205/65/15's on a 2000 V70 GLT and soon lowering

l8_apex_it · Post by **l8_apex_it** » 24 Sep 2010, 22:01

Please bear with me.

I have a 2000 V70 GLT which currently has 205/65/15's. It is time to purchase new tires. However, within the next year or so I would like to install Eibach Pro-kit springs. It seems as the 205/65/15's currently rub when I turn sharp. Are these stock size tires or did someone install larger diameter tires to take up empty space? Will continuing with this size once I install Eibach pro-kit springs and lowering the stance a good 1.25" cause me issues? Should I go to something like a 205/60/15's?

Thanks for the input!

Post by **JRL** » 26 Sep 2010, 06:54

(Very) Incorrect size tire.
That is an XC tire. The XC has a higher ride height.
Proper sizes are:
195 (factory) or 205/60/15 (tops)
and if you go to a larger wheel size (that you really have to do) if you plan to lower it
At least 205/55/16
Recommended 215/45/17
You will destroy a 15" wheel plus it would be quite stupid looking lowered with a 15

Some have gone with 225/45/17 but you need to be VERY careful with which wheels you use (offset)
These cars have no room in the wheel wells, wheel offset and tire size is critical, even down to which brand of tire, (some have up to an inch wider tread even though they are the same 'size" as another tire)

These are 17' Volvo Thor wheels which have a 49 positive offset with 215/45/17s Contis.
Due to the Thors severe offset I may go with 10mm rear spacers to push the rears out (for looks only).
The nice thing about a 49 offset is that you can fit a larger tire.
I could have gone with 225's (45/17), I chose not to.

(Oh and go with H&R springs. They ride much nicer than Eibachs.
You can get a good price on those at http://www.shox.com).
You may want to consider new strust at this time, no extra labor.
Koni Sport yellows are the best (IMO) but very pricey, however be careful buying a HD strut/shock, it may rattle your teeth out if you go too stiff with your springs and shocks.
The Konis are adjustable and have a wonderful ride.

BTW why do you want to lower?
You WILL lose some of the functionality of a wagon regarding heavy loads in the rear.
Feel free to PM me, I've loweed a lot of these cars, some I returned to stock for various reasons, I can explain the pitfalls to you.

l8_apex_it · Post by **l8_apex_it** » 26 Sep 2010, 22:17

Thanks for the reply! Nice looking ride by the way! It is good to know that the tires are not sized correctly. I will need to decide on what I am going to do. I will definitely ditch the 205/65/15's. Reality is that unless I find a sweet deal on 16's I will have the 15's for another year or so.

Why do I want to lower it?
I am primarily doing it for the performance. The lowered stance is a small bonus. I have already installed the IPS sway bar a few years ago but it still pushes more and has a bit more body roll than I would car for. I had a Civic for years which I installed Eibach Pro-Kit springs on. It was a great ride. So I'm hoping for an improvement on the twisties yet retain a somewhat smooth ride around town. The pro-kit seemed to accomplish that and am hoping for another good experience. I really don't load the car down so I'm not anticipating much / any loss of functionality.

Post by **JRL** » 28 Sep 2010, 07:07

Bad idea unless you go to at least 16, preferably 17s
Too much "handling" for a small tire that can't take it, you will be rolling over the sidewalls
I have a set of 16" PERFOS cheap if interested and please use H&Rs they do work better and have a nicer ride on these cars (I've used both)
These are the wheels I have for sale

l8_apex_it · Post by **l8_apex_it** » 04 Oct 2010, 14:54

I sent you a PM. I am very much interested in purchasing them from you.

Post by **JRL** » 04 Oct 2010, 14:57

No PM here!

flyfishing3 · Post by **flyfishing3** » 30 Nov 2010, 13:42

hey Jim,

i'm fairly confident that L8 apex guy is the same L8 apex thats screwed many many many people on VS and TB.

stear clear until you're sure his name isn't sean.

Post by **JRL** » 30 Nov 2010, 14:52

Day late, a dollar short!
Mike, look at the date of the last post, nearly 2 months ago
How would I get screwed?
When I sell something to someone I don't know, payment in full is required so I don't care if someone has problems with other people (when selling), money talks

l8_apex_it · Post by **l8_apex_it** » 30 Nov 2010, 16:22

JRL - first of all my apologies for going radio silent. I have been dealing with family medical issues and my family has been living with my mother in law who was diagnosed with leukemia . I know you dug the rims out of storage in order to take the photos. Thanks for going out of your way to take photos of the rims. I appreciate it and am sorry I dropped it on my end. With as bald as my tires are now and lack of time due to life I am thinking I will just have to stick with the 15" rims I have for now.

Flyfishing 3 - JRL can confirm that my name is Scott and have not screwed anyone over!!!! Bummer to think that there is someone with a similar user name that is stealing from others!

flyfishing3 · Post by **flyfishing3** » 01 Dec 2010, 08:29

scott, thanks for responding.

this other guys is also from CALI, so the flags were going up.

hope things go well with your Mother in law.