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

Tue Feb 20 15:58:08 CST 2007

Those also have a +30mm off set so that will change the handling too and most Spec Miata guys will run that setup but with the RA1s...  Depending on the tire it will run real close to the fender seam... I like these wheels as well on the track... Never tried them on the street...

Chris Klein
www.thedigitalperspective.com

----- Original Message ----
From: James Kennedy <dukediablo at gmail.com>
To: Larry Alster <Larry at miata.net>
Cc: Miata List <miata at realbig.com>
Sent: Tuesday, February 20, 2007 1:28:54 PM
Subject: Re: [Miata] 195/60s vs 195/50s

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
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Miata mailing list
> Miata at list.realbig.com
> http://list.realbig.com/mailman/listinfo/miata
>

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