I was just wondering how much the extra 10 millimeters affects the car's performance and also how it affects the tire wear. I know the stock size is 205 60 14, but it seems like a lot of the other fb guys like to run 205's on their 195 (I think that's the size ) stock wheels. Which is better? Will some 215's give me better grip? Or will it be a negligible gain and then my tires will wear faster from bulging (or whatever they would do)? Thanks

-Jpieps

 

215s will rub on the front suspension and the fenders. They'll fit fine on the rear.

 

Will the 215s in the rear improve performance at all?

 

Not worth it in my opinion. Bigger heavier tires will probably slow you down a little. Probably help the handling to some degree, but I think a new set of shocks to replace the 20+ year old originals would do much more. If you're using stock LE or GSLSE wheels, I'd stick with the 205/60-14. Plus 4 tires the same allows you to rotate, 2 pairs doesn't.

 

That makes sense. I do plan on replacing the original shocks some time in the future. The point you make about rotating the tires is a very good one though. I will probably just stick with the stock size.