I am getting a list of possible tire sizes and brands together that I am considering when I ditch the runflats. I know that 205/50/16 is a popular replacement size for the stock 195/55/16 tires, but is anyone running 215/50/16 on the stock 5 spoke (R83) rims? If so, what brand and do you recommend them?

I did a comparison on the Miata.net/garage webpage and the 215/50 actually are closer in overall size to the 195/55. I want to keep the speedo as accurate as possible. My concern is that the width of 215 will be too much for the R83's, because they are 6.5 in the width department, right?

Thanks...

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'03 MC, IB/W, CVT, 1&2, chrome bits, Alta stubby, Euro parcel shelf, official MINI First Aid Kit & Warning Triangle in the boot! GGJ 382C

 

YOu've probably looked into this, but I did the same thing you did, checking the size calculator, but what I found was that while 215/50/16s are a near perfect match, you have a VERY limited selection of tires. They are wider than recomended for a 6.5" wheel, but I'm no wiz on what acceptable limits are. I was looking to mount them on 7.5" wide Koseis anyway. I'd be interested to hear your results though.

 

There is a new Dunlop Tire (Direzza DZ101) that comes in that size. I'm looking at buying them (tirerack, $87) for my X lites. according to dunloptire.com, the recommended rim width is 5.5-7.5".

I was told you will rub a little bith with 2 passengers in the rear, but otherwise, you're golden!

-Steve

 

Nice! I'll have to check those out once I wear throught hese Kuhmos!

 

I am looking to repalce my Goodyear runflats after 21,000 miles.

I found the following at Costco.com. They claim the prices include mounting balancing etc. If you live near a Costco, I'd check it out. These are the best I options I have found. I read somewhere that the 215/50 16's may rub a little in the rear, especially with 4 passengers. I am usually alone in the car so am willing to take the risk.

BFGoodrich® g-Force T/A KDW 215/50R16
Ultra High Performance
$130.99

BFGoodrich® Traction T/A® V P215/50R16
All-Season Performance
$121.99

Options they list for 205/50 16 are:

Bridgestone® Potenza S03 205/50ZR16
Ultra-High Performance
$175.99

Bridgestone® Potenza RE92 P205/50VR16
All-Season Performance
$157.99

Michelin® Pilot Sport 205/50ZR16
Ultra High Performance
$165.99

Michelin® Pilot® Primacy™ 205/50R16
Performance Touring
$178.99

BFGoodrich® Traction T/A® V 205/50R16
All-Season Performance
$118.99

If you wasnt All-Season, then the BFGoodrich® Traction T/A® V 205/50R16
is a good option. I want summer performance tires so I think I'm thinking of the BFGoodrich® g-Force T/A KDW 215/50R16.

 

Check out the Avon Tech M-500's in the 215/50R16 size. I was going to get them for my R83's, but a set of SSR Comp's became available for cheap. They ride very well, with very little noise. They stick like glue when it's warm, and aren't that bad in temperatures down to 25F. They're not max perf summer tires, but they're mighty sticky, and not too expensive.