Folks,

I live in Israel and I own a KIA Sportage 2001 wagon (the long body - spare wheel undercaridge).

What are the original sizes of tires installed in such a car in your country (I guess there are other visitors outside of the <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/patriot.gif" alt="" />)

Why - here is some background:

Recently I have started to improve the car and have ordered a set of springs + shocks from IRONMAN which I should be getting soon and should provide a 2.5" lift.

Checking for tire upgrades (I know have MAXIS 205R15 75 AT tires) to larger size (hopefuly 235s) I have realized it is prohibited in my country. Apparently you can't change (legally) your car tire size to something which is not listed in the AUTODATA book (I guess it is something well known).

The guy who heads the department of tires in our own national "DMV" is an off-roader himself - and he confirmed that the only size allowed per the AUTODATA book is 205 - but if I bring some paper from KIA in any part of the world that says that KIA SPORTAGE 2001 can also accept other (larger..) sizes - he will be able to add another allowed size to the list.

SO: If anyone can provide me with the list of tire sizes provided by his local reseller/kia office - I can try to backtrack the approval "trail" and get an official KIA papaer saying that other sizes are allowed.

Thanks in advance! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

Moshe

Your source is correct. All 1st generation Sportages came from the factory with 205/75R-15 tires. I've never seen any document from Kia that authorizes larger sizes.

I've also never seen or heard of any law over here in the U.S. that prohibits installation of any size tire other than OEM. You learn something new everyday.

The argument is that larger tire size change the behaviour of the car and can for example change breaking distance or raise the center of gravity.

Anyway - if I can find a document or any avidance of official distribution of 1st gen sporties with larger tires - that will help a lot.

Moshe

We all know this to be true........



Like AXE said, you will never find this---Period!

P.S. If getting larger tires in your country is against the law.....Then how is getting a suspension lift legal? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/scared.gif" alt="" />

I don't think that if you get 235/75/15 tires on your Sporty anyone is going to even notice.
Unless you park next to another Sportage or if you have to take it in for inspection. And if you take it in for inspection then change the tires back to stock first.
If it sounds a bit shady, sorry, we don't always have legal vehicles up here in Alaska. I'm not all for doing things illegal, but who is looking at your tires every day? As long as they don't have big white letters saying the size on them, then you shouldn't have a problem. But don't let me corrupt you with my evil ways.

Hi,

Reason why I am try "legalize" a new size here in Israel is that I will not need to be shady (which I have ample expirience in that - thank you :-) )

Its true that people will not notice (235 looks better on the sportage than the original one) - unless I am pulled over by random road inspection (which never hapenned to me in the KIA - but there is always a first...)

Also - if I will get involved in a car accident, and even if I am not to blame for it - the insurance can use my "wrong" tire size to avoid paying me.. or, a judge can decide that the tires where a contributing factor to the accident..

Hence my effort to make it "Kosher" - if all failes, who knows ;-)

I will also try to make contact with various local KIA offices (help will be appriciated) asking them for recomended tire sizes and if 235 is also recomended. From what I have understood - I need one letter from KIA saying 235 is OK to make it legal.

Moshe

I feel shamed. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/scared.gif" alt="" />
I should never have condoned the use of any unsafe equipment on your Sporty, weather legal or not in any country. May it be known that I will not be held liable for anyone attempting the kind of Jacka$$ modifications that I place on my Sporty. And if you do modify your Sporty then it is at your own risk. Please have fun and wheel with safety. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

:-D :-D

It was my understanding from an old post on the forum that Aussie Military used Sportages a while back and they ran 235 75 15's.
If that is true, you might be able to get something in writing from Downunder or Kia.
Just trying to help.
Everet <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/patriot.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

You might actually be referring to the Kia Retona/Rocsta. It was used by the Korean military. I don't know if the Oz military used them. Gary??

Some info here:

http://www.4wdonline.com/Kia/Rocsta.html

BTW: It used 215-75R15 tires. And, it's the Sportage's direct descendant.