I did a quick look at the topics in this forum and I noticed that many of you (respected rd owners) don`t know what size/width of tires to use on your cars. Let me kindly remind you that having a tire of wrong size actually puts you in danger. Not only that speedo dosen´t show correct speed; ABS system is also reading wrong; thus it dosen`t perform optimally. Next; too wide tire on wheels with wrong offset can cause rubbing, etc.



So Here are two websites that will help you determine correct tire size and wheel offset:



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



(edit: delete dead links about backspacing and specific tire/car specs)





Good Luck! 8)



Update 5 years and 3 pages on this thread later: Patreezy found this calculator. Be sure to enter STOCK specs for proper calculations!

 

Very helpful, thanks for the info bro

 

You are very welcome.
I would also like to ask Mod to make this topic "Sticky";It would be helpful 4 everybody; and I would update it when necessary wink.gif

 

Done!
laugh.gif
Good idea, I don't know HOW many times I have refered peeps to the miata tire calc site

 

LOL i'm completely stuped when it comes to wheel size, my tib came stock with 205/50 R15, got no idea what the wheel size is....

 

Wheel size of the stock RD is 15 X 6.5, with 42 OFFSET.
Recomended tire for this wheel is either 205/50/r15 or
195/55/r15 ( 195...To be used when buying winter tyres)

 

For U.S. RD2 (model years 2000-2001):

Stock wheels: 15x6
Stock offset: 45mm
Stock tire size: 195/55-15


Largest size I've read about on the car with no rubbing:
205/40-17, 17x7.5 wheels w/35mm offset.

Some claim to have put 225/45-15s on the car for autocross but suprisingly can't tell me the wheelsize or offset they did it with.

I'd personally would like to try 215/50-15s under the car but have 3 problems...finding 15x7" wheels (minor) and determining the correct offset/backspacing (major) and getting the money (something always comes up when I get a little "extra" together).

 

About tire size and the acceptable rim widths for that size; choosing a wheel near the middle of the range will give a balance between ride quality and handling. A wider wheel will improve handling at the expense of ride quality, while a narrower wheel will improve ride quality at the expense of handling. Consider these compromises when selecting wheels.

You can help yourself with this link:
http://www.toyo.com/tires/tire_specsheet.cfm?id=2

Looak at the "Rim Width Range"

 

Wheel Tech Guide
Everything you need to know about wheels before you buy any:

Get your knowledge in this superbe article here:
http://www.sportcompactcarweb.com/tech/020...uide/index.html

 

^^^

Got Rims?

LOL

Let's all get him a rim fetish shirt, eh?