I have a 1982 rx7 that I am working on. As some of you may know this car had been stored for over 15 years untouched. It has 9100 miles on it and I am researching new tires for it. I am not really concerned with keeping the tires stock. I can remember when i drove this many years ago that the stock tires would roll to much and break loose from the pavement when cornering hard. Anyone have any suggestions as to what I should look at? How about wheels? Can I get a better performance low profile tire to fit the stock wheels or should I get new wheels also?

 

the stock size tire is kind of hard to find nowadays, so maybe that does make new wheels a good idea.

rota has inexpensive wheels that fit, check out the RB.

back in the day we used to run 195/60/13's on the stock wheel too, so that also might be an option.

in addition, on the 83 limited edition, and the Gsl-se mazda racn 205/60/14's on 14x6" wheels

 

I've a set of stock wheels and tires with a fair amount of tread left on them... Not sure what they're worth but I'd let them go for the right price.

 

thanks for the offer on the stock tires, my stock aluminum rims are in perfect showroom condition. I was hoping to maybe change to a chrome wheel and maybe 14 inch tire. Any ideas of where to look for some online at?

 

If you want to bump up to 15's or 16's these are grippy as hell!

http://www.wheelsnext.com/tires/TOYO-Proxes%20R1R.html
It's what I've got on mine right now..



Otherwise if you want to stick with stock rims, these (should?) work.

http://www.wheelsnext.com/tires/TOYO-Extensa%20A|S.html

 

Thanks for the links. What size do I look for if I want a lower profile tire. I am not sure if this is the correct nomenclature but what I think I want is a sidewall that is short. I have seen some vehicles, like the corvettes that have little rubber between the rim and the road, in other words the distance between the wheel and tire is smaller. Is this sidewall height? Can I achieve this with a 13 inch rim?

Now, if I convert to 14 inch or 15 inch, what else do I have to change? How will this effect the performance of the vehicle?

 

there will be a tiny bit (negligible) more load on your engine/clutch from larger rims/tires... but there's guys here that run 17's without issues, 14-15 won't be a problem.

 

If you want to keep the stock wheels, I'll put in a plug for the Sumitomo HTR 200s in 205/60/13. I love mine, and they're pretty cheap.

 

unless someone can point out a source (PLEASE!!), these are no longer available - in fact, near as I can find, Sumitomo no longer makes ANY 13" rubber.... I have googled everywhere...

this is not good...


Stu Aull
80GS
Alaska

 

Idk if I'm the only one thinking this but ....... this car only has 9100miles on it! I would Chang a thing about it the looks the engine or anything but what MUST be changed. New rubber is a gimme but why Chang the rims? This is amazing to find a first Gen in near showroom condition. But that's just my opinion

 

I don't want to change much to the car, just having a tough time finding tires in the stock size and trying to explore some other options. One thing I did not like about this car was that it would not hold the road when cornering tight. I was 21 at the time and we all know how young guys like to drive. Well at 49 I haven't changed.

I like the stock look of the vehicle and since having it home it has drawn a large crowd of people. I have had 9 ask if I would sell it. One guy brought cash with him. I just can't see myself parting with it.

Here are some pictures on another thread about this car:
https://www.rx7club.com/new-member-rx-7-technical-256/1982-rx7-what-do-i-do-950046/

 

If your looking for budget 205/60R13 tires, which is about the widest that will fit on
the stock rims, your out of luck I think. If you want to pay +$100.00 per tire then
the TOYO or Hoosiers are still available. If your set on getting RWL, it makes it
even harder to find.

Heres a tip. If you find a tire buy at least 5 and put the extra on the spare. I bought
the COOPER COBRA RWL a couple of years ago. This year one of the tires got
mangled a bit and I was able to have the spare mounted in its place. If I didn't have
that extra spare tire I would have been SOL because COOPER no longer makes
the 13 inch version of these tires.

 

205/60/14 is a factory fit. 205/50/15 is a pretty short sidewall

 

Really? I bought mine from Discount Tire last summer. If that's the case, that's terrible news. I guess that's one more excuse to pick up some new wheels.

 

I was lucky in finding some brand new "old stock" tires for lucky. They are very old, but it's not like it will be an autocross car and high speed racer.

 

http://www.wheelsnext.com/tires/TOYO-Extensa%20A|S.html

 

Thanks Gamah-
so we are now down to 185 cross section ALL SEASON, low speed-rated tires for 13" ???
And how long are THESE going to be available?

SA folks (and most FB) - we are in trouble here...



Stu Aull
80GS
Alaska

 

I did find these, anyone have any experience with them?
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/TireSe...70&diameter=13

 

Those tires will work and you can still find decent tires in the stock size but most are
only speed rated to T (118 mph). I wouldn't do a track day on them. Also, most
folks prefer the 205/60 size which really makes an improvement over the stock size
in handling and grip.

So when you hear us lament about the lack of tires for 13" we are really referring
to the lack of 205/60R13 size. The 185/70R13 are still out there somewhat but they
are getting fewer each year. Its sad really.

 

Interesting...the 205 will fit ok without any problems? I will have to start looking for them.

 

205/60 size fit with no problem and provide an extra inch of grip.

 

Thanks for the information. I think I will look around and find the 205's hopefully get them on order this week.