boring tyres

[taffy]

Guys, I need to replace the tyres and don't want to spend alot as I plan on changing to a 997 in Mar/Apr, had a set of the Falken 452's on the M3 for resale and I thought they were really good so was planning on chucking them on the Z. Only problem is that they don't make a 255/40 rear, only a 255/35 or a 265/30. I remember on the M3 that you could fit wider tyres (235/265) in a lower profile (35/30) without upsetting the speedo, anyone understand this and know if I can do the same on the Z4?

If not, what's the best budget tyre for this?

 

[WLH]

Couple of things...
This link might help you...
http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html
This link will allow you to see the tire size diameter which you want to keep very close to the original size.
What size rims do you have?
I have 18" and am running 265/35-18 on the rear and there are no rubbing issues.

 

[Top pup]

255/35 and 265/30 are quite a bit out on diameter (speedo reading), if they do them 265/35 is closer and 245/40 or 275/35 are pretty much there..

 

[Shipkiller]

Couple of things...
This link might help you...
http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html
This link will allow you to see the tire size diameter which you want to keep very close to the original size.
What size rims do you have?
I have 18" and am running 265/35-18 on the rear and there are no rubbing issues.

Thanks WLH, that post expanded my thinking...

I am getting mighty ready to pull the trigger on new wheel/tires. I am upgrading from the stock 16's w/ 225/50 R16 RFT's to an 18" wheel.
I kept my thinking riveted on the 225/40 R18's but now I have plugged in the 265/35 R18's into the tire calculator and like what I see. I also use http://www.carbibles.com/tyre_bible_pg2.html for more fitting info.

Yes, it will throw the speedo off by 4% slow, 70mph indicated really means 72 actual, BUT they are a wider tire.... :driving:

Currently my speedo is 2mph fast when I compare it to my GPS, (12 satellites with GPS accuracy of 7ft.) So it MAY balance out...

The only question I have for you is what are the wheel offsets you are running with the 265's?

 

[WLH]

The only question I have for you is what are the wheel offsets you are running with the 265's?

My rear rims are 9" X 18" with an offset of 45mm. FYI most tire mfg recommend a min rim width of 9" for a 265 tire. I was considering a 275 but was concerned it would not look right for my taste. I believe 275 will fits without any problem but that would be the max without mod's to fender etc. Hope this helps...

 

[Shipkiller]

Yep.. That helps...

 

[taffy]

I have the standard 18" wheel, ok presuming we stick to standard size, what is the best tyre at a budget, don't want to spend ps2 money on a car i'm going to sell in 2 months time

 

[Shipkiller]

I have the standard 18" wheel, ok presuming we stick to standard size, what is the best tyre at a budget, don't want to spend ps2 money on a car i'm going to sell in 2 months time

For the 225/40 R18 sizesTireRack has:

Kumo Ecsta ASX's - $90.00
General Exclaim UHP's - $83.00
Fuzion ZRi's - $95.00

All are good tires and will give good performance. Even for the next owner.

 

[WLH]

275/35 - 18 should fit and I believe Falken makes a tire in that size. I am pretty sure a few M owners have up-graded to that size on the rear.

 

[Shipkiller]

We should start another thread........ :hijacked:

WLH, do you see any handling problems with running 265's on all four wheels instead of a narrower tire on the fronts? Brainstorming.... :scratchhead:

 

[WLH]

We should start another thread........ :hijacked:

WLH, do you see any handling problems with running 265's on all four wheels instead of a narrower tire on the fronts? Brainstorming.... :scratchhead:

You can put 235's on the front which I have. Anything larger/wider on the front and there will be issue on a non "M". I think and notice I say think you can run 245's on an "M".

 

[Shipkiller]

I may go with 235's all around. I like the idea of being able to rotate for better wear properties...... BUT it would look cool with 265's on the back..

But for normal street use, and occasional country romp, I don't see where 265's on the back would gain me anything in the handling side....

The research continues..................

 

[WLH]

But for normal street use, and occasional country romp, I don't see where 265's on the back would gain me anything in the handling side....

I think you are correct as I run 225's winter tires all the way around all winter and the handling is still exceptional. However, the 265's on 9" rims do look pretty good...

 

[Blacklines]

Vredestein Ultrac Sessanta tyres are brill and in 18 inch you should be able to get a full set for a little over £500.