Hey guys,

I've decided my big thing for the spring (not including cam gears and a good dyno tuning) is going to be a set of light-weight wheels and some Azenis. I am so confused when it comes to this whole tire size/wheel size thing. I've read the different charts, etc.

Basically I think that the stock look (or at least the tires I have currently) look kind of narrow. I'd like some bigger, wider tires/wheels but I don't want them to rub, have an inaccurate spedometer, or start losing performance.

I just want the frickin' numbers I should buy, I stopped by discount tire on my way home from work today, the sales chump was no help. They want to sell me some 18 inch dubs for the love of god.

 

205 is really as wide as you should go for a daily driven tire. YOu can fit a 215 in their but not well and 225 is going to run.

I personally like having all my wheel the same size so tyhe tires are interchangable. I would say 205/50/15 is your best bet on tire size and it will keep the wheels lighter too.

 

Rim Size: 16x7 inch with a 42+ to 45+ mm offset
Tire Size: 205-45-16


[Modified by itrsport.com, 2:21 PM 2/6/2003]

 

So if I got 16x7's and planned on running 205-45-16's, what specific offset do I want, or does it not really matter?

 

Asahi,

When you say I can fit a 215 but not well do you mean it will rub?

Edit: My concern is that Azenis come in 215/45ZR-16 B, which is probably what I'd end up getting, unless I'd have problems.


[Modified by io_burn, 4:23 PM 2/6/2003]

 

It will rub at full lock. THese numbers all assume you don't have your car slammed too.

I personally woudl get a 15x7. Lighter and all your other tires fit.

 

io - get between 42 and 45 like Josh said. (for 205/45/16 or 215/50/16)

215 on a 16" rim MAY rub on the trailing arm in rear.

Chris - who recommends 15 x 7 with 205/50/15.


[Modified by Chris N, 4:24 PM 2/6/2003]

 

Exactly why I would stay with 205's. I race on them and have never felt that a 215 or 225 would have been the determining factor in my time or speed.

 

Ahh, cool, thanks


[Modified by io_burn, 4:26 PM 2/6/2003]

 

Oh, one last thing... Since the 205-50-15 Azeni is VR rated, does that make any difference? VR is up to 149mph, correct? I don't think I ever plan on going faster than 150mph, so these should be fine?

 

V rated is fine.

 

Ok, cool, thanks guys

 

If you wanted to run 16x7.5 with 205/45-16 what range of offsets would be OK?

Aamir

 

Does running an offset of 45 or 42, as opposed to the stock 50 offset, change the handling characteristics of the car? Either positive or negative.

 

you can also run a 225 on a 16x7 mugen rim witha +42 offset i believe?

 

io_burn, here is a link that will allow you to see how changing tire sizes will effect your spedo reading and what % of error you have after switching from stock tire size.

http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html

 

Wow thanks JuJu, I can't believe something helpful came off a Miata website!

Edit: Now what size are the stock bridgestones?


[Modified by io_burn, 8:00 PM 2/6/2003]

 

I have the Mugen MF10's in 16 x 7 with a +50 offset. 225's rub, front & rear.

 

195/55-15

205/50-15 Azenis are cheap, offer great grip, and I personally like the lower profile look they give vs the 195/55 too.

 

I would also recommend the 205/50-15 Azenis on a 15x7 rim.

 

The stock ITR Rim is 15x7, correct?

 

15x6.

 

stock ITR is 15x6

15x7 ownz!

 

If you want a set of light weight rims, go for 15x7" wheels.

There are so many 15x7" rims now a days! Plus 15" tires are a lot cheaper than 16" tires.
Just remember that some tires are a lot heavier than others, also.

Some light-weight (~9-11lbs) 15x7" that comes to my mind:
Volk TE-37
Real Racing R2
SSR type-C
Enkei ES Tarmac (best bang for the buck... ~$200/wheel)
Advan RG
Mugen MF-10
etc.

I would not get 6.5" wheels, unless you're specifically looking at:
Spoon SW388
RH CP-035 (do they come in 15x7"?)

Oh, and for kicks...
15x6" Mazda Millenias + RE-010 = ~31lbs
15x6" CRV steelies + RE-010 = ~41lbs

 

Where to get these?