if you are not careful. A larger tire, has more side wall and that side wall hits the pavement before the edge of the rim.

Tue Oct 20, 2009 6:31 pm

Thats a good point..there is not a lot (or any) bulge on the 135's. You need to be really aware of the curbs and keep the keys out of your wife's (or girlfriends) hands!! the rim lip is totally exposed.
Your car looks good, how narrow is that front beam?

Tue Oct 20, 2009 6:47 pm

Edwiiin wrote: OK many thanks for your answers, even if I don't understand everything ;) I'm happy to have your point of views.

Nowadays I have Nankangs 165/55/15 :

But they are not really comfortable, and in my view, this is not the good stance with the rear tyres...

Ed.

Where did you buy those and what's uncomfortable about them? That's the front look I want. I have 135/72/15s an want something a little wider.

Wed Oct 21, 2009 12:35 am

Yes you're not wrong... But there's no problem for the rim, I'm very careful when I park or when I take the wheel off.
And in my view front fenders's bottom are more exposed (as you can see it on my pic :( )....

Jim : The height of tyres is very important for the comfort. More they are low, more you loose comfort...
I bought them on a french website (http://www.123pneu.com/). These are Naknkang AS-1.
Nankang NS-2 are even lower 165/50/15, and you can find some tyres in 165/45/15.... But that's as if you put wooden wheels :lol: That's nice on a meeting, but not comfortable at all

Wed Oct 21, 2009 12:43 am

blackp5ca wrote: Your car looks good, how narrow is that front beam?
10 centimètres >> about 4" I think

blackp5ca wrote: You need to be really aware of the curbs and keep the keys out of your wife's (or girlfriends) hands!!
No way :lol:

Wed Oct 21, 2009 5:17 am

Those Nankang 165/15/55 tires are exactly what I'm looking for. You're right about the rough ride, but I've put 11,000 miles on my bug this last year on the 135/72/15s and am used to it. Cattle guards are a bit scary though...

Anybody know where I can buy them in the states? Shipping them from France would probably cost too much.

Wed Oct 21, 2009 12:35 pm

Done ! 8)