overdrive1

iTrader: (23)

What is the smallest tire I can fit on a stock 8 rim ? I am looking at winter studded options for exclusive ice driving.

205/50/17 ?
205/45/17 ?
215/45/17 ?

195? do they even exist in 17 ?

the thinner, the better.

JohnDoe1984

iTrader: (1)

I would say 215/50/17 is the smallest I would go. 45 series in that width is too low profile for winter. More sidewall performs better in the snow and it keeps them close to stock diameter. 215/50/17 is almost exactly stock size so your speedo will be fairly accurate.

I have 225/45/17 winter tires on stock size wheels. There is a slight amount of sidewall stretch at that width, as much as I want to run. There would be even more on 215's and 205's you would be hard pressed to set the bead. 205/45/17 would leave your wheel hanging way out there ready to smack any curbs or rocks that are covered with snow and you can't see.

For pure offroad ice driving I've seen custom made studs out of sharpened bolts run on those small spare tire wheels all the way around. Supposedly it worked good. There's a member on here that has pics and info.

Neal@tirerack

iTrader: (25)

205/50's diameter okay but a bit narrow for an 8" wheel. Makes load.

205/45 quite a bit shorter than normal and won't make load and won't fit the 8" wheel. Not recommended

215/45 a little shorter than normal, makes load. Will fit an 8" wheel.