Chuck

Hi all.
I know this is probably covered somewhere else, if so, I apologize. I need to replace my orig. tires on the 2003 TL-S and I'm looking at the Falken ZX-512s. They seem to be decent tire. Okay for light occational snow and all.
Question: I'm considering putting 225r50/17s on it instead of the stock 215r50/17 size. For one, in the 225 size, the load rating matches the stock tire, whereas the 215 is only 1326 or somewhere around there. The Tirerack gives you a hard time when looking at HTR+, etc. because of the load rating.
Anyway, I was wondering if anyone has put 225r50/17s on their car and how do they look? The 225 is about 1/2 inch taller overall then stock. Does this look funny? The 225/50s rim width range is 6-8, so the 6.5" stock rims will be okay, whereas the 45 series requires a 7" rim. So. anyone have this size? Look okay? Pics?
Thanks for your help. I appreciate it.
Chuck

Twenty03 Type-S

I don't think they would be "taller."

225 vs. 215 is the width.

Both are "50" which is the sidewall height. A 45 would be "shorter."

Chuck

Yes, it is the width. But 50% of 225 would be a bit taller then 50% of the 215. The overall diameter of the 225 is 26.1 and the overall diameter of the 215 (both 50 Series...) is 25.4 inches according to the spec charts on the Tire websites.
I just don't want the car to look like I put on fat donuts.
There probably wouldn't be much difference in the speedo reading to worry about. Same with acceleration times, probably not enough difference to effect overall gear ratios. Don't know for sure. I'm just wondering how it would look. Thanks.

Twenty03 Type-S

Check out this site for speedo changes...

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

InSuboRdiNaTioN

Just a heads up, Consumer Reports did a big tire comparison in this November's issue and the 512's came out on top in the medium-performance catagorey

btrem

I just got the ZE-512's put on. Man, what a difference from the Stock Mich tires. Handles great, very responsive, very quiet, haven't driven in the rain yet but supposed to grip very well in the rain. I love these tires so far. OH BY THE WAY!!!, I got these tires 205/60R16 at www.hptire.net and paid $46 a piece for them. YES $46.00/each. What a deal!!! I highly recommend them as everywhere else wanted between $60-100 a tire. Ordered last Wednesday and had them on my doorstep on Friday morning. That was with Thanksgiving and didn't pay an expedite fee. For the money, you will not beat this tire!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Chuck

Thanks a lot btrem. I appreciate the input.
I wanted the 225r50/17s for my TL-S, but they're out of stock until mid-December. There's very few 215s in stock. I think I'll wait and see if the 225s come in when they're supposed to.