What tires would you recommend?

[Ludacrits]

I haven't bought the wheels yet so I'm still open to suggests.

Anyway, I plan on ordering some 17x8 +45 Enkei RPF1s. This is my first time ever buying aftermarket wheels and tires for one of my cars. I'm just having trouble deciding on a tire size and which tire to purchase.

235/40/17: I was told this size would preform well but I might get a rough ride. The tires I was considering would be Falken Azenis FK-453.

245/40/17: I was considering this size as well. It seems like there are a ton of tires at this size but the ones that seem nice are Hankook Ventus V12 evo K110.

Thoughts? Suggestions?

[FR-S Matt]

Use the tools and find ones that keep your speedometer accurate. I was in the same boat you were a few months ago and by using the tire calc on this site and the miata.net tool, I was able to get a balance that kept it less than .05% off of stock.

[Mike@TSM]

Great choice on the wheels!

Either size will work well - what do you plan on doing with the car? Any track use?

[Jidonsu]

I would go with 245/40/17. Good ones include the new BF Goodridge Rivals, Dunlop Direzza ZII, Bridgestone Potenza RE11A, or even the Hankook RS-3s. I'm currently running Michelin Pilot Super Sports, but will upgrade to one of the first three (maybe the RE11A) next season.

[Ludacrits]

Originally Posted by Mike@TSM

Great choice on the wheels!

Either size will work well - what do you plan on doing with the car? Any track use?

I would like to do some track use eventually but I've never been before. So I'm not sure. Probably in the distant future once I've done a few other things to it. Right now the only think not stock is the suspension. I'm running megan racing street ez coilovers. I figured wheels and tires would be my next upgrade.

[Mike@TSM]

Originally Posted by Ludacrits

I would like to do some track use eventually but I've never been before. So I'm not sure. Probably in the distant future once I've done a few other things to it. Right now the only think not stock is the suspension. I'm running megan racing street ez coilovers. I figured wheels and tires would be my next upgrade.

Oh ok, awesome! I would recommend the Falkens in the 240/40 17 size - it's closer to the factory tires OD and will ride smoother than the Hankooks.

Let me know if you'd like an estimate on everything, I have the Enkeis in stock and can have the tires in a day or two.

[Ludacrits]

Originally Posted by FR-S Matt

Use the tools and find ones that keep your speedometer accurate. I was in the same boat you were a few months ago and by using the tire calc on this site and the miata.net tool, I was able to get a balance that kept it less than .05% off of stock.

What tires did you go with? And can you link the tools you are talking about?

[horrorbiz]

The new Dunlop Direzza ZII are fantastic, the originals were massively popular and this updated version has proved to be even better. They do run very wide though, I'd recommend a 225 or 235 on the 8" wheel.

[supramkivtt2jz]

Originally Posted by Ludacrits

What tires did you go with? And can you link the tools you are talking about?

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

[Mike@TSM]

Originally Posted by supramkivtt2jz

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

The only issue with calculators like that is they do the true math for the given size but keep in mind that there can be a 4% variance between tire manufacturers.

You're better off looking at the measured dimensions from each manufacturers' website to determine the actual size of the tire.

[djdnz]

Originally Posted by Ludacrits

What tires did you go with? And can you link the tools you are talking about?

www.willtheyfit.com


Here's 245/40/17 vs stock.


235/40/17 vs stock


245's are closer to stock rolling diameter but man are they wide for those wheels. 235's are going to roll less on the sidewall.

You could consider using 225/40/17, but spedometer is a little further out still. Probably what I would recommend though honestly, you are saving a few pounds per tire and unless you go forced induction you won't really need the extra grip, they are more widely available, and cheaper than the alternatives.


As far as your original question, it really comes down to what your goals are and your budget. 245's are massive though, and unless you need lots of traction I probably wouldn't go that route. You're going to have a lot of sidewall movement.

the BF Goodridge Rivals, Dunlop Direzza ZII, Bridgestone Potenza RE11A, or even the Hankook RS-3s)

People suggesting the top tier tires (above) seem to be focused on pure performance over practicality. This car is not a Ferrari, it doesn't need the pinnacle of tires, unless that is your ultimate goal. I would suggest going with a tire that has slightly better wear rating, lower noise levels and lower cost. But my goals are for a street oriented sporty car, not track times... so what do I know.

I ended up with Continental ExtremeContact DW, very affordable, very well reviewed, good compromise I would say. I haven't had a chance to throw them on yet though.

[supramkivtt2jz]

Originally Posted by Mike@TSM

The only issue with calculators like that is they do the true math for the given size but keep in mind that there can be a 4% variance between tire manufacturers.

You're better off looking at the measured dimensions from each manufacturers' website to determine the actual size of the tire.

whoops, i was skimming through the thread and saw the word "link." i incorrectly assumed you were asking for that.

disregard.

i dont really care what my speedo reads so long as it is not terribly off. I never drive spiritedly in public

[Ludacrits]

Originally Posted by Mike@TSM

Oh ok, awesome! I would recommend the Falkens in the 240/40 17 size - it's closer to the factory tires OD and will ride smoother than the Hankooks.

Let me know if you'd like an estimate on everything, I have the Enkeis in stock and can have the tires in a day or two.

Yeah I would definitely like an estimate on that kind of setup. I was just going to buy my stuff from tire discounters but if I can get it cheaper somewhere else I will.

[Mike@TSM]

Originally Posted by Ludacrits

Yeah I would definitely like an estimate on that kind of setup. I was just going to buy my stuff from tire discounters but if I can get it cheaper somewhere else I will.

Awesome, shoot me an email with your contact info and I will get you one out today!

mike@topspeedtuned.com