If you are thinking about Kumho Victoracers you can put a 225/50/16 with very minor rubbing. One of the local guys autocrosses on a set. It is 24.6 inches tall with a section width of 9.2. The same tire in 205/50/15 is 23.6 inches tall and has the same section width. The 15 inch tire should not rub with stock offsets on an unlowered car.

I'm not sure how many track miles you get on a set.

 

The stock OEM 15x5.5" rim will fit a 205/50-15 tire just barely. A tire specialty store will need to do the mounting since you are using a narrow rim and wider tire than is normally used.

The 205/50-15 tire will fit a rim from 5.5 to 7.5" wide and is a perfect fit for 6.5" rims.
The 225/45-15 tire will fit a rim from 7.0 to 8.5" wide and is a perfect fit for 7.5" rims.

 

The 225/45R15 WILL fit on the 5.5" wheel, but most people don't want to run it, and it may require spacers to clear.

There are top national autocrossers that run that kind of setup, but only because they don't have another tire choice. You would be better off on the 205/45R16 and probably have the same contact patch. Although, stranger things have happened. It would be interesting to see a side by side comparison...

Brian

 

I just got back from FunHonda's where Chang fitted up my new wheels: Falken Hanabi 15 x 7.0 fitted with Hoosier AS04s 225/45R15. The wheels only have 42mm offset so we were concerned about clearance. No problem, we could get at least 3 cigarette papers between the front wheel and the strut .

The Hanabi's are a great deal, 11 lbs for a little over $100.

I now have a set of 16 in NZO's fitted with a set of well worn (not corded) RS04 for sale. Ideal for a beginner in HS or GS

MAlcolm

 

There was not enough clearance on the front!. One run and the tires were smokin'. I fitted 5mm spaces and they worked fine, also fitted them to the rears, they were just touching when running even though there was a couple mm gap at rest.

The Hanabi does not come with hubcentric inserts. I used the plastic ones from my NZO wheels but I think I will have some machined to fasten into the wheels. I am told that hubcentric is not important except it makes it easier to locate the bolts. Any comments?

MAlcolm