Difinitive tire info

[~MRVIBE2006~]

This just a suggestion. If anyone has the info, please post it here on what tire size will fit. If the car needs to be lowered for the tire to fit. What backspacing is required. What's the largest size I can go with without suspension mods. I know that there a lot of people out there that would like to have this info readily available. Also, is it possible to make this a sticky? Hope this can happen. Thanks.

[CAN-AWD-VIBE]

huh?lowering is a suspension mod. Will it be lowered or not?do you care about RPM- (revolutions per mile) or are you just wanting to fill the wheel well with a lot of rubber?what size rim are you looking to use?Before this becomes a sticky we should have a point of interest to all.Clear up some of this confusion and I will try to help you out.CAN-AWD-VIBE

[~MRVIBE2006~]

Ok, no problem.I was planning to use a 17" rim. Maybe 7.5" or 8" wide. Don't plan to lower the car, I like the ride height the way it is. I don't think that I am worried about the RPM issue. Filling the wheel well would look better. I've got a few rims picked out. Don't know when I will get them but hopefully soon.Thanks for the help.

[CAN-AWD-VIBE]

ok then throw down a set of P245/60/17's that should fill that gap.j/kbut you really should think a little more about this RPM issue. The tires are all the car uses to know what your speed is, what gear to be in. Messing with revolutions per mile is a bad thing, this is something to take seriously.The point is to find a tire size that matches the OEM size as closely as possible. Put your stock size in this thing.http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.htmlthen figure out what size you need to get it close. P215/55R16 = P225/45/R17 or P225/40R18have fun and good luckCAN-AWD-VIBE

[engineertwin2]

Also, keep in mind that a significant change in tire diameter will affect the torque required to drive the car. By installing larger tires, you require more torque...if you aren't careful, you could theoretically reach the limit of the drivetrain. Realistically, you can still cause rougher shifting (for auto's - more clutch wear for manuals) and overall more stress and strain through the drivetrain.So, it isn't just the speedo you should worry about, if you are concerned about the long-term reliability of your car. If you are not concerned with this, then no problems, but most people aren't willing to sacrifice reliability in order to fill the gap without dropping the car...

[Mavrik]

You will be right on the money as far as keeping correct tire diameter by switching from 205/55R16 to 225/45R17. It won't fill your wheel gap though. I put 215/45R17 on my Vibe before I lowered it. I had wheel gap still. Lowering the car was the only option.