Thread: 16" Tire Size

correct thats what i did, and i recommend renting the tool for rolling the fenders vs using a bat, mine didnt turn out to good when i did it with a bat, but i didnt want to wait for the tool to come in the mail and i paid the price. ill probably rent it and smooth over the fender when i paint it.

Do you happen to have pictures of your fenders?

Here's what I want to get.
Currently Available Prices and Sizes
215/45/16
I'm guessing I would need spacers AND to roll the h*ll out of my fender?

I'm ordering a set of Dunlop Direzza Z1 Star Specs in a 205-50-16 for this season. Heard great reviews about them, supposed to be better than Azenis and BFG T/A KDWs which are both comparable price range. I had my heart set on 215's but I changed my mind just because there would be some fitment complications, and with the 205's it should be easier to get some rotation.

will those 205/50's fit? i ran the numbers on the miata.net tire calculator and it says they are about .5 inches taller than the 215/45's so i think you would need coilovers to clear and fender rolling. Here are some pics of my fenders, i tried to get the pics of the shocks but i coulndt get any without getting out the jack. http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t138/silvia1320/IMG00225.jpg, http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t138/silvia1320/IMG00224.jpg

I thought about getting the Star Specs, but I don't think I will be able to afford them. The Khumos are cheaper than azenis in the same size. And the 615 are not that competitive anymore.

its almost worth going to a 17" rim for the 215/40-17 size star specs. those are only .15" taller than the 215/45-16's but still smaller than the 205/50-16, or to the 195/55 15 but that seems like a bit much sidewall for autocross

I would only see using a 17 if you had gobs of power and needed to "lose" some while still maintaining good traction. For just bolt-ons 17s would overkill.

Running new XS's and pretty much a step up from the MX, stickier more like a RER01. I am surprised to hear you want 16's for taller gearing since most of the power is up top, it's a constant issue for me to sparingly use 1st gear, shifting takes way too long - if anything I would go smaller than my 205/50/15's if not for brakes, run 2nd gear higher into the powerband. Did not notice if you run a B13 which does have slightly taller final drive than some later cars.

The NT01's a very good and last well for a sticky tire, but I only have 1 set and used my XS's for opener and SR convention track day, they performed very well. I second the guy who said get 15's, it makes more sense than 16's. If you're going to first you're not going very fast, and if you can stay on top of second it makes sense from ~25-50 mph. I only use first other than starts for very tight box turns with enough runout after exit to merit it. Also can shift w/o slowing down so little time is lost other than on the shift back to second. If my tires were a little smaller, I'd never see first gear after the start.

205 is still a good amount of tire. Beats the hell out of running into clearance problems. My car is pretty low and fenders are barely rolled, but running Progress CO's, I'd hate to chew up new tires hitting fenders or struts.

+1. And heavy. Best 17's don't touch a 10 lb Traklite or Enkei. Weight matters. 205/50/15's give you a great selection at lower prices, and esp in comp rubber if that's on the agenda.