Any advantage to downsizing tire size?

[Outsider]

Stock OEM size for my Z24 is 205/55/16.
I can just put 14" rims on the car, so I was thinking if it's worth going to the effort to find a set of 14" rims and running something like a 205/50/14 or 205/55/14.
From my calcs, the 205/55/14 will lower the ride by 1" (the 50 profile gets 1.4" lower) and since the circumference of the tire is smaller, there will be a 8% increase in torque (for the 55 profile), and 13% increase (for the 50 profile).

Would you considet these kinda numbers significant enough to justify the change?

The reason I ask is cuz I'd like to get a set or R-comps, so was debating buying a set of used R's and use the current 16" rim, or get some new R's in the smaller 14" size, along with some used rims...

[max attack]

Go smaller if you can,not only is the diameter smaller the combo should be lighter.Also recipricating weight has a smaller effect the closer it is to the center of the hub so larger diameter tires have the weight,taller gearing and an increased effect of that weight.
Thats not even going into the lowered cg height so...;)

[StewPiddass]

Your numbers are a little off, you're right about the sidewall being that much shorter... but don't forget the rim is 2" shorter too.

Going smaller is a good idea for gearing, unsprung weight and price. Just don't go too small. 15's are very plentiful so I'd recommend those unless you already have access to the 14's.

[Guillermo]

The wider the better, so great choices would be 225/45R15 Rs on 15"x8" rims or maybe 205/55R14 Rs on 14"x7" rims.
The load rating for 205/50R14 tires would likely not be adequate enough for the weight of your car, so the sidewalls would flex and roll over too much (ask Tashko about this ;) )

[TOYSRUS]

All these responses are bang on, I would recommend the 225/45/15 route (brings you from a 24.8 dia. to a 22.9) and gives you a wider tire....205's are too narrow for the (heavy) cavalier. 15x7's are plentiful and cheaper if you are looking for a budget alternative to the 15x8's. This mod will transform your car's handling!

[Pete@Marcor]

All these responses are bang on, I would recommend the 225/45/15 route (brings you from a 24.8 dia. to a 22.9) and gives you a wider tire....205's are too narrow for the (heavy) cavalier. 15x7's are plentiful and cheaper if you are looking for a budget alternative to the 15x8's. This mod will transform your car's handling!

Nah, you are wrong, Bill. :-)

One has to weigh the differences in overall diameter to the lower load carrying capacity. My suggestion would actually be the 225/50R15s or the 225/50R16s. If I owned this vehicle, I probably woudl put on 225/50R15s.

I would be concerned about overheating the 225/45s.

The 225/50s are the same overall height as you original setup, and the 15s are an inch shorter.

15X8s are pretty rare, while 15X7s are much more available, and you may even find used.

[max attack]

I'd go to a 225-50-14,the difference in load carring between most of the common sizes is less than 100lbs per tire so..

Order a set of 14x8 steel race wheels from diamond,aero,bassat etc etc for about $60 US ea and have enjoy some grip on the cheap.