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Looking to up the size of alloys on your car but not sure how big you can go? Well below you can find out what size wheels and tyres you can squeeze under your arches without having to worry about using the angle grinder!

 

Standard Wheel Standard Tyre Biggest combo Notes
Fiesta        
MK1 and 2 XR2 6X13 185/60 6.5x15 with 195/45

Arches should not need cutting - spacers may be needed on the rear.

7x15 with 195/45

Due to the extra width of the alloy, arches will normally need to be seriously attacked and a lot of arch kit will need to be removed!

XR2i CVH 5.5x13 185/60 7x16 Should go straight on!
XR2i Zetec 5.5x14 185/55 as above
RS Turbo 5.5x14 185/55 as above
Escort
XR3i 6x14 185/60 7x16 with 205/40 Any bigger and your arches will probably need a shining up session from Mr. Angle-grinder!
S1+S2 Turbo 6x15 195/50 as above
Cosworth 8x16 225/45 18's with 225/40 Bit of a push and thats if its running pretty much standard ride height.
Sierra
XR4x4 5.5x14 195/60 7x16 with 205/45 - 40 16's should go straight on without problem, 17's on the other hand will probably fall foul of arch liners and arches themselves!
Cosworth 7x15 205/50 17's with 205/40 17's should go straight on if the ride height has not been altered drastically but more than 2 people in the car could see it all end in tears, and again you may need to roll the front arches!

 

Remember the information above is just a guide and is being applied against standard ride heights and setups of the cars in question. If you have lowered the car 60mm or are running silly amounts of camber for example the above guide will not be applicable to you.

 

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