Car people. Tires.

[zahc]

I have a 99 Miata for my short commute. The previous owner put Japan Racing 15 inch wheels and some generic 195-50 tires, which are worn out.

Should I be looking for 195-50 tires or can I choose to buy wider or taller ones? I don't know if what's on there is correct, even. I'm used to just using what's on the doorjam sticker.

[charby]

go to any tire manufacture's website and they will let you know what will fit on the vehicle.

[mtnbkr]

I don't think 15" wheels were standard on the Miata.

Chris

[charby]

I don't think 15" wheels were standard on the Miata.

Chris

Then to the junkyard for some factory rims.

[bedlamite]

http://www.tirerack.com says 195/50-15 was standard on the sport package, and you're looking at $60-75 per corner for rubber that was designed more for performance than economy. Otherwise the other option is to sell yours and find another set of stock rims and put 185/60-14 tires on it. Tires won't cost much less, but they will last longer. If you've got the sport package, I'd keep the wheels you have.

[mtnbkr]

Then to the junkyard for some factory rims.

This site will help you find tires that fit your rims and are the same size as stock: http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html

Chris

[drewtam]

If you are more interested in style, 205-17s fit as well, which was std on the 04/05 Mazdaspeed Miata.

[drewtam]

I ran Dunlop Direzza Star Specs the past year. Yokohama S.Drives before that. Both are really good, but I think the Star Specs are giving me better grip and better life. I think the S.Drives were better in the rain, until they went "bald". Only an experienced autocrosser will notice a major difference between these top tier compounds (and that is not me). Both give me over a gee in steady cornering, by my measurements and calculation. 225/50/17s do not fit entirely in the wheel well, and will rub on bump stops and full lock turning. 215s are about as aggressive with the 17" rims as you want to go.

If you are looking for good performance rims in the 15" size, look for 6uls. They come in a variety of widths and look hot.
http://949racing.com/15-wheels.aspx

[zahc]

I am not interested in style. I am somewhat interested in performance but this is a daily driver. have contemplated going back to factory rims on the theory that the car suspension probably works best with factory rims, but I haven't been motivated to pay money to "downgrade". I don't know if 15 inch wheels is an actual upgrade or just what some guy decided looked better. I guess I should join some miata forum.

[mtnbkr]

it means less rubber between the rim and road, hence less flex in the sidewalls.  It should corner better.

Chris

[zahc]

In general, does a given rim require a given tire size, or is there some freedom? Could I buy 200-50s for my current wheels, instead of the 195-50s on there, if I wanted to?

[mtnbkr]

You can go up or down in width and aspect ratio somewhat.  That link above lets you experiment.

Chris

[dogmush]

In general, does a given rim require a given tire size, or is there some freedom? Could I buy 200-50s for my current wheels, instead of the 195-50s on there, if I wanted to?

Unless the 195's are at the hairy limit for your rim width, yes you could go to 200's.  I doubt the 5mm will make much of a difference.  Even if you're at the edge of the wheel makers specs you can squeeze the tires on.  I run 315's on my 9 inch wide rims.  Do you know how wide the rims are?

[RoadKingLarry]

You could go this route

http://www.rides-mag.com/car-of-the-day/2011/10/1986-chevrolet-monte-carlo/

[Harold Tuttle]

I found this last night:
http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/tirecalc.php

[charby]

I am not interested in style. I am somewhat interested in performance but this is a daily driver. have contemplated going back to factory rims on the theory that the car suspension probably works best with factory rims, but I haven't been motivated to pay money to "downgrade".

Only if you replace suspension parts as they wear. Most people replace parts long after they have worn, such as bushings, shocks/struts, tie rod ends, etc.

[geronimotwo]

In general, does a given rim require a given tire size, or is there some freedom? Could I buy 200-50s for my current wheels, instead of the 195-50s on there, if I wanted to?

is there any issue with fender clearance when turning?  what does your sticker have for the factory specs?

[Scout26]

Or better yet, the specs in the owners manual.

[zxcvbob]

Just buy ASR's or "Grand Touring" passenger car tires (instead of performance tires) that match the size you have now.  15" wheels should be fine.

[Harold Tuttle]

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

claims the stock tire is a 185 60 14

[zxcvbob]

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

claims the stock tire is a 185 60 14

Previous owner did a good job of picking a 15" tire size then.  P185/60-14 and P195/50-15 are the same diameter.