I just got my new wheels in from Tire Rack for my 05 Enthusiast. I got Kazera KZ-A 18x8.5 for the front and 18x9.5 for the rear. Now I am trying to decide on tire size. This is the sizes I am looking at:

Front = 245/40/18 or preferabbly 255/40/18

Rear = 275/40/18 or preferabbly 295/35/18

I know the 255/40/18's should fit on the fronts with no problems but will the 295/35/18 fit in the rear? Has anyone done this with a 18" wheel. I have seen some 19" wheels with this setup but not 18's. The The 295's are much closer to the stock diameter then the 275's are and that is why I am looking at this.Thanks in advance for any and all help.

 

Michelin Pilot Sports - Outer Diameters

245/45/18 - (Stock 18" Size) - 26.8" OD
275/40/18 - (Recommended Repl. on 9.5" wheel) - 26.8" OD
295/13/18 - (What you want to do) - 26.2" OD

So, no, the 295 is smaller in OD.

Now: recommend wheel widths -
275/40/18 - 9 to 11"
295/35/18 - 10-10.5"

So, based on the above - I'd stick with the 245/40/18 and 275/40/18 recommendation.

Lou

 

Ok, but my 05 Enthusiast came with 17 inch wheels. By using the Miata Tire Calculator here is why I came up with the size tires I was looking at.

http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html

Front Outer Diameters
225/50/17 - (Stock Front) -25.9
245/40/18 - 25.7
255/40/18 - 26.0

Now for the rears outer diameter.

235/50/17 - (Stock rear) 26.3
275/40/18 - 26.7
295/35/18 - 26.1

I know the 295's are a little bit too wide for the 9.5" wheel but not excessively so. So by the tire calculator the sizes I am looking at are a closer fit than the 245/275 combo that is so popular.

 

I'm sorry

I didn't want to start an argument. You asked for and I gave you my opinion. The stock 18s are 25.8" and 26.8" front to rear. Yes, I know you have 17s, but for this example I'm using the 18s here, because there is enough leeway in the electronics to allow for either. With that being said the 245/40 and 275/40 sizes are also 25.8" and 26.8" front to rear.

That, and your wheel width is the basis for my recommendation. Take it or leave it.

Lou

 

a 295 on a 9.5" rim will not be good. Very bulged on the sidewall resulting in lots of sidewall flex, stick with a 275 or 285

 

Hi, I have the exactly same set up on my 03 Enthusiast 245/40 front and 275/40 rear with no problem. But if you want your wheel OD as close as Stock 17" OD, I would suggest you go with 265/40/18, that give you have 0.36% error.

I go with 275/40 on my Z because Falken FK451 does not have 265/40.