Tire width choice for 17x7.5 +45, stock suspension

7039 Views 10 Replies 4 Participants Last post by geeboss, Jan 23, 2017

EastCoastSkyactiv3

Discussion Starter · Jan 21, 2017

Hi all,
Realized I posted this first by mistake in the MS3 portion of the forum...my bad...

New here, and I've had my '13 MZ3 Skyactiv 6spdMT for about two months now. Love it so far and I'm going to be adding mods slowly but surely.

I'm set on the Sparco Assetto Gara wheels, 17" x 7.5" +45 offset and I'm trying to decide which tire width to use. I will be keeping the suspension stock.

Basically, I'm trying to decide among:
- 215/45R17
- 225/45R17
- 245/45R17

I'm not very knowledgeable about the wheel/tire/suspension geometry.

Any input appreciated, thanks!

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arathol

· #2 · Jan 21, 2017

EastCoastSkyactiv3 said:
Hi all,
Realized I posted this first by mistake in the MS3 portion of the forum...my bad...

New here, and I've had my '13 MZ3 Skyactiv 6spdMT for about two months now. Love it so far and I'm going to be adding mods slowly but surely.

I'm set on the Sparco Assetto Gara wheels, 17" x 7.5" +45 offset and I'm trying to decide which tire width to use. I will be keeping the suspension stock.

Basically, I'm trying to decide among:
- 215/45R17
- 225/45R17
- 245/45R17

I'm not very knowledgeable about the wheel/tire/suspension geometry.

Any input appreciated, thanks!

215/45R17

Start going wider than that the steering feel will get squishy.
However, tire height will be a inch less than OEM, so the speedo will be a bit off. The gap between the wheel and the fender wil increase 1/2 inch.
If you want something closer to OEM size, a 50 series tire will be a better match.
If you can spend just a little more and want to keep with the multi spoke design, these are a step up:
Traklite Gear, 5x114, 45mm, Matte Gunmetal for MX5, 17x7.5
Don't go by the picture, its just a stock photo. The link goes to the 5x114.3 rims.
15.5 lbs vs 18.7, and flow formed, not cast. Lighter + stronger = better :smile2:

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arathol

· #5 · Jan 22, 2017 (Edited)

If you go with a 50 series tire, the 225/50/17 is just slightly taller than OEM, and the 215 is just slightly smaller.
I'd go with the 215/50 size. The charts say that 225 will fit as it falls within the manufacturers specs but you will have more sidewall flex, which will make the tire squirm on initial turn-in.
That 3 extra pounds of wheel weight can make a difference as you well know.....and flow formed rims are a lot stronger.
Even though you don't track the 3, there is no reason not to get the best performance you can out if it when DDing it around town. Since you are buying new shoes might as well get the best you can. :smile2:

You didn't mention what sort of tires you were looking at? Performance or all season?

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arathol

· #7 · Jan 22, 2017

I have the Dunlop Signatures on my 3. That is a good tire, much better than OEM. Good grip, much quieter and ride a lot better too. From what I can see the 225 is your only option though as 215 seems to be unavailable ?
I also have ZIIs on the factory Miata rims. The Advantis on the car have AD08Rs on them.
Have you looked at the Continental Extreme Contact DWS 06 ? That is a very good tire also.

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