I've been seeing a couple of these tire threads popping up, so I figured I'd ask this since its been on my mind.

I've been thinking about throwing on a set of 17" Kobe or Enkei rims with 205/40/17 Falken FK452 My question is, what does the ride feel like?

I figured some of you guys played around with rim sizes, so I wanted to know your opinions.

According to this tire calulator that someone posted in another thread, the 17" rims with the conviently commonly offered tire package for that size is very close to the stock wheels I am running now. (185/70/13 Plus Rims)

So please let the opinions and the criticizing of my lack of getting the search function to properly work begin!

 

I have 15x7's with 205/50's, and when I buy new tires I plan to go to a shorter sidewall, under normal driving the tires do not rub but in a hard corner or when turning all the way to lock I can hear them rub the fender. IMO, 17's could be an awfully tight fit.

 

https://www.rx7club.com/suspension-wheels-tires-brakes-archive-112/

 

on the same tire, same wheels size, I go over a dime and I can tell if its a dime or not

Also my shocks are almost "racing setup" so ... that also adds to the harsh ride.

 

I guess it wouldn't be that tight a fit according to http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html According to the physical measurements it'd be less than 1/2 an inch over all compared to my orginal tire size.

You may say Harsh ride, but to me it says, I can feel the road and my car the way its supposed to be felt!
Thanks for the opinions.

 

My son built up this 85 with a ported 13b and he used some 16" rims from a Saab. He put some 205/45 on them and the ride is not bad, with very good handling. I think they fill up the wheel wells nicely. We trued them on a lathe, made centers for them, and painted them with a metallic black web / silver rim.

 

Heres where you want to go to compare wheels/tires:

http://www.bigcustomwheels.com/rt_specs.jsp