New Wheels/Tires Question....

[rhrabal]

Okay... after much reading (and the fact that I need new tires) I've decided to put some 18" wheels on my '01 Q. My question is whether to go with 245-45 or the 245-40's. Using the miata.net tire calculator is seems that the 245-45's match the original equipment tire specs better. Are there some sidewall or support issues that would make the 245-40's a better choice ? As always I appreciate all of your experienced input. Thanks and Happy holidays.

[maxnix]

The 245/45-18 are the easy choice, wheels permitting (strength, offset, wheel width).

255/40-18 is the more exact choice with the same cautions as above.

Look for XL load rating and try to exceed the OEM minimum 94 required.

Avoid 245/40-18 as it is a short tire.

The OEM 16" 20 holers are just over 20 lbs. Try not to exceed that as the tire will probably be heavier than stock.

[elwesso]

agreed on all counts.... 245-45 will work great.. nice ride and everything.

[szh]

agreed on all counts.... 245-45 will work great.. nice ride and everything.

Same endorsement from me ...

Z

[BadQ45t]

I have run that size on 17" rims and they worked/work very well indeed, plus lots of tire choices in that size too.

[tkd_q45]

235/45/18 or 225/45/18 will be your closest to 26" DIA. It's pretty much true regarding the load rating on the 245/40/18's. I was looking into those as the price is much easier on the wallet in many cases.

245/45/18 look a bit tall to me as they are .7" beyond the 26" stock spec. That said, they will give you (in theory) a bit smoother of a ride w/the extra side wall.

Persistence on Ebay can turn up some good deals if price is a consideration.

[maxnix]

235/45/18 or 225/45/18 will be your closest to 26" DIA.

Persistence on Ebay can turn up some good deals if price is a consideration.

255/40-18 is pretty much an exact OEM diameter.

Used tires are like wearing someone else's used underwear. Must be extremely extenuating circumstances.

[ceningolmo]

Used tires are like wearing someone else's used underwear. Must be extremely extenuating circumstances.

Bwa ha ha.... used underwear is awesome. If you play your cards right, it will be already warm for you when you put them on!

[elwesso]

255/40-18 is pretty much an exact OEM diameter.

Used tires are like wearing someone else's used underwear. Must be extremely extenuating circumstances.

Used tires are great! Im proud to say ive only put on used tires... You can find some great deals on ebay, for tires that have like 500-1000 miles (still FULL 10/32 tread), set of 4, for the price of one...

Like my pirelli's I have... Each one in 255-40-18 costs $250 each, i got hte set for $200 (actually free, because it was in exchange for some Q repairs)