2000 V70XC SE - can I run 225/50/16 rather than 205/55/16 ??

v70XCSteve · Post by **v70XCSteve** » 17 Mar 2015, 20:49

I can't find any info on running 225/50/16 on a 2000 V70XC SE. I know other years/models mention needing 5-10mm spacers to avoid rubbing, but not sure if that would be needed with a 2000 V70XC SE. The overall diameter of the 205/55/16 and the 225/50/16 is essentially the same (within a mm), but just not sure if they'll rub from the increased width. Don't want to find out the hard (and $$) way. Any info or experience with this size on this car?

v70XCSteve · Post by **v70XCSteve** » 17 Mar 2015, 20:51

BTW, stock size is 205/55/16. I'm looking to go a size wider, while maintaining the diameter, with 225/50/16.

Post by **misha** » 17 Mar 2015, 23:19

You can...but you will have a tyre rub inside of a fender on both front & rear.On front on full lock and on the rear when fully loaded.

Post by **scot850** » 17 Mar 2015, 23:49

Not sure if this is of help, but I am running 225/45/17 on my 2000 V70R (awd) and not had any issues. I am using Volvo rims from an S60. Although I've owned a 98 V70 XC, I only ran 15's on that, so not sure if it is the same as an R. I know the rear calipers are different, but don't know about the hubs.

: 2000 V70R

: 2000 V70R (2)

But I must make point that I have never run the car with a full load on it, but with Nivomats that should be less of an issue. Are you going to use the same rims? If so, maybe talk to a smaller tire shop and see if they can fit a tire and try it on front and rear and see if you get any rub issues? Cheaper to offer to pay them a few $$'s than buy wheels and tires or just tires and find they don't work.

Neil.

Post by **850 LPT** » 18 Mar 2015, 06:04

I think you will be fine with that size. I'm running 225/45/17 with Canisto rims (17 x 7.5) on my 850 and there is only minor rubbing in the front at full steering lock. The rears clear fine. I just bought this car and the wheels were on it.

Your rims are narrower so it should be even less of a problem.

Post by **E Showell** » 18 Mar 2015, 06:06

Neil -- Nice looking ride. Pretty badass with the tint, too.

v70XCSteve · Post by **v70XCSteve** » 19 Mar 2015, 20:13

misha wrote:You can...but you will have a tyre rub inside of a fender on both front & rear.On front on full lock and on the rear when fully loaded.

Misha- The strut on the front seems only a finger-width away from the existing 205 width tire when I reach over the tire and feel for the gap betw tire & strut. Do you have experience with the 2000 XC that the 225 width on front will only rub on fender at full brake, as you mentioned, and not turning or cruising, or rub on strut? I'm gonna hate to order these tires & have them rub regularly. I can live with only on fenders at full brake or full load, but regular driving, turning, or over everyday bumps would be a bummer.

Post by **misha** » 20 Mar 2015, 10:03

I have experience with my 850 but it's practically the same car.I put 225/55/16 once at rear and i had slight rub inside of a rear wheel arch when fully loaded and when i go over side walk edge,empty.
On the other side 215/55/16 will fit perfectly at rear,i had them at rear.

On the front...even with factory size 205/55/16 you will have a minor rub on the inside of a fender(on plastic mud shield)only at full lock.Just a marking rub.

You will also be good with 225 on the front,but it will rub inside when you make "u" turns with full lock.It's not height of a tyre that will make a difference,it is width.
If you install 5-10mm spacers you will be fine.

I'm saying this from my own experience.Xc could be a little different on wheel arch space,but i doubt it.It is same chasis.

v70XCSteve · Post by **v70XCSteve** » 20 Mar 2015, 10:55

Thanks for all the help, much appreciated. I'm off to go buy 2 of the 225/50/16 and try them on front. If too much, I'll put them on back and get 215 for front. I'll followup.

Post by **misha** » 20 Mar 2015, 12:47

This is what i was talking about factory 205/55/16:
http://volvospeed.com/volvo_repairs_how ... n_850.html

Official Volvo 850,s,v,c70 tyre size was previously 205/50/16,but since there was too many complaints about bending alloy wheels because of road potholes,Volvo switched to 205/55/16 and that ramained new official dimension of tyres.