Where to find strange tire size?

As title says, i have a small dilemma. Nothing that will keep me from driving the car, it currently has tires on it that work ok, just not really the size i want.

Stock size on my car is 205/55-15. I'm currently running 245/45-16, and they're a bit too big. It's noticeably hurting my gearing.

I would like to run either 245/40-16s, or 255/40-16s. I can't find either.

Any suggestions? I COULD go back to 225/45-16s, but i really don't want to. I'm hooked on the wide tire bug.

I prefer to run a great tire in a smaller size than a poor tire in a wide size. But that's just me.

Unfortunately, you can't just make up a cool tire size and expect it to exist, as you've probably found. Here's how I would do it. Find a tire available in a wide variety of sizes - say, the BFG G-Force Sport and look at the specs for your stock size. Tire Rack lists them as do the manufacturer websites. Note the tire diameter - 23.9" in this case and a section width of 8.4".

Now, what tire has the same (or similar diameter) and a wider width? 225/50-15: 9.2" wide, 23.9" tall. It's the obvious easy upsize.

Unfortunately, 225 is about as wide as a 24" tire gets. I've come across this when looking for Miata tires, which are around 22.8" stock. Your 245/45-16" tires are only 0.7" taller, which corresponds to gearing that's only about 3% taller. I don't think you're liable to do any better.

Keith wrote: I prefer to run a great tire in a smaller size than a poor tire in a wide size. But that's just me. Unfortunately, you can't just make up a cool tire size and expect it to exist, as you've probably found. Here's how I would do it. Find a tire available in a wide variety of sizes - say, the BFG G-Force Sport and look at the specs for your stock size. Tire Rack lists them as do the manufacturer websites. Note the tire diameter - 23.9" in this case and a section width of 8.4". Now, what tire has the same (or similar diameter) and a wider width? 225/50-15: 9.2" wide, 23.9" tall. It's the obvious easy upsize. Unfortunately, 225 is about as wide as a 24" tire gets. I've come across this when looking for Miata tires, which are around 22.8" stock. Your 245/45-16" tires are only 0.7" taller, which corresponds to gearing that's only about 3% taller. I don't think you're liable to do any better.

Oh i agree with you.... i'm not wanting to go any worse than the RS2s i have on there now.

I guess it looks like in order for me to get what i want, i would need to go to 17 inch wheels. Oh well. I'll live. Was just wondering if you guys had any secrets of where to get strange tires.

I think part of my problem is that i had smaller diameter than stock tires on the car before i put the current ones on, was looking at more like a 6-7% difference.

Thanks Keith.

Keith - are there no 245- width tires in a Miata-friendly diameter, or just none that are reasonably priced and/or very sticky?

The proposed STR class for next year has me thinking of spending more $$ with you guys.

Oh boy.... i just saw that Kumho makes the XS in 265/45-16. Putting me at 1.5" taller than stock.....6.3% difference. That's not bad.

I wish i hadn't seen that. (Goes to go find wheels)

Yep, you're screwed.

Go back and buy a set of 15x10" wheels and get some Hoosier 275/35r15s.

275/35ZR15 LL Treadwear: 40Traction: CTemperature: A 1047 lbs.44 psi 4/32" 20 lbs. 10.1" tread width 23" tall.

petegossett wrote: Keith - are there no 245- width tires in a Miata-friendly diameter, or just none that are reasonably priced and/or very sticky? The proposed STR class for next year has me thinking of spending more $$ with you guys.

If you're looking at autox, you want the 275 Hoosiers. It's the tire to have from what I understand.

For street use, no. There aren't a lot of options. We have a car here now that I'm going to stick 255/40-17s on the rear, but it's not quite a bolt-on application. I've run the 245/45-16 on a Miata in the past as well with surprisingly little difficulty.

John Brown wrote: Yep, you're screwed. Go back and buy a set of 15x10" wheels and get some Hoosier 275/35r15s. 275/35ZR15 LL Treadwear: 40Traction: CTemperature: A 1047 lbs.44 psi 4/32" 20 lbs. 10.1" tread width 23" tall.

Can't fit my brakes behind 15s anymore.

Ricer

John Brown wrote: Ricer

Ooooo..... caught me.

Keith wrote:

petegossett wrote: Keith - are there no 245- width tires in a Miata-friendly diameter, or just none that are reasonably priced and/or very sticky? The proposed STR class for next year has me thinking of spending more $$ with you guys.

If you're looking at autox, you want the 275 Hoosiers. It's the tire to have from what I understand. For street use, no. There aren't a lot of options. We have a car here now that I'm going to stick 255/40-17s on the rear, but it's not quite a bolt-on application. I've run the 245/45-16 on a Miata in the past as well with surprisingly little difficulty.

Hmmm...I need to look into some 245/40-16's.

Thanks!!!

petegossett wrote:

Keith wrote:

petegossett wrote: Keith - are there no 245- width tires in a Miata-friendly diameter, or just none that are reasonably priced and/or very sticky? The proposed STR class for next year has me thinking of spending more $$ with you guys.

If you're looking at autox, you want the 275 Hoosiers. It's the tire to have from what I understand. For street use, no. There aren't a lot of options. We have a car here now that I'm going to stick 255/40-17s on the rear, but it's not quite a bolt-on application. I've run the 245/45-16 on a Miata in the past as well with surprisingly little difficulty.

Hmmm...I need to look into some 245/40-16's. Thanks!!!

Let me know if you find any.... i wasn't able to find anything in that size, either.

Remember tire sizes vary manufacturer to manufacturer. I have owned 225/50r16s that were wider at the tread than the 245/45r17s they were next to.

Sorry, I meant 245/45-16's...though it looks like there's not much(competitive, anyway)available in that size either.

petegossett wrote: Sorry, I meant 245/45-16's...though it looks like there's not much(competitive, anyway)available in that size either.

There's 200 tread wear rating tires in that size... not sure what you're looking for.... My car is still seeing double duty, so i was happy with the 245/45-16 RS2s

A 245/40-17 is almost exactly the same size as a 245/45-16, and a lot more common.