215/45/17 work OK on MP3s?

[zbillster]

Has anybody run 215/45/17 tires on their MP3 wheels? Just wanna make sure it won't rub or anything. The new Mazdaspeed is running the 215s instead of our 205s so I figure it would be OK.

I'd prefer NOT to go to a 40 series.

[APEXistud]

I think you'll be fine if you're going to leave your car stock height. But, those are just my thoughts

[big_ben]

If you go with the 215's get 40 and not 45. The 45's are taller because of course the 45 means 45% of the tire's width. I just got 215's and they are a little taller than the originals. Patrick has the 215/40's and they look like the same hight as the original. The 215's work fine though. They are actually better because they are wider and they provide more rim protection.

[DooMer_MP3]

While a *bit* taller, the 215/45/17 has less error than the 215/40/17 compared to the stock. The 45 is 1.5% over, the 40 is 2.0% under. I found this from using the tire size calculator:
http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html...

I'm still debating lowering an inch with the Eibachs and going 205/45/17, or going stock height with the slightly wider tires. I think I'm leaning towards lower though...

Chris

[big_ben]

That's a really cool calculator! I've never seen that. I like the idea of the speedo telling me I'm going 80 when I'm really going something like 78 though. It will probably save me from a ticket or two!

[zbillster]

I think I'll go for the 215/45 (I'll be keeping it stock height). I like to have a good chunk of sidewall for real world driving in crappy streets. Also I get a better selection vs. 205/45. Thanks for all the input.

Thanks for the calculator link (I wrote a C program for that in school but can't find it).

[Sir Nuke]

just what size tire comes on the MP3??? because the differnce between the stock tire on the P-5 and using a 215/40/17 is only .4 % NOT 2.0%

and by going with the 215/45 it puts the error at 4% slow.

that would lead me to believe that if the numbers you got are correct...that either the speedo's are calibrated differently between the mp3 and the other pro's....or there is a hell of a lot of error in ONE of the cars.


yes I got those numbers using the very same tire calculator.....

[P_Diddy81_99]

Originally posted by DooMer_MP3
While a *bit* taller, the 215/45/17 has less error than the 215/40/17 compared to the stock. The 45 is 1.5% over, the 40 is 2.0% under. I found this from using the tire size calculator:
http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html...

I'm still debating lowering an inch with the Eibachs and going 205/45/17, or going stock height with the slightly wider tires. I think I'm leaning towards lower though...

Chris

I def like your caculator better...
http://robrobinette.com/tire_diameter.htm

...this is the one I use to use

[MP3#872]

just what size tire comes on the MP3???
The stock tire on the MP3 is a 205/45-17.

Question though, what is the tire calculator based on? I found that and used it often when I got my Miata but I have been recently lookling for replacements for the MP3 and I see a great deal of difference in the calculator versus the specs of the tire. I have been using the size but also the revs per mile. The stock tires have 871 revs per mile. If you go to Bridgestone Pole Position S-03 you get a 215/40-17 that has 875 revs per mile and if you go to the Michelin Pilot Sport you get a 215/40-17 that has 872 revs per mile. If you look at the calculator, it says the stock tires get 831 revs per mile and a 215/40-17 will have 848 rev per mile. The only other thing I can think of is that tire manufactures quote revs per "canadian" mile ;)

MP3#872

[heatherton]

Mine has 225/45-17 tires and they seem fine with no rubbing.

[APEXistud]

225/45's damn those are some beefy tires there. I know you're planning on lowering your car with those mounted on. You would most definately rub.