[Miata] 195/60s vs 195/50s

Tue Feb 20 15:28:54 CST 2007

I just put on a set of Kazera KZ-M's and some Kumho ECSTA AST's (205 50 R15)
and I couldn't be happier.  Handles great and looks so much better in my
opinion over the original 14" wheels I had.  I made my purchase at
TireRack.com:

http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/WheelCloseUpServlet?target=runWheelSearch&showRear=no&filterSize&filterFinish=&filterSpecial=&initialPartNumber=KZM001CG&autoMake=Mazda&autoModel=Miata&autoYear92&autoModClar
Yall have a great week.

Sincerely,
Jim Kennedy

On 2/20/07, Larry Alster <Larry at miata.net> wrote:
>
> The normal 14" size would be 195/55/14.
>
>
> Larry
>
> White Knight      1991 Crystal White   #99 CSP
> Silver Bullet        1992 Silverstone     #17 SM2  FM I+ Turbo
> Honey B             1992 Sunburst Yellow
> Whooosh           2004 Titanium Mazdaspeed MX-5
>
> LowCountry Miata  http://www.lowcountrymiataclub.net
> Masters Miata
> RAGS 074
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "the.jack" <the.jack at verizon.net>
> To: "'Miata List'" <miata at realbig.com>
> Sent: Tuesday, February 20, 2007 2:13 PM
> Subject: Re: [Miata] 195/60s vs 195/50s
>
>
> >> -----Original Message-----
> >> From: glen mccready [mailto:gkm+miata at petting-zoo.net]
> >> Subject: Re: [Miata] 195/60s vs 195/50s
> >>
> >> Specification  Sidewall  Radius  Diameter  Circumference
> >> Revs/Mile  Difference
> >> 195/60-14         4.6in  11.6in    23.2in         72.9in       869
> >> 0.0%
> >> 195/50-15         3.8in  11.3in    22.7in         71.2in
> >> 889       -2.3%
> >>
> >> So, the 15in setup will give you slightly lower gearing, the
> >> gearing may help acceleration, but that assumes you keep the
> >> unsprung weight comparable (ie. buy wheels that weigh the
> >> same or less than your 14s). The 15in setup also has
> >> significantly less sidewall which should help turn-in
> >> response, but also means you're effectively losing some
> >> spring rate from the tire so if you think the ride is harsh
> >> now, stick with the 14s for more sidewall. And it gets more
> >> interesting when you consider what rim width you're going to
> >> stretch the 195mm patch over, so that's a whole other story...
> >>
> >> Clear as mud?
> >>
> >> glen
> > -----Response-----
> >
> > I knew about the .8" difference in sidewall (thus less spring), I just
> > realized that I'm not sure of the stock 5-spoke 14s
> > width... I was thinking 6", but they might be 5.5... The 15s would
> almost
> > definitely be 6.5, and the weight might actually go down:
> > considering Heliums and (as I mentioned) Hankooks which would be
> (ignoring
> > tolerances and balance weights) 29.4#, versus 31# with
> > the 14" Hankooks and the 12.5# stock rims (also, as you mention, they
> are
> > a touch taller, so that weight is through a larger
> > radius...)... In anycase I'm considering the weight difference close
> > enough not stay up all night worrying.
> > Also, FWIW, I have 195/60s (Ziex 512s) on there now and they "bulge" a
> bit
> > too much for me, so in that respect the 195/50s
> > on wider rims would "sit better" on the rim (to me).
> > I guess I'm looking for a "subjective" comment on the differences. I
> like
> > my steering response and the ride isn't too
> > important to me (still on stock suspension) as my Miata is basically a
> DD
> > for me, most long trips or anything with "cargo"
> > (shopping, visiting, etc) are done in the SAAB, so I can skimp on the
> > "luxury" aspects of my car :) But if I'm not actually going to
> > gain a lot of control or handling from the 15s then I'd like to add a
> > sweet sounding exhaust over a new wheel/tire set.
> > I think I mixed the muddy water up a bit :/
> >
> > Chris C.
> > 99 Mazda Miata 5-sp Emerald
> >
> >
> > _______________________________________________
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> > Miata at list.realbig.com
> > http://list.realbig.com/mailman/listinfo/miata
> >
>
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-- 
DukeDiablo at GMail.com
http://www.thekennedycompound.com
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