Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Wheels & Tires What size tires???

I might be buying some 17x7 wheels from discount tire and want to know what size tires I should get.

I have a 98 SE sport, all stock. Some day I want to put eibachs on, so I need to keep this in mind. Or would my car look funny sitting like it does with tires that would look better with it lowered? I was going to get the 99 lightning wheels for my supercrew, but can get out cheaper by putting some wheels on my car. Besides I drive my tour more than the truck.

My next hurdle after tire size is my wife, any suggestions on how to sweet talk her into some new wheels for the tour?

Check out http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html to find out how any of the sizes will affect your speedometer.

I recommend 215/45R17

I am up against the same dilema. I just ordered a set of beautiful MAS MGRs off Discount Tire Direct's web page. They are on closeout. I paid $75 each for 17s. You may want to check that out. www.tires.com. Anyway, the point is I just can't decide what size rubber to put on them. 205 50 or 225 50......Argh. I want it to look good but not look like a rubberband is wrapped around them. They have to have meat on their bones. I saw a 4 door Saturn sedan with 17s and 225 50 tires. It looked hot. I wonder if this will work on our cars. Anyone?

I am getting those same wheels. I looked at tires on the discount site and I like the Nitto NT 450 Extreme Perf. size 215/45zr-17 or the Road Hugger Rage in the same size. I think I will still be able to lower the car with one of these sets of tires.

Did you trade your factory wheels in?

Check out the Kumho 205/50/17 on www.tirerack.com only $92 with an excellent rating all around. That puts tires and wheels at less than $750. Damn what a deal. I don't especially care about the 24 pound thing being that my stock 15s weighed that. Besides I don't plan on winning any RAC events any time soon.

Your best bets are:

225/50R17
215/45R17
225/45R17

These are the 3 most common sizes on cars today, so will have the widest (no pun intended) selection. IMHO, a 225/50R17 is best. Good ride still but good handling as well (our Infiniti I30t uses that size).

TheContourGuy:

Will I still be able to lower my car if I go with the 225/50R17 tires? I think I will go over to Discount tire during lunch and look at some different sizes. The shop is right across the street from my work.

225/50R17 is way too tall. Use the Miata link!

Some people have rubbed with 225 widths as well. If you're looking for more traction, bet a better tire than the Firestone stock Se ones. 215 vs 225 makes almost no difference in performance with the same tire.

Call Luke if you don't believe me.

I looked at the miata link. I can't remember what size tires I have. I replaced originals with Firestone SS20, but I keep forgetting to look at size.

I will probable go with the Nitto 215/45ZR17

Thanks

Sorry,

Stock size on the SE Sport is 205/60R15.