Tyre advice/recommendation - NC 2005

Earlybird · Postby **Earlybird** » Sat Jul 07, 2018 8:18 pm

Looking to replace tyres on my NC.
Debating on whether to stick with 205/45 r17 or change to 215/45 r17.
Currently considering Kumho KU39 or Kumho PS71's.

What's the general consensus on going up to the 215's and any comments on the Kumho's?

My car currently has standard suspension but am looking at fitting Eibach Pro Kit springs in near future.

Cheers :beer:

Regie · Postby **Regie** » Sun Jul 08, 2018 11:02 am

go for the 215's

makes speedo dead accurate also a lot more tyre choice

Earlybird · Postby **Earlybird** » Sun Jul 08, 2018 10:26 pm

Not too concerned about tyre choice as am mainly keen on the Kumho PS71 of KU39.
Was more interested in finding out if there are any noticeable differences in braking, steering response and comfort. I'm thinking the difference would be negligible, just wanting to confirm that with those who have changed to 215's.

Luke · Postby **Luke** » Mon Jul 09, 2018 7:39 pm

Just go the 215's.
They are a more common size and are generally cheaper.

Done it on a NC and ND.
Cannot really comment on the questions you ask as I always went with Hankook RS3 and now RS4. Performance is the goal with these.

bruce · Postby **bruce** » Mon Jul 09, 2018 8:44 pm

I think increasing the tyre width one centimetre would be not even perceptible.

Earlybird · Postby **Earlybird** » Mon Jul 09, 2018 10:34 pm

Have been doing further research today and now going to go with the 215's and Michelin Pilot Sport 4's. Can get these for $154 each, so just a few bucks more than the Kumho's I was originally looking at.

Earlybird · Postby **Earlybird** » Wed Jul 11, 2018 8:05 pm

Update:
New Michelin 215/45's got fitted today. Huge improvement and now very glad I went with the 215's over the original 205's.
Tyre shop also said my shocks will need attention soon. Which is a mixed blessing as it now gives me the excuse to add new shocks to the whiteline suspension kit (springs, F&R sway bars & links) which I just bought.

So I guess the next thing I need to work out is Koni Yellows or Bilstein B8's?

Custardtart · Postby **Custardtart** » Fri Jul 13, 2018 10:02 am

Earlybird wrote:Update:
New Michelin 215/45's got fitted today. Huge improvement and now very glad I went with the 215's over the original 205's.
Tyre shop also said my shocks will need attention soon. Which is a mixed blessing as it now gives me the excuse to add new shocks to the whiteline suspension kit (springs, F&R sway bars & links) which I just bought.

So I guess the next thing I need to work out is Koni Yellows or Bilstein B8's?

I’ve got a set of Bilstein/Eibachs up for grabs. I have the same set on my 06NC and it’s perfect as a daily my wife drives to the station and for me to smash out laps as part of the MX5 sprint championship. PM me if interested.

Earlybird · Postby **Earlybird** » Fri Jul 13, 2018 8:00 pm

Thanks for the heads up but just a tad too late unfortunately. After much reading on miata.net I sourced and bought myself a full set of new Tokico HTS shocks 2 nights ago on a runout deal from USA. Will match these up with the Whiteline kit in a few weeks time.