tire size

Does anybody have the dimension specs on 145R15's and how they compare size-wise to 165R15's? I would like to run a slightly lower profile on my car since the 165's look a little LARGE.
Thanks,
Terry

The following web site should answer any questions you have about tire size calculations.
www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html
I have found it very helpful in the past.

Stacey,
Thanks, that worked great. The only dimension I didn't get is the width. Is anybody running 145R15's? If so, can you let me know what the width is?
Thanks,
Terry

terry,
tires are measured by;
1.diameter=14", 15" etc.
2.the "series" , 70,75,60,50 describes the tread width that sits
flat on the ground.
3.the 145, 155, 165 number is a measurement in m.metres from bead
to bead
so if you change the series# the tread shrinks or grows and it either
takes away from or adds to the sidewall height. if you leave the
"series" number alone and only change the 145,155 smaller means
less sidewall, larger means taller sidewall.
goodluck-bruce

As far as tire sizing goes they are nominal dimensions. For instance a 195 50 R 15 will fit on a 15

I have a VS and went with Michelin 195X60X15. Ive had them maybe a month and love them. If you want a photo write grampster46@yahoo.com good luck, Deane

I have a VS and went with Michelin 195X60X15. Ive had them maybe a month and love them. If you want a photo write grampster46@yahoo.com good luck, Deane

Deane
No rub problems in the rear? Stock rims?
I'd like to put some bigger ones on the back (at least 185/65s) and 175/65 or so on the front. If 195s fit the back then I can put 185s on the front.
ed

I am looking at Deane's set up too. Just priced them at a local place and will have to order them. I have a rear Swing axle.... wonder if that makes a diff?

Anyway. I am going to mount them up and see.... if not I can go with either my Dunlop A2s Hi-Perf or Pirelli 6000s in the 185/65s. In fact, the local dealer had about 12 makers carrying 185s/65s. He printed the list and I am going to the Tire Rack to check them out.

Jim

Because of the wheels I chose (Empi Riviera) and the rear discs I have NO room for a wider tire, and I can't seem to find much of a selection for tires. It seems that tires below 185's don't offer any choices in sidewall profile, or series. The 165's seem to be offered in a 70 or 75 series only and I am assuming that 145's are probably resricted in series choice as well.
What I want is a tire no wider than a 165 but with a lower profile than what my 165's have. Does such a tire exist?
Thanks,
Terry

Terry, the only tire that comes close is a Continental 175/15 x 55 and that would, I think, be too small of a tire. Your rpms at cruising speed would increase. You can check them out at:
www.volksauthority.com/

Another option is to go with another set of wheels. Chrome wheels from Intermeccanica should allow you to run 185s on the front and 195s or 205s on the back. The rears are 7 inches wide, with a considerable negative offset. They no longer make a decent performance tire in a 165/15.
Ron

Jim,

I've got the Pirrelli 185s on my IRS pan on 4.5" rims- they're OK. If you've got a swing axle with 5.5" rims, you can probably go with the 195s. John Steele would know for sure, and would be glad to help you out (I'm betting).

ED
No scrapes or rubs at all
I put about 500 miles on it and just had
it on the racks. Ive got photos but can't
figure out the virus block, so if you want
to check them out write me at
grampster46@yahoo.com
later, deane

Terry,

Narrow the rear end on the car. It can be done on your IRS by about 1" per side(maybe more)

...so we're tire shopping, I mean after all if I have to go shopping for drapes, she has to show a little interest in the new tires for my speedster, right? she calls to me, "Do you think these tires are big enough, I mean you guys are always trying to go soo big with everything...Do you think these tires will rub?"

She has been listening!

April Fools!

You had me worried there for a moment... I was wondering why you were refering to that picture of my wife, and inferring she was your wife...

Yea, that's your wife, Ron. I'd recognize that back-end anywhere.
Ron