I am finally getting my rims and I need four tires for them but I want to preserve the same over all diameter that the stock rim and tire had. I am looking for something with a hr or better speed rating that is for dry and wet . I don't need to worry aboutr snow cause I am moving. Does anyone know how to figure the sizing out?

What brands/ model numbers are good. Most I will spend is 250 on each tire but Id rather spend 200 max.

Someone sugguested

DUNLOP SP9000 215-40-18

DUNLOP LEMANS 225-35-18

I dont understand what the numbers mean and what the original OEM figures are so that I can preserve the diamter.

 

http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html
try this site its good for getting comparison's on diameters and widths.

 

If I can get the same rims in 18 x7.5 with a 45 offset for less than 18 x 7.5 with 50 offset, would I notice the difference. I know the stock offset is 55 so the 50 is closer but is it worth the difference in price? Do 45s rub?

 

235/40/18's are the closest match to the stock TL-S rim/tire combo.

 

I have a 00 TL is the overall diameter different? I don't want to affect the speedometer

 

I don't think it makes a difference...hey, I thought you had an '02 b/c your avatar looks like an '02.

 

Thats my Inspire front end

 

ah....I didn't know you had an Inspire front bumper. Are you doing a full JDM conversion or did you just want it for the fog lights?

 

I did a full conversion except for right hand drive

 

just checked out that miata tire size calculator and it would seem that a 215/45/18 would be the best fit....sorry, my bad

Acura doesn't even have it right....the TL-P and the TL-S don't have the same overall diameter on their rims/tires. TL-P has an overall diameter of 25.7 and the TL-S has an overall diameter of 25.5

 

hmm 25.5 so 215 45 18 would give me a wheel off by only .1 inch not bad. What would the sidewall look like?

 

If it was my wheels, I would put 235/40/18.


I dont think your supposed to put a 215 tire on a 7.5 inch rims

 

so many different comments. I don't know what to do now.

 

Amir's right....215 is probably not a good idea. You can go with a 225/40/18 like a lot of other people or you can go with a 235/40/18 which would be closer. I don't think the car's speedo is perfectly accurate coming out of the factory, but I'm sure it's close. The speed difference is minimal but if it really bothers you I guess there's a place you can take your car to get the speedo calibrated. I'm sorry for confusing you...hope this helps.

 

you can go for the 225/45/18, but that's a rare size.....although close to stock size...

Most people go with the 225/40/18, which is smaller then stock... or 235/40/18, still a bit shorter in diameter, but... a lot closer...

If you get the right offset, then you should be okay with 235 tires.... 45 might rub....

go with a 50 offset just to be safe.... it's worth the extra money IMHO...

 

Thanks why is that a rare size. I bet it is more common in Asia. Something to look into. Does anyone know what brands or model tires are good for wet/ dry. Smow is not a factor for me anymore lol

 

well, you can't get some tires in 225 tire in 45 profile, or hard to find at least, which makes them pricier compared to better proforming 225/40... so if you want to stay close to stock diameter, then 235/40 is your best bet for performance/money

One good thing that I like about the 225/45 profile is that it gives you a little bigger in terms of diameter compared to stock, so your speedo will actually be closer to your actual speed (cuz they are always off and shows somewhat slower speed

as well as that out of all three sizes, it has the highest tire wall, which gives you more comfort, and protection to your rims (pot holes) althought just by that little bit....

 

225/45 has the highest wall? I think I will get that. Thanks everyone for clearing this up.

Actually when I use that calculator, the closest match to the stock diameter of 205 60 16 is the 225 45 18 so I guess we have a winner. Now the hard part is which brand and tread

 

oh and as for the tires...

here are the following tires that you can consider

Yokohama AVS, they are very expensive, and I heard both good/bad things about them... some say that they handles good but not that good for their price...

Pilot Sport is something that you might want to consider, IF you want some all season performance... they just came out with a new serires that handles as good in dry/wet, puls somewhat okay traction on the snow....

Dunlop 9000 series, they have a version that's got run-flat protection, you can drive for a certain distance at around 50mph with a totally flat tire... I think that is a BIG PLUS...

Bridgestone is the tires that's recommanded by a lot of instructor, racer that I talked to... they rave about the S-02, and the new S-03 should be the one to get, now.... But after the Firestone issue... I am kinda worried about their tires...

Toyo tires are nice, but I don't know much about them... some of them got like rim curb protection, and their price is AWESOME.

The P zero of course is the tires that's used by a lot exotics and stuff... but my friends go through a set of them every summer with his M3... very nice tires, but if you get the version that's got a logner thread life, then it's not as soft and the handling is not as good...

now after all those BS... here is what I would suggest

Get the Bridgestone S-03 if you don't care about the Ford/Firestone thing...

If you want run-flat protection, get the Dunlop

you don't care about snow, so the new Pilot Sports might not attract you msuch...

Look into Toyo yourself... and I think the P Zero, are not really for you... when you consider the money, tire life...

 

I don't know much on this subject,

But I hear that Kumho are a good bang for the buck tires.

 

I'm just happy you're getting rid of your "chrome on one side, silver on the other" mess.

