[Miata] 205 vs. 195

[Keith Tanner]

On Dec 22, 2007 7:39 PM, glen mccready <gkm at petting-zoo.net> wrote:
> keith wrote:
> > On Dec 22, 2007 6:45 PM, glen mccready <gkm+miata at petting-zoo.net> wrote:
> > > keith wrote:
> > > > There's also a 225/45-15, a great choice for maximum rubber on the
> > > > road. Problem is, it's usually only available in race rubber.
> > > >
> > > > 215/45-15 is a very rare size. Toyo has a tendency to make tires in
> > > > sizes that nobody else does. Tire Rack doesn't sell a single tire in
> > > > that size.
> > > >
> > > > I think the factory wheels are 15x6.5. Toyo says the 215/45-15 should
> > > > be mounted on a 7.0 - 8.0" wheel, so they're not really an option.
> > >
> > > What kind of flares do you need for the 225s? :-)
> > >
> > > glen
> >
> > You don't. NBs can swallow them no problem, and even an NA will take
> > them with a reasonable offset. Heck, we run them on +30 offset wheels
> > on our Mazdaspeed.
>
> I've been tempted to put some prep into the Miata for NASA PT
> classes or something. What offset and wheel size would you say
> would work on an NA with the 225s? I'm surprised it'll take them
> without the AWR bodywork. :-)

I'm pretty sure we've had the 225s on an NA with the +30 15x7 wheels.
You might have to roll the fenders a bit. Heck, I think Jeremy had his
1996 running around on 15x8 +30 wheels with that tire size. If you
want to be sure to clear the untouched bodywork, go with a +38  or +43
wheel instead.

The AWR bodywork is designed to swallow E Production wheels and tires.
That's a 9.5x23 cantilevered slick
(http://flyinmiata.com/projects/OTC/images/OTC_new_rubber.jpg) on a
15x7 with about a 12mm offset - and there's usually a lot of extra
room.

Keith