Tire size and performance
#1
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Tire size and performance
Ok, so currently I have 205/60R13 sized tires. I know they aren't that much oversized but it just looks to me like it is a bit too big. What do you think the advantages/disadvantages of switching to 195/65R13 sized tires would be, and do you think I should switch?
This is for an '85 12a 1st gen. Thanks.
This is for an '85 12a 1st gen. Thanks.
#2
Famous Taillights
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I'm assuming you still have stock wheels? Only advantage I think is a more comfortable ride due to the taller sidewalls. From a performance aspect though, it's a downgrade. You'd be going to a narrower tire with a taller sidewall that would allow more flex. It's a little closer to the stock tire size so your speedo will be more accurate
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I'm assuming you still have stock wheels? Only advantage I think is a more comfortable ride due to the taller sidewalls. From a performance aspect though, it's a downgrade. You'd be going to a narrower tire with a taller sidewall that would allow more flex. It's a little closer to the stock tire size so your speedo will be more accurate
#5
Always entertaining
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195's would just help you out in ease of turning under 10-15 mph... if you are not worried about parking lots and close spaces and have some upper body strength then i would get some new 205's
I've had 205/60R13's on my car for 6 years now and they are great... i'm upgrading to 15'' rims now and will be running 205/50R15's
The only downside to running the 205 with a 13'' wheel is that only 4 companies make them (i have cooper tires)... although if i'm not mistaken even fewer companies make the 195's in the size you want
Enjoy, hope this helps
for your wheel sizing entertainment
http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html
http://www.bigcustomwheels.com/rt_specs.jsp
I've had 205/60R13's on my car for 6 years now and they are great... i'm upgrading to 15'' rims now and will be running 205/50R15's
The only downside to running the 205 with a 13'' wheel is that only 4 companies make them (i have cooper tires)... although if i'm not mistaken even fewer companies make the 195's in the size you want
Enjoy, hope this helps
for your wheel sizing entertainment
http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html
http://www.bigcustomwheels.com/rt_specs.jsp
#6
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Ah, yea, that's what I was wondering, I've been using these 205's and I don't have any trouble in parking lots and close spaces, but I wasn't sure about any gains I could get in turns. I guess it only helps under 15mph since they would of course have less traction but going that slow without necessity is just plain boring. Thanks.
#7
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When I get the coilovers installed, and finish wearing out my 205/50-15's, I plan to step up to 225/45-15's. I have never driven the car with anything narrower than 205's, since it came with the 15" wheels. I believe in having as much surface contact as possible, but I autox the heck outta my car......
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#10
Lives on the Forum
I'm currently racing on dirt cheap (45.00 per tire) Sumitomo HTR 200s. I started out with 205/60/13, but when I wore those out I went with 215/50/13. They fit fine using the stock wheels, and I'm kicking butt at the races so I guess their doing thier job.
#11
true to that. when my rx7 was running, it hooked great with the sumitomo 195/50/13's that are on some diamond racing rims i have on the 7. couldnt ask for a better performance tire than whats on it. although, getting it sideways was way to much fun and cant wait to do it again.
#14
Waffles - hmmm good
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I don't think 195s come in a 65 ratio, just 60, and its a limited number of manufacturers same as the 205s.
Also a 195/60 tire actually has a shorter sidewall than a 205/60 resulting in a tire diameter about 1/2 inch less. Only the 215/50 have a lower profile.
See this page:
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/Spec.j...e1=yes&place=0
Also a 195/60 tire actually has a shorter sidewall than a 205/60 resulting in a tire diameter about 1/2 inch less. Only the 215/50 have a lower profile.
See this page:
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/Spec.j...e1=yes&place=0
#15
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That looks more like a 7' wheel, since the width is measured from inside to inside.
A 205 would fit the 7" better than an 8". Still, for the old school look, I'd still say go with a 215/50-13.
A 205 would fit the 7" better than an 8". Still, for the old school look, I'd still say go with a 215/50-13.
#17
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I just put on 1k with the new BFGoodrich T/A KDW, and there are amazing. It feels more effortless turning at low speeds with these then my Pirellis. Plus they grip like crazy.
http://www.anywheretires.com/catalog...ce-t-a-kdw.jpg
I really like the tread pattern...
http://www.anywheretires.com/catalog...ce-t-a-kdw.jpg
I really like the tread pattern...
#20
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in theroy larger tires, width wise would give your more grip odviously. rim size wise the larger you go the better your care will handle but it would loose gas mileage, on my 79 i recently bought i have stock tires and dry rotted tires so i'm going to try to go 15' rims and as wide as i can, being as i'm 16 and the cool factor is key
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Tire size: Traction vs Fuel Economy
I have another question to try to test my economics obssessed father's theroy that 185/70 would be more economical than the 205/60 due to the 1 inch diameter difference (according to him). I'm just wondering if you all think he is correct or not and whether it is worth the loss of traction.
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Alrighty guys... thanks for the help on this, but now I have another question to try to test my economics obssessed father's theroy that 185/70 would be more economical than the 205/60 due to the 1 inch diameter difference (according to him). I'm just wondering if you all think he is correct or not and whether it is worth the loss of traction. I'm just going to include this in another thread if you want to respond there since it's kind of a different topic and it will attract more attention.
https://www.rx7club.com/showthread.p...50#post8311250
https://www.rx7club.com/showthread.p...50#post8311250
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