 

LOL Damn I didnt think anyone remembered that! LOL

 

u might rub with the 225/45 tire.. if you are lowered...for sure you will rub.


Thats why i said i would go with 235/40/18

and I would get the NITTO 555, their VERY good tires, and cheap.

www.tires.com has free shipping on them for a limited time.

 

WHy would I rub with 225/45 if it has the same diameter as stock?

 

NHB 225/45 you might rub tuff gong running that setup and is rubbing his setup is 18x8 w/+49 offset rubs with stock springs.
I have the same rims running 215/45r18 w/stock springs no rubbing.I would not goto the 235 I think you will rub with that, but you might want to try 225/40R18 which might not rub. but the best match to stock is the setup I'm using 215/45R18,only prob is tires are slim pickings. Just use the tire link I posted earlier and you can see for yourself.

 

WHat part exactly rubs? How low is your drop? By the way I will be running 18X 7.5 not 8 with a 50 offset and that will probably make the difference.

 

225/45/18 will rub on your fenders.

dont say i didnt warn ya!

why not just get the tire size EVERYONE with 18's get?

95% of the people who have 18's on their CL or TL is 225/40/18..they do that for a reason bro...

 

Size Sidewall Radius Diameter Circumference Revs/Mile Diff

205/60-16 4.8in 12.8in 25.7in 80.7in 785 0.0%

225/40-18 3.5in 12.5in 25.1in 78.8in 804 -2.3%

225/45-18 4.0in 13.0in 26.0in 81.6in 777 1.1%

215/45-18 3.8in 12.8in 25.6in 80.5in 787 -0.3%

 

IF I go with 225/40 18, whats the ride like. I don't want a hard ride. I know some of it has to do with the tire materials and construct. Also does anyone have pics of any of these sizes?

 

I think most of the cars with 18's have 225/40, just go there to look. Also, I went to 1010tires.com and did a search, there's not much selection for any of the other sizes. The ones that did come up were !#@$$% expensive. What rims did ya end up getting?

 

OK so I decided on the Tire and size.
Here are my wheels waiting in a shop in a galaxy far far away


do not bother downloading this is the pic


Getting these tires Bridgestone S03 with UNI-T





235/40 3.7in 12.7in 25.4in 79.8in 794 -1.1%

Its only slightly smaller than stock in diameter

 

Congrats!! Make sure to post pics when they're all mounted up!

 

Ended up changing my order and had to go with 225/40-18 because the 235 was for 8-9.5 inch width rims and mine is 7.5.

 

there are LOTS of members on the CL board that put 235 tire on stock 7" rims...

we even have a couple members that put 245 tires on the 7 inch wide rim.

I ordered 225/40/18 and i am kicking myself for not getting 235.

235 gives you a much better ride, better performance, and it actually increases the sidewall so it protects your rims from potholes more.

You have a good offset, so 235 would be good...for you.

Maybe its not too late to change it back to 235

 

It isnt but what will it look like? Are there any draw backs in performance? Anyone with pics. I have 7 and 1/2 inch width so it should be better.

 

with 235 on a 7 inch rim, the tire sticks out just a bit...but you have 7.5 so it should look just normal.

There are no draw backs, except for a VERRRRRY SMALL increase in gas consumption...

The reason most people dont get 235 on their 18's is because most the rims that they choose, have low offsets and you will rub with a 235 tire. You have a awsome offset, so take advantage of it and get the 235.

It will obviuosly bulge out a BIT more than 225, though it will still look great, and you will have the peice of mind knowing your rims are safer against potholes...ALSO with the very little more bulge on the sides, your also gonna protect your rims more with curbing.

All in all, 235 is the best route to go in your situation.

 

performance will INCREASE with a 235 tire, compared to a 225.

here are the pros v.s. cons:


PROS:

- Better Handling.
- Better grip for Accelleration
- Decreases chances of bending rims
- Decreases chances of scratching rims
- Looks better from behind
- Ride may be more quiet due to larger sidewall
- Better LOAD rating, making the ride MUCH safer if you fill the car with passengers.
- If you have a gap between your wheels and car, a 235 tire will help get rid of the SUV look.
- Speedo is more accurate

CONS:

- 235 tires are maybe 5-10 dollars more than 225 tires each
- Small gas consumption increase, may not even be noticable.

I think the 235 tire wins...its your choice though. I ordered 225 tires, and like I said, I wish I would not have...although my rims are 7" wide too, i still would have put a 235 tire.

Again the reason most dont have 235 tires is cause their rims are in the MID 40's with respect to offset.

 

Hmmm time to make another phone call.

 

I don't wish anything bad on you but, they're gonna rub!!!
But you can roll your fenders to prevent this and maybe cut some trim away.JMHO

 

there are two members on the CL board that have 235 tires on a 7.5 inch wheel with a 48 offset.

1 of them rubs very little when the car has 5 people in it and he goes over a speed bump.

the other person does not rub at all...


now take into consideration that nighthak has a 50 offset...which is even better than the above peoples set up.

both the CL members did not shave, or roll their fenders.