215/55/18 Kumho's on 4wd (pics)

[LOUROK]

I tried selling these rims and never got sold. So I put them back on my car. I did not want any wheel gap like I did with my 225/40/18 tires and wanted to ride on the stock struts. 3 different tire shops including discount tires told me they would not fit. They fit perfect with no wheel rubbing issue's. The Kumho ECSTA KH11 are summer tires but handle surprisingly very well in the snow.

[wyatt89]

Holy crap, that's some serious 4x4 action there!

[keithvibe]

how much is your speedo off?

[BlueCrush]

Looks good! Your Trix should be able to float now if you come upon a large deep puddle.

[vibolista]

I like very much! Way to go. What offset are those wheels. Good info to have in case someone wants to do the same thing. Does it drive OK? I thought I had filled the Vibe wheel wells. Ya done good!!!!

[Raven]

Quote, originally posted by keithvibe »how much is your speedo off?60mph should be about 55mph.Those are like 9% oversize. Your acceleration is going to take a severe beating and I pity your poor brakes. Looks pretty cool though.

[LOUROK]

acceleration is really not much different then before. Plus these cars are slow anyway. Its not like I have heavy 20" rims where the pads are going to be an issue. I love the way it rides and handles and the bump are smooth. The matrix should of came with a rim opition like this. The offset is 35. Thanks for the kind comments.

[NibCrom]

I'm surprised. It looks pretty darn good.

[LOUROK]

thank you. I was surprised also.

[vibolista]

Great stuff to know. Acceleration is ok with my now wimpy 4% over sized 225/50 17s. At first, it seemed like accelerator tip in had to be watched a little when I took off from a standing start, but after a day of driving, I didn't notice it anymore. The Vibe is not a race car, so I drive mine pretty easily. I'm also one of those who try to anticipate stops so that not a lot of brake is used. My cars usually don't need brake pads or rotors until well after 100,000 miles roll by. I wish I had known that an 18" wheel/tire combo that tall would fit. TireRack and Discouttiredirect won't do that kind of research. I know TireRack would do it for you several years ago, but not any more. Just make sure you watch your speed!

[ou.grizzly]

Excellent Tread! I for one am not into low profile tires.

[vibolista]

LOUROK, you need to send that picture of your car with those wheels and tires to Tire Rack and Discount Tire Direct, so they can learn about this fitment. They didn't think a 225/50 17 would fit and would not stand behind the purchase, if it didn't fit. I had to make templates that added the width, diameter and offset differences to the OEM RS-A so I could learn for myself if they would fit in the wheel wells or not and then take the financial chance. I did contact them, once I mounted the wheel and tire combination on my Vibe and found that they fit with plenty of extra room.There was a time, when these companies would test to see if a fitment was possible. Now they are probably too worried about liability lawyers to try anything other than 'manufacturer recommended fitments'. It's too bad.

[LOUROK]

If you would like you can send them for me if it will help out in anyway.