J30t tires for 16 x 7 wheels...

[Ajsdream]

Need to know the biggest tire size(s) I can put on my 97 J30t with 16 x 7, 40mm offset wheels? My wife has the same size wheels on her 98 I30t with 215/55/16 Goodyear Eagle GSA H. I am using the stock wheels (15 x 6.5) for snow tires and want to put a good summer/wet tire on the new wheels. Can I run 225/50's or is 215 the widest? I still want the speedometer to function properly. I am also thinking of the Dunlop Sport A2's or Yokohama AVS Sport, Michelin Pilot XGT H4. The V rate is harder and slightly sportier in handling although I like the softer ride on the H rated tires. Any info or opinon is great..........

[greg_atlanta]

Can't speak from J30 experience but there's typically plenty of room, could probably do 235/50/16.

For speedometer accuracy issues play with:

http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html

Is stock J30 size 215/60/15?? If so, then 235/50/16 is perfect! (But wait for real living breathing J30 owners to confirm, I'm not to be trusted!)

[Ajsdream]

The stock size is 215/60/15. I did not want to push it with 235's, but if it fits nice with no rubbing I am all for it.

[fburgerod]

AJ,

I have a 95 J30 with BBS 16 wheels. Running Dunlop Sport 5000's 235-50-16 and love them. They look much better than the stock size and width.

Frank

[Ajsdream]

Thanks fburgerod !! I found the Dunlop 235/50/16 SP Sport 5000 H~rated for $99.00 @ Tire Rack. Are your tires H~rated or V,W,Y, or Z? This seems like a heck of a deal!! How are the tires in wet, in overall wear, and in performance?? I will be putting snow tires on my factory 15" wheels. Right now I have the Dunlop SP Sport A2's and I really like them so far (12k). Let me know what you think or if you have other suggestions. Thanks, AJ

[greg_atlanta]

The SP 5000 is a 51 psi tire (weak sidewall)... have heard they're great for 5000 miles and then get trashed.

Not sure exactly what tire to recommend... looks like not much to choose from in 235/50/16. A lot more to choose from in 225/55/16. But if you're swapping tires you might as well use a REAL summer tire. Anything rated all-season is a compromise no matter how many times it says "sport" or "performance" on the sidewall.

[fburgerod]

H rated. 11,000 miles on them and tons of tread left, but I'm not rough on them. Do well in rain and handle much better than the Dunlop A2 in 215-60-15 that I used to have on the car.