tire size

[escort zx2 00]

my son just bought a 2000 escort zx2 and he is looking to put larger tires on it . the size now is a 185/60 r15 i know the 205/40r17 are the same size but can i put on 205/50r17 on with out them rubbing ? so far the car is great, 44k on it, only problem is the abs light ( shop said tone ring about $300 to fix. is this a good price to fix it ?)

[helix1990]

Measure the outside diameter of the 205/50R17 tire and if it is less than 1/2 inch bigger than the stock tire, then you should have no problems. With those cars, you can use 195/60R15 tires which are very common and 205 are just 10mm wider in width. Remember, the 50 series is your aspect ratio which will make the tires taller. Another problem with bigger (tall) tires is it will throw off your speedometer reading and you will be going faster than your speedometer will indicate.

[escort zx2 00]

Tire size calculator
ok the 205/40-17r has a radius of 11.7" and a diameter of 23.5"
and the 205/50-17r has a radius of 12.5" and a diameter of 25.1"

and yes i know of the speedometer

but it still does not answer the qusetion will they fit and not rub ??

[helix1990]

Now that you have determined the diameter of the 205/50R17's, I would look at how much space you have between the tread of you stock size tire and the struts for the front wheels. You also have to look at your custom rims and measure your offset. That will most likely determine where you are going to rub. Even if you have clearance all the way around, try not to lower the ride height of the car since you may rub your fender when you turn and hit a bump. Thanks for the tire size calculator, by the way, it's a good tool.

[escort zx2 00]

just to let you know i did not buy the tires yet. i was hoping that someone had tried to use the 205/50r17 on this car.

does anyone have a zx2? and what size tires do you have one it ?