Tire Question

[Scott 99 SHO]

Hi

I would like to upgrade my tires to 17inch on my 99 SHO:woo-hoo:. What size tire will fit with out any modifications. Also what exact size 17inch rim would be a good choice.


Thank you in advance for your help.

Scott

 

[stephen newberg]

On a 17x8 wheel you can easily run a 235x45 or 235x50. You can just barely fit in a 245x45. This is assuming the correct offset (~35-40, IIRC).

pax, smn

 

[hawkeye18]

the lug size is 5x108 or 5x4.25. 5 being the number of studs, obviously, and 108(mm)/4.25(in) is the distance between two lugs. Beyond that, a lot of rims will work. Like Steve above, I'd recommend a 17x8(in) wheel with a 235(mm)wide tire. If you google "tire size calculator" and go to the very first result (or hit the "I'm feeling lucky"), you'll get the Miata tire size calculator, which will work for any car. Plug in the OEM tire size (I don't know what it is for gen3s) on the left and figure out which tire size gets you closest to OEM size, assuming 17" wheel size and 235 tire width. You can go to 225 or 245 if you want, but they'll both look funny.

 

[NebraskaSHO]

Factory size is 225/55/R16 FWIW

 

[Scott 99 SHO]

Hi,

I am gathering from this information I can use a 235/45/17 with out any issues or should I use the 235/50/17.

Thank you all for your input

Scott

 

[stephen newberg]

I am gathering from this information I can use a 235/45/17 with out any issues or should I use the 235/50/17.

You can use either without problems. However, for most makes and models of 235 width, you will get a closer speedo result with the 235/50, IIRC. What you need to check on this is circumference. Check first for the number for a 225/55/16, the OEM size, and then check with what you intend to replace it with and try keeping it as close as possible to the original value, so as to keep the speedometer as close to correct as it can be. Assuming you care about that, of course.

pax, smn