JDMLOVE

Community,

This is my very first post and I'm happy that it"s regarding my first mod since I bought the car last July. This weekend I'm picking up a set of 18x8.5 gunmetal A-SPEC wheels with tires for a screaming deal. The only bummer is I'm going to need tires asap, but I can't complain since I'm getting hooked up on the price.

Right now I have a bone stock silver 04 TL MT/6spd (non a-spec). I've been thumbing through posts and threads for days trying to decide what size tire to go with. The opinions are all just overwelming and most scenarios are not my set up. So my apologies in advance if this just seems like a reduntant question.

What I'm looking for is the "perfect" size tire for this rim without affecting my speedo but at the time giving the car that agressive look. I'd like to take advantage of the half inch more width that most other A-SPECs dont have. What I need specifically is the do's/don'ts and opinions/pics from owners of 18x8.5 A-SPECs and/or owners that have been there and done that. I pretty much need a size and brand.

Soon as these wheels are mounted and balanced I plan on ordering the A-SPEC suspension, some front/rear sway bars and possibly the A-SPEC lip kit. Any opinions on that too would be greatly appreciated...

Thanks in advance and thanks for having me on here...

noob in Georgia

ajs800

iTrader: (1)

This has been discussed like crazy on here, but based on what you have said, without a doubt go with a 245/40/18 tire.

AnthraciteAspec

iTrader: (6)

The OEM size that came on 04s with the 18x8.5 Aspecs is 235/40/18

However, a lot of people on here run 245/40/18 for a little more rim protection and a slightly larger contact patch. Going by what you said, this is probably the size you want.

princelybug

iTrader: (16)

From the factory, the 18x8.5 A-Spec wheels were shod with 235/40VR18 Yokohama AVS ES100 tires.

CLtotheTL32

iTrader: (3)

Welcome!

Add me to the list of people running 245/40/18 on the 18 x 8.5 A-Specs.

Ramrodthrusterpuppy

^Same here....some tire brands run dimensionally wider even though they are the same stated size omn the sidewall. My Yoko W4S are about 3/4" wider than most other 245/40s.

JDMLOVE

I realize that some subjects on forums beat certain subjects in the ground, especially this one... but this subject has so many variables and combinations that it seems that it would be easy to assume wrong information and be stuck with an expensive mistake... I think sometimes its just refreshing and reassuring to hear opinions on your own thread... you feel me? but i do appreciate your input... thanks

JDMLOVE

this might be a dumb question but i'll ask it anyway... does the 245 affect the speedo or mpg?

CLtotheTL32

iTrader: (3)

Nope and nope.

I still get about 22 mpg city.

AnthraciteAspec

iTrader: (6)

Here you go man:

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

Your TL is programmed for a 235/45/17 tire. Thus using a 245/40/18 tire the speedo will read 60 mph when you are actually traveling 60.9 mph. So is it off, yes slightly, will you notice it, no.

JDMLOVE

sweet... how bout any rubbing issues??? i plan on getting the a-spec 04-05 MT suspension... do you happen to have any pics by chance???

AnthraciteAspec

iTrader: (6)

You will not rub on Aspec suspension with Aspec wheels. You will not even be close to rubbing.

CLtotheTL32

iTrader: (3)

^What he said.

I'm about to be lowered on TEIN S-Tech's soon and I won't be rubbing. Considering the A-Spec suspension drops your car maybe half an inch, you won't have any problems.

TL on "20"

yesterday i get the aspec rims but 18 x 8 and it haves 245 40 18 looks very good !!

JDMLOVE

whats the service description code for TL tires... i was looking at tires on sams.com and cosco.com