I have a 2004 Polar White Xb that I plan on lowering with Tein H-tech springs within the next few weeks. The wheels that I'm looking at are Tenzo Type-M in Bronze with a machined lip. The problem I'm running into is the tires. I don't know if I show get 215/40/17's or 205/45/17's. Please post any pictures or suggestions that can help me decide.

 

i had a similar question a few weeks ago...
https://www.scionlife.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=214231

i went with dropping the box on S-Techs and a 205/45/17.

compared to stock


im loving the results so far. rides great.

 

dont worry about it the rolling diameter difference is .24 its a lil less than a quarter inch. well i guess it maybe dependent on how much you lower it.
i got the teins and ive had both tire sizes with no problem.

 

Honestly, the only reason I went with 205/45/17, it is closest to stock diameter.
It's pretty important to stay within stock diamter if you are concerned with driveablity too.

FYI...
215/40/17 also have skinner sidewall than 205/45/17(although it's not much of difference...only about 2.1%)


Here is my 205/45/17

 

If you had to choose between 215/40 and 205/40 always go with the 215/40. You could always go the next size up to 215/45 for extra pothole protection. 205/40/17 is not weight rated for the xB and will lead to problems later on.

 

what about 205/45?

 

You can run them if you can find that size. Not many tire companies even make that size. On a 7 inch rim tho I don't like the idea of the narrow 205 width.

 

looks great nice setup

 

Thanks for the advice! Love the set up! I'm definitely gonna go with the 205/45/17's. It looks good! Now I'm wondering if I need to order the S techs instead of the H techs. lol.

 

do the H-Techs lower as much as the S-Techs?

 

H techs only 1.1" drop and S techs 1.7" drop

 

well here is the S-Techs with 17s on 205/45s after 2 weeks with the springs/wheels installed so they've definitely settled.

 

Is the ride of the S-tech's a lot stiffer then stock? by the way, that gixxer in the photo its hot!!!

 

thanks. yea turned out when i was done with its remodel it matched the box LOL. i guess i like this whole white/black contrast thing.

the ride of the S-Techs is stiffer than stock but i dont know who to really explain it... it's in a good way. its not all stiff and bouncy like little ricer cars you see bouncing up and down as they go down the road over every little bump. and the way the box handles now is like a dream in the corners. my wife even noticed there's no more massive body roll in the corners. it just stays planted the whole way through glued to the road.

the suspension and wheels/tires combination was the best $950 i've ever spent on a car in all reality :-) im very happy with the results in performance and appearance.

 

215/40/17 for the win

 

if you want to drop it.. go with the 215/45/17

 

i originally was going to go with the 215/45/17 but am glad i went with the 205/45/17 instead. slightly less sidewall looks nicer in my opinion.

 

215/45/17 is oversized.

what you want is 215/40/17 (my fave)

or

205/45/17

 

what is the advantage of the 215/40 over the 205/45?

 

^^A wider tire that looks beefier mostly. Plus better rim protection.