Tire Sidewall Question
 

Let me begin by saying I'm pretty much a newbie to all things sports. But I am learning something new everyday.

Would anybody know what the maximum height of the sidewall could be with aftermarket tires for my FRS. The stock is 215/45-17's. I know that the lower profile tires with a sportier suspension such as ours adds to making steering and handle much better. Since I am new to the sports world I am also getting used to the "harshness" of a lower profile tire.

What would be the maximum height of the sidewall I can mount onto the stock wheels that works with this cars system (I.e. fender space and suspension system) without reducing steering and handling quality too much but reducing the harshness of my city's horrible roads.

I'm getting used to the sports feel of lower profile tires. But I was wondering if there were any options to reduce it a bit without fully compromising the aforementioned qualities of the car.

Still learning.

Thanks.

I would imagine that 50 sidewalls would fit without issue. maybe even 55's.

I say just stick with what the factory put on it though. the ride isn't really that harsh at all (sure its not as smooth as a camrey)

Applekash, welcome to motorsports. Don't worry about being new to this, anyone who is active in this little pastime is always learning something new.

Our original tires have a diameter of about 24.6 inches. Going to a 215/50-17 would increase that nearly one inch, and a 55 profile would increase it to almost 26.5". This will adversely affect your handling and gearing as well as add a lot of speedometer error.

The first thing I would do is check your tire pressure. New cars are often shipped with over 40 psi in the tires, and yours may not have been set correctly during the PDI. The recomended pressure is 35 PSI when the tires are cold, but you could try a little lower if you care more about ride than handling.

Another thing, my car seemed to ride smoother after a few hundred miles and a couple of drives on some rough country roads, possibly due to the shock seals being broken in.

If all else fails, bum a ride in a car with some stiffly valved coilovers. I guarantee that your car will seem positively plush by comparison! :)