Mazda Talk Forums

What would be the best tire size for a 15x7 rim?

The best size for you really depends on use and what you want to emphasize. Many of the racers using big rubber for track days will mount their street 15x7s with just 195/50/15s to keep the package as light as possible and make the initial turn-in extra sharp (more verticle the tire sidewalls the better the initial turn-in will be). I particularly like this combo on earlier lighter Miatas like all those with the 1.6 motor.

However, generally folks will run 205/50/15s on a 15x7 and that works out especially well for later Miatas, and those with forced induction. This is also the standard combination for autocross and track days.

Note that you can go even bigger on the 15x7s if you like, many of the turbo guys will run 215/45/15s on that size and more and track day rubber can be 225/45/15 on that same rim.

Treibenschnell wrote:What would be the best tire size for a 15x7 rim?

stay in 195/50 ... best choice, better price, more efficiency, good weight.
all parts in rotations ... must be too light to upgrade your performance.
195/50, "small" contact to the road, too large size, decrease performance, lost torque, but ... better contact to the road ...
what you search ????
performance of ... just look ?

(s'cuse my english)

Philippe

Actually, I've been running Hankooks in the 205/50/15 size and love them!

size too more !
10 milimeters in diameter from 195/50 !
lost torque and rigid for the tyre.

Phil

I'd rather have the extra 10mm just that much larger of a contact patch in AutoX.