Correct tire/wheel size for Civic VX?
 

Hi:

Well, I'm working on "unfixing" some mods prior owner made to my `92 Civic VX.

I'm probably going to hate the answer to this, because I really like the custom wheels that are on it now.....but what is the correct wheel/tire size for best FE?

It now has low-profile 195-50R-15s on it. Wynstar brand tires, which make it totally HELPLESS on snow. I've got to do something before the snow flies, thinking about getting the right size wheels an decent snow tires. We don't get a LOT of snow in SE Kansas, but the last time I tried to drive this beast, I ended up in the ditch after performing about 8 "doughnuts" down the middle of the highway. Real entertaining for the folks following me about 4 car lengths behind...thought it was funny as hell, after they found out I was OK.

So, for best FE, what should I get?

Whatever answers you get, the advantage is that you can probably sell the current rims/tires on CraigsList.org and pay for more FE wheel/tire combo.

175/65/14's were OEM I believe probably on 5" wide rims

It should also say the size in the door jamb if that sticker is still there. But I believe they were 165 65 13s...not totally sure on the height number. Search VX tires, and you'll find it in a second.

165/70/13 was the original tire size (I bought one new in 1995 and drove it 225,000 miles). I believe the original rim width is 5", but it can take a 4.5" to 5.5" wide tire

I run 155/80/13

It's only 3% difference on spedometer.

Unfortunately, no sticker are left....prior owner painted everything black inside, grey outside..was originally red. He failed to do the little stuff, like inside doors, inside hatch, fuel door, hood, etc. which is still red. So I have a 3 tone paint job. Like I said in another post, purchased in a weak moment...should have known better.

Thanks for the info, though.

So the current tires are part of the reason my FE sucks, right? OEMs would be quite a bit narrower...lower rolling resistance.

155/80/13 is a good choice and would go quite nicely on the OEM VX wheels that are worth buying. I can guarantee you that it'll all of a sudden feel like you have power steering and will get you better FE.

I used 175/70-13 snows on my old CX.

My current DX hatch has GS-R front brakes, so I have to run 14's. The only available size in snows was 185/65-14. A bit big, but they don't throw the speedo off much at all.

With snow tires, the skinnier, the better. Let 'em dig in!!! :D

The stock tire size is 165/70/13. I recently bought a set of "VX" wheels for my VX to return it to stock. The stock 13" (alloy) VX wheels are designed to be very light for FE. I also bought the stock tire size for the wheels, which are actually a fairly rare size to find now. The ones I bought were Sumitomo HTR T4 tires as they have been rated well for low rolling resistance by consumer reports. They also have a max pressure rating of 51 psi, so I have mine at 50 right now. I bought my set here (they're $37 per tire in 165/70/13):

https://www.onlinetires.com/

OK, any ideas on best place to buy OEM VX rims? Sounds like they're lighter than other 13" rims, right?

Yes they are! Search honda-tech.com. Probably your best bet. I've found a few sets available on there before. My friend actually found a set for only $40! :thumbup:

if you are looking for a tire with better than average traction in the wet and freezing weather the vredestein quatrac II tire is supposed to be a good one. It is LRR, and is available in the stock size 165.70.13, for a little over 50$ a tire. also has a 60K treadwear warranty. I know because those are the ones i want for mine when the current wide ones wear out.

I found these in 155/80R13 size at: https://www.tiresunlimited.com/ALL%20...ed_quatrac.htm

for $44.28 ea....not bad, eh?

Now to continue the saga of rims/tires for my `92 VX:

Got the VX rims, cleaned them up. Ordered the LRR all-season tires, finally received them today. I was busy, so I just tossed them in the back of the car and dropped it off at my local shop for them to mount the tires, etc.

Welllll, got a call an hour or so later from my laughing tire putter-oner, who tells me I had 3-155/80R13 tires, and 1-155/80R15 tire. I called the tire dealer, they're sending me another 13" tire tomorrow, so in the meantime I'm running 13's on the front and 15's on the back.

I can already tell a BIG difference on the front....as McPatrick said...like having power steering!

I actually just installed my "winter set" of VX wheels with 155s on them. WOW! I must say the steering is a huge amount easier compared to the 175 70 13s I had on the car. The tread width of these is probably around 4 inches... Looks more like a motorcycle tread than a car tread to me! I love them so far, I just can't wait to see how they are in the snow. Hopefully we get some this weekend so I can try them out. :D

Next question...how much are the old rims/tires worth? Anybody know....they're Rota JMags, 15x7.0JJ rims (VG condition w/security lug nuts) with Wynstar tires that have 50% or more wear left on them.

Beats me, I'm too cheap to buy rims like this!

The wheels are probably worth about $400 used. Tires probably about $100. Lugs about $20.

Sell them on honda-tech.com They'll go fast!

Final report on the VX tire/rim change. Driving on ice...100% better with the OEM rim / Vredestein QuatrakII tires. Better than my wife's Ford Explorer! No kidding....solid as a rock. I did add 90 lbs of kitty litter in the back.....

That won't help your FE.:D

Yeah, but it makes me and my kitty happy! A small price to pay....