I have a set of 4 nearly new 205/55 LM-22's available to me for the asking. They are the oem size for the front. If I chose to mount these on four "front" AP1 wheels and ran them on all four corners ... what would be the downside?

 

This has been done and as long as you understand the limitations, you are fine.
Those limitations being ..................................
The handling on dry roads will be such that the car will be much more tail happy (oversteer more pronounced) due to the smaller tread width.
Because you are putting a much narrower tire onto the rear rim (which normally takes a tire 20mm wider at the bead, the bead will be pulled outward by 20mm. You should compensate for mid-tread "hollowing" by increasing the tire pressure 2 to 3 psi or you'll get much more edge tread wear.
Of course, the car will look odd with those skinny bagels on the back but you don't mind, that's all that matters.

The "up" side would be that you'll be able to drift and do donuts much easier. Have fun.

 

Thanks for your response ... I figured the tire would be to small for the rear oem rim ... therefore I was thinking of using four "front" oem rims. This would avoid what you alluded to with regard to the bead.

However, I will consider your comments about the handling due to the the lack of stagger before proceeding.

 

Actually, that's not a bad idea if you already have 4 snows the same. This will even allow rotation.

 

That's something I hadn't thought about ... at least front to rear ... as I believe the tread is "directional". Thanx again.

 

I asked Jim at Tire Rack about going with 215's all around. I believe he recommended going with 205's.

 

What was your reason for asking ?

Where you talking about snow tires or in tires in general ?

Did he say why he recommended the 205's ?

Were you talking about mounting them on the standard staggered OEM rims or something else ?

 

WS-50's sold out so Jim suggested LM-22/225's for the rear. LM-25 205's for the front. Any thoughts?

 

I've run 205 on all 4 corners for 3 winters now. no problems whatsoever.

1) don't worry about handling - you shouldn't be driving so hard to break traction on dry pavement in the winter anyways.

2) the same size does allow for front/back rotation, which is VERY convenient.

 

The LM-22's are a great tire for the winter. I am running them on my Acura and have been very impressed with them. They even got me through the minor blizzard we had here a few days ago with no problems.