Will 16" rims fit on the 2008+?

1500cc · #1 (**permalink**) 05-04-08, 07:09 PM

I have a 2004 CTS and am thinking about getting a 2008 or 2009. I have a good set of 16" snow tires on my 2004 and would like to continue to use them if I get a new CTS. But since the smallest tire size on the new CTSs is 17", I wasn't sure if there would be enough clearance to put on 16" rims. Anyone tried this?

da_thrilla · #2 (**permalink**) 05-04-08, 07:30 PM

dont think there would be an issue of clearance since it is a SMALLER rim...however, bolt pattern differences may be an issue...

i think yours are 6 bolts and the new cts is 5...I might be wrong.

RustedElvis · #3 (**permalink**) 05-04-08, 08:29 PM

I can't think of anything you can use from the older CTS on the new one, including wheels. It's pretty much a different car.

1500cc · #4 (**permalink**) 05-04-08, 08:30 PM

No, mine's 5 bolt ... it's the Vs that are 6 bolt. But it wouldn't matter because I'd be buying new rims anyhow (I used to re-mount the tires every season on the stock rims).

But the clearance issue I'm concerned with is with the brakes. I seem to recall the fronts are the same size as the previous gen but the backs got bigger. Either way, if GM wasn't planning to use 16" rims they might've made the calipers bigger.

stevbo200 · #5 (**permalink**) 05-05-08, 12:28 AM

they both are five both they have a different bolt pattern the 04 cts is 5 x 115 and the 08 i think is 5 x 112

WhtDmnd04CTS · #6 (**permalink**) 05-05-08, 12:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stevbo200

they both are five both they have a different bolt pattern the 04 cts is 5 x 115 and the 08 i think is 5 x 112

08 is 5x120

fritze18 · #7 (**permalink**) 05-05-08, 02:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1500cc

I have a 2004 CTS and am thinking about getting a 2008 or 2009. I have a good set of 16" snow tires on my 2004 and would like to continue to use them if I get a new CTS. But since the smallest tire size on the new CTSs is 17", I wasn't sure if there would be enough clearance to put on 16" rims. Anyone tried this?

I don't know the answer to this for sure, but I can offer you my experience. I have the 18" wheels included in the performance package (Canada). I ran 17" snows all winter, and when taking them off recently, I noticed how LITTLE space there was between the brake caliper and the wheel. From what I saw, I don't think there would be a hope in hell of putting a 16" wheel on, but I could be wrong.
Another problem you may consider is the tire diameter size difference between the 2 vehicles. I believe the tire size on the '04's with the 16" pkg is 225/55/16? The '08's come standard with 235/55/17. There is a 5.27% diameter difference between the 2 tire sizes (3% is the recommended maximum). This can lead to speedometer and odometer differences and possible brake failure (from what I am told). For the peace of mind, I would find out what you can get for your old tires, and buy a new set in the proper size. Just my 2 cents. Good luck!

Pyromaniac · #8 (**permalink**) 05-05-08, 03:41 AM

16s would look hideous

russj262 · #9 (**permalink**) 05-23-08, 12:47 PM

Hey Fritze18 or anyone else,

On your comment of running 17" in the winter. Do you have the J55 brake package? I would like to run the stock 17's with winter tires but am not sure they will fit with the larger J55 brakes with the Summer tire package.

Thanks,

Russ-J

JERKSTORE · #10 (**permalink**) 07-30-09, 01:40 PM

why would you do that. I wouldn't put 16" on anything.

fritze18 · #11 (**permalink**) 08-02-09, 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by russj262

Hey Fritze18 or anyone else,

On your comment of running 17" in the winter. Do you have the J55 brake package? I would like to run the stock 17's with winter tires but am not sure they will fit with the larger J55 brakes with the Summer tire package.

Thanks,

Russ-J

I do not have the J55 brake pkg (thank God, I've read nothing but complaints on this forum about them), so I wouldn't be able to tell you if 17's will fit that pkg. I would imagine that if the rotors are larger (even by 1"), and the calipers remained the same (I know for sure the pads are different, but not sure about the rotors or cailpers) that you would not be able to fit a 17" wheel on it. With the standard brakes on my vehicle, I couldn't even put my finger between the caliper and the inside of the rim, if that gives you any idea of how little room you have to play with. Do your research though; maybe there is no size difference between the standard and J55 brakes, it could just be compounds and materials used? Hope this helps.

marktanner · #12 (**permalink**) 08-02-09, 11:15 PM

The J55 brakes are bigger (13.5", I believe). The calipers are different, too. I doubt 17s would fit, but perhaps your dealer would let you try a swap in their bay. By the way, I never had any problems with my J55 brakes, and their stopping power and feel were notably better than the standard brakes, at least to me. The PS2s probably help, too.