Tyre suggestion

CoachOz · Postby **CoachOz** » Wed Dec 07, 2011 3:17 pm

I'm wanting to put 205/55/15 tyres on my car and don't want to break the bank. Short list so far:
Bridgestone Supercat $157
Federal 535 $175
Kumho KH18 $125
Toyo TEO $180

Any other suggestions?

Charlie Brown · Postby **Charlie Brown** » Wed Dec 07, 2011 3:45 pm

CoachOz wrote:Any other suggestions?

Yep, unless you have bought 15" rims for those rough roads, your NB8B has 16" rims.

Do a forum search as tyres have been discussed in full elsewhere here, though maybe not for ride.

Did you check your shocks?

PS. Sorry to tell you there has never been a 2000 "Special Edition" MX-5. Going on your photo you have a stock NB8B with aftermarket leather and door inserts. Not being smart just telling you so you know.

project.r.racing · Postby **project.r.racing** » Wed Dec 07, 2011 4:47 pm

Or you could fit 205/50R15s and save alot of coin. 205/55R15s a rare and hence cost a mint.

CoachOz · Postby **CoachOz** » Wed Dec 07, 2011 5:10 pm

Thanks but I'm trying to maximise the rubber between the rim and the road to improve the ride on our lousy local roads. The other alternative is 195/55/15

16bit · Postby **16bit** » Wed Dec 07, 2011 5:14 pm

195 55 15 are going to have a similar height side wall to a 205 50 15.

the 50 bit is a ratio to the width of the tyre.

look at the rolling diameter of the tyre and you will see what I mean.

a 225 50 15 is going to be about 20 or so mm taller 205 50 15.

16bit · Postby **16bit** » Wed Dec 07, 2011 5:20 pm

195 55 15 is going to be about 10mm taller than 205 50 15.

205 50 15 will be about the same taller than 195 50 15

CoachOz · Postby **CoachOz** » Wed Dec 07, 2011 5:46 pm

I'm aware of that - more cushioning and slightly higher gearing - thanks

marty085 · Postby **marty085** » Wed Dec 07, 2011 6:27 pm

I hooked my car up with 4 x Toyo TEO Plus and I am very happy with them, heard good things about them too. But I note that they are the most expensive tyre on your list.

Old Dude · Postby **Old Dude** » Wed Dec 07, 2011 6:52 pm

I'm after tyres for the family car at present and Pirelli are doing good deals on the P7 at present, I have been quoted $174 for 225/60x17 so it might be worth asking the question.

Cheers
Dale

Sailor · Postby **Sailor** » Wed Dec 07, 2011 7:28 pm

I also put Teo plus on my Magna after a recommendation from my son.
Very happy though I'd have doubts about their suitability for an MX5

marty085 · Postby **marty085** » Wed Dec 07, 2011 7:38 pm

Sailor, how come?

Sailor · Postby **Sailor** » Wed Dec 07, 2011 8:59 pm

I just have the feeling that they need a little weight over them to deliver.
Not unusual for a tyre to suit one size car better than others.

Just a feeling that's all...I'd probably be looking at a higher performance tyre on a 5 that's all.

Entice · Postby **Entice** » Wed Dec 07, 2011 10:05 pm

Personally, I am not a fan of teh TEO plus. Had them on a forester.. Granted, they were better than the Bridgestone D684's, but were not a confidence inspiring tyre for handling.

I think once you drive the car as it is intended, you'll want a more performance based tyre.. otherwise I feel it'll be quite tail happy and fidgety with mid corner changes...

but, that's just my opinion.

project.r.racing · Postby **project.r.racing** » Thu Dec 08, 2011 12:35 am

Just to put it out there also. Tyres only really account for 10-15% of your comfort. The suspension is where most of your comfort will be found. But you wanna sacrifice handling for comfort?

Basho · Postby **Basho** » Thu Dec 08, 2011 3:50 pm

project.r.racing wrote:Just to put it out there also. Tyres only really account for 10-15% of your comfort. The suspension is where most of your comfort will be found. But you wanna sacrifice handling for comfort?

Unless you've got an NA6.