I just picked up a 95 Miata. My intention is to autocross it a lot in the spring and summer. My local clubs both have rules that make keeping the car stock (E-Stock) but running on street tires a good option.
On Tire Rack the only decent street tires for the Miata that I see right now are the Star Specs (185-60R14). Are there any other options or is the Star Spec the only good tire for my tiny rims?
Would the 195-60R14 be a better tire size for autocross?
If the Star Specs really are the only option I'm going to order soon because they are on Closeout. I hear their is a Star Spec replacement coming but I don't know what sizes they will carry.
mw
Dork
11/30/12 7:10 p.m.
195/60/14 stars specs are your best option or azenis
Jaynen
HalfDork
11/30/12 7:17 p.m.
I am running the above and have done a few autocross and even a track day on them. 195/60/14 I think is indeed what I have and are great
I dont mind the azenis 615k.
Though the SS is probably better, but there are two of us with stock NA 1.8 miatas that autocross where i live. He has the star specs, and i always post faster times. Ymmv.
moxnix
Reader
11/30/12 7:45 p.m.
they will carry the 185/60/14 in the replacement star spec.
kylini
New Reader
12/1/12 1:13 a.m.
I would wait to buy your tires and get Direzza ZIIs. Supposedly quicker in both dry and wet. Definitely cheaper than the Z1 Star Specs they're replacing. Plus, no reason to damage your new tires by letting them freeze over winter.
Aside from that, it's the 185 vs. 195 debate (quicker turn in vs. more rubber). I can't answer that, but I can tell you that 185s worked just fine on my '99 all the way down to their cords.
Next year, I'm running 205/50-15 Star Specs. I'd prefer 195, but I'm not arguing at the price I got the set for brand new. They're in my kitchen until it's not cold.
Ian F
PowerDork
12/1/12 7:15 a.m.
I have 195/60-14 star specs on my e30 (currently in my basement for the winter). They'll be coming off the rims soon as I need correct size tires for the car. I'm in pa/NJ. Send me a note if interested. Very little use. A couple of autocross events and less than 1000 miles, total.
I loved the tires on our MINI (205/50-16), but I think an e30 really needs a wider tire. Should be fine for the lighter and better balanced Miata.
+1 for 195/60/14 Star Specs.
I've got 185 Star Specs and, once I got a decent competition alignment (you need this on a Miata), never felt like I was lacking in ultimate grip. I was sold on the 185's for the "quicker turn in" factor, but once I had them, realized I needed a suspension upgrade and probably a stiffer front bar to take advantage of that. My only gripe with them is they look like bicycle tires on my rims.
I have 195 Star Spec's on my 14x6's, and would do it again.
Right now I'd wait for next year's crop of street tires to come out.
What has been said already is also what I've figured out. In 14", not much choice. Star Spec's, Azeni's or wait for the new Direzza II's. Other options include extra set of 14" rims with R-comps. Which I did for a season or 2, using Hankook C71. Or get a set of larger rims, in my case since I have a 99 I could go 15" but I think in your case that would bring you out of stock negating any benefits.
Hmm, do need a set for next season for the Miata and close-out pricing is appealing.
Thanks for all the advice guys...I think I'm going to order a set of the 195/60-14s while they are one closeout. Should be a good choice to be competitive locally even if the new Star Specs end up being a little quicker.
moxnix
Reader
12/2/12 10:32 a.m.
Closeout pricing on those is the same as the regular pricing pretty much. The ZII is going to be right around the same price.