Thinnest tire that will fit ?

[TheCanadian]

I have a practically fresh pair of 185/65 R16 Blizzaks from my miata - anyone ever run something similar during winter?

I know these are definitely not the optimal size

EDIT: Going to just get regular sized tires or slightly undersize. Thanks for reading

[Clipdat]

[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HPh90yNX-mY"]The Mercedes C63 AMG Experiment - /CHRIS HARRIS ON CARS - YouTube[/ame]

[murdoc]

If you have 16 inch wheels that they will fit on it'll work fine for snow driving, but will not handle well at all for dry roads.

they're also about an inch taller than stock.

[churchx]

Yes, indeed, spacesaver donuts would be the thinnest. 2nd thinnest - would be to find winter ice/snow rally wheels. Usually of 15-16" size, spoke design & offset to clear big brakes, narrower then average stock wheels to fit studded sport "saws".

murdoc: depends on what you expect/aim from handling. While with smaller wheels in general + higher sidewall profile there is less sharp turn in, a bit more mass transision can make car easier to feel/handle. And while from narrower tires overall grip will go down, it will be at slower speeds and maybe more progressive. So you'll take turns slower, but maybe with more fun and control. If Chris's video can be of any indicator

[TheCanadian]

Full disclosure I don't have a BRZ yet.

If I mount these tires on the BRZ/FRS/86 (hehe) I'm not going to be a complete fool about flooring in the middle of turns during winter. I drive an 00' miata on these during blizzards. I don't expect much in terms of handling at all. As long as they fit I'd be happy.

[Tcoat]

Originally Posted by TheCanadian

Full disclosure I don't have a BRZ yet.

If I mount these tires on the BRZ/FRS/86 (hehe) I'm not going to be a complete fool about flooring in the middle of turns during winter. I drive an 00' miata on these during blizzards. I don't expect much in terms of handling at all. As long as they fit I'd be happy.

They would do the job but you would be better off just selling them and paying the few bucks for something more appropriate. Could get a bit squirrely when the roads are bare and dry.

[mav1178]

Originally Posted by TheCanadian

Full disclosure I don't have a BRZ yet.

If I mount these tires on the BRZ/FRS/86 (hehe) I'm not going to be a complete fool about flooring in the middle of turns during winter. I drive an 00' miata on these during blizzards. I don't expect much in terms of handling at all. As long as they fit I'd be happy.

Fitment is one thing.

What you don't want is for your total diameter to be so off that when you are driving certain speeds under certain conditions, that the car thinks you've spun out or are about to spin out, and intervene excessively.

You are much better off w/ tires that are close to stock overall diameter.

[TheCanadian]

Yeah screw it - having the wrong size isn't worth the paranoia.

I'll grab the undersized tirerack recommendation when it comes time.

[churchx]

Actually i got R16 wheel set especially for winter (R16 tires were almost 150eur cheaper a set then R17 ones), and now have 205/55/R16 nokians on them. But almost thinking that 195/60/R16 would be even better. Car is light, on ice/snow narrower are better, as easier cut through slush to more grippy surface, less aquaplaning. I guess, that there actually WILL be snow & ice in Canada
So even if you keep using stock 17" wheels (as seems from edited OP), i'd get at least 205/50/R17 ones, not regular sized.

[TheCanadian]

Yeah. My NB has been quite the little trooper with proper winter tires. I'm 100% confident the 86 will be much better with the extra weight, and the addition of traction control and abs



This is what blizzaks can get you through if you are careful