Tire size???

[gjmoreo]

Ok - I have done a search and talked to a few diffrent people, but I wanted to come to my most reliable sources - you guys!

I have to replace my stock dunlops, my tires did the same as others (inside sidewall splitting to metal belts...)
I do not want to go with the same tires - the only problem is It is hard to find the original tire size (205/45/17)

I have read that 215/40/17 and*or 215/45/17 will work on out MP3's instead of the original size......problem is.......I called TIRERACK to speak w/ a customer service rep / advisor and he advised me not to use anything BUT 205/45/17 -

So now I'm confused......will it hurt my ride or effect the handling in a negative way? Is it possible to use either size? I need tires ASAP but need to know if it will work.....Maybe I just spoke to somebody who was not so sure if I can or not.....

I appreciate any and all input - Thanks!!!(thumb)

[JPBlackMP5]

Recommend you ask Rishie. His tag is ARD MP5.
follow this helpful thread:
http://forum.protegemp3.com/vbb225/showthread.php?s=&threadid=9129

[dolphin]

I used the Yokohama ES100's in 205/45-17. We still have the SP9K's for autocrossing but we haven't had any problems with the tires. The SP9K's do wear fast but I rotate them everytime they go on the car so they wear evenly.

[brokemp3]

i have 215 40 17 on my car and have had no problems like them better then the dunlops, you can notice bumps a little more but not too big of a deal

[Sir Nuke]

either size you stated will work just fine.....but to keep your speedo as accurate as possible...stick with the 215/40....its a bit closer.

[ARD MP5]

Tire rack, shmire rack. The retail reps in the organization don't typically know much more than what comes up on the screen. I really don't believe your odometer will be effected until you hit over 90mph between the 205/45 and 215/40.

In fact, Federal 595 is made in the 205/45/17 and I can get you a phat hookup on those. They are a good tire with a nice treadpattern. You know I wouldn't say they were good if they weren't. Don't think they'll be a SP9000, but they will last longer and be cheaper.

Let me know.

Rishie

Either way you want to go don't worry about it.

[gjmoreo]

ok great, thanks guys.......I thought so, but the way that rep was talking was putting doubt in my mind as if I woud be stupid if I bought any other size......

Rishie - can you pm me and give me prices on those tires?

Thanx!!

[ARD MP5]

I created another thread

http://www.mazdamp3.com/vbb225/showthread.php?s=&threadid=11044

[rowan]

TireRack reps are *duh*. One of them tried to tell me that Speedline only makes two styles of wheels... I couldn't even be bothered to argue with him. Their website software has a higher IQ than anyone you will get in touch with via e-mail or telephone. :cool:

If you can't find a 205/45 tire you like, go with 215/45.
The 5% of the extra 10 mm of width should give a smaller size difference than going down to a 40 series tire and your handling and ride comfort will stay the same.

[StuttersC]

Go all out and get a 225/40/17...All that tire on the ground, nice.

[gjmoreo]

ok so If I had the option to choose, what size is the best?

215/40 or 215/45 ????

I need my car back!!!!! I need tires!!!! I hate this!!!!

[rowan]

My vote goes to 215/45.
Although if you are going by the Dunlop 9000's it looks like this according to TireRack:

205/45: 24.1"
215/40: 23.9"
215/45: 24.5"

[bigbillsfan]

could you fit a 225/40/17 on the mp3 and not worry about rubbing?

[Sir Nuke]

Originally posted by gjmoreo
ok so If I had the option to choose, what size is the best?

215/40 or 215/45 ????

I need my car back!!!!! I need tires!!!! I hate this!!!!

go with the 215/40's.....they will keep everything as close as possible to stock....the change from a 205/45 to a 215/40 will give you the smallest error by going up a width size....you will end up with .9 mph error high at 60


for the future...if you want to compare tire sizes from one to another...here is a very helpful site...

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

use it....it works...and will even tell you how much error your speedo will have either high or low with the switch from your stock tire...to whatever you want to use.

[gjmoreo]

Thanks sirnuke, your the man with an answer......

i just ordered my tires today through a local shop - I should have them mounted in about 2-3 days. I ordered something a-bit out of the ordinary ;), you will all see when I take pics soon.

thanks everyone.

[StuttersC]

Originally posted by bigbillsfan
could you fit a 225/40/17 on the mp3 and not worry about rubbing?


Yes...