Hoosiers - 205/50-15 vs 225/45-15

Because the price was right on a set of fairly fresh 225/45-15's, and because I have a set of wheels wth no tires on them, I am going to mount the 225's up and run them at Hallett first outing this spring. I have run nothing but 205/50-15 Hoosiers for the past 3 seasons on my ITB Volvo (6" wheels), so I have the tire pressure situation pretty well figured out for that particular size.

The question is... does anyone out there have hands-on experience relative to differences in the starting pressure requirements, if any, between these two sizes (205/50-15 vs 225/45-15) on 6 inch wheels? Yes, I have a probe style pyrometer, I'm just trying to save a session or two of tail-chasing, if possible. :) Should I start with my 205/50 pressures or would it typically be something higher or lower?

I went from 205's to 225's years ago on my ITB car. That was when Hoosier had the S04's out. I found that the 225's needed about 2-3 psi higher. I don't know if the 6's work the same way?

I don't think you will have any problems with 225s on a six inch wide wheel, but you may get some less than desirable tire wear and handling changes. Regardless, I would agree with Chris and suggest slightly higher pressures.

Will those even go on the 6" wheel? According to their spec sheet, they want a 7" or wider rim. I don't mean to rain on your parade, I am curious how you do with it. I have shied away from those because I've got 16 identical wheels, but they are all 6 1/2". It would be great if you told me they went on a 6". I had trouble mounting the Kumho V710's (225-50) on the 6 1/2" rims even though the spec sheet said they would fit on a 6".

I don't think they say they won't fit, they just give a recommended size range.

I have seem plenty of B and C cars with 225's. Look funny? You bet.

225/45/15's are working fine for me in ITB...

They will mount up if you know how (experience)...