Smaller wheels for P5

[rjmhotrod]

So I'm getting tired of burning through tires every 1.5 - 2 years (typical for low profile, high performance tires). Thinking of getting smaller wheels so that I could use regular all season tires. I've searched the forum for the last hour or so and done some other research. Was thinking about a set of Protege DX/LX steelies, but I think they may be a 4 bolt pattern instead of our 5 bolt pattern. Also, the width of our stock 16" wheels is 6". Do I have to be at least that wide or can they be skinnier? Just trying to figure out my options. All you folks up north have probably dealt with this when fitting snow tires on your P5, but I live in SW Florida so I don't get that experience. Also, my P5 will be handed down to my daughter in about a year, so I want to be sure I'm not compromising safety for the sake of economics by using smaller rims/all season tires.

Any suggestions?

 

[Justin2129]

this will help you find a size that wont throw the speedometer off too much. (stock p5 size is 195/50/16)

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

 

[rjmhotrod]

this will help you find a size that wont throw the speedometer off too much. (stock p5 size is 195/50/16)

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

Thanks. That will be helpful!

 

[Hank3]

Here's another wheel calculator that might be helpful:

http://www.rimsntires.com/specs.jsp

 

[o0n8]

you can get regular all season tires for the rims you already have, you don't have to get the high performance tires. You'll sacrifice some handling of course. Generally the higher the UTGQ Rating the longer the tire will last http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/techpage.jsp?techid=48

here are 2 cheap options that should last 3-4 years easy and are under $100 each
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires...utoYear=2003&autoModel=Protege 5&autoModClar=
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires...utoYear=2003&autoModel=Protege 5&autoModClar=

going down in size to a 15" rim doesn't really make tires that much cheaper, in fact the Kuhmo above goes up in price (at tire rack anyway)

 

[rjmhotrod]

you can get regular all season tires for the rims you already have, you don't have to get the high performance tires. You'll sacrifice some handling of course. Generally the higher the UTGQ Rating the longer the tire will last http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/techpage.jsp?techid=48

here are 2 cheap options that should last 3-4 years easy and are under $100 each
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires...utoYear=2003&autoModel=Protege 5&autoModClar=
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires...utoYear=2003&autoModel=Protege 5&autoModClar=

going down in size to a 15" rim doesn't really make tires that much cheaper, in fact the Kuhmo above goes up in price (at tire rack anyway)

I was thinking more like a 14" black steelie. Definitely takes some of the performance out of the equation, but we live in a town where the roads are set up on a grid. And I don't race (autocross or street). Available tire options (195/60/14) include cheaper priced tires such as this one. Even higher UTQG rating, but lower speed (temperature) rating.

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires...6TR4KR21&vehicleSearch=false&fromCompare1=yes

 

[zhy]

If you want to be super accurate with your wheel change, follow this guide!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bMs7w72QTVM

 

[i12drivemyMP5]

Are 14s gonna clear the calipers?

 

[CTt3P5]

What o0n8 said above. You can keep the 16's and just get an all season tire. To get a broader selection of tires look for a 205/45/16 or a 205/50/16. Both will fit the stock wheel and the speedo difference is minimal. I've been running 205/50's for about 6yrs out of the 7yrs that I've owned the car.

If you are deadset on dropping down to a 14", they will fit and clear the caliper (as asked above). I'm one of quite a few up North here who run them for winter use (skinnier tire and cheap to replace ). I am running 1993 Eclipse steelies that are 14x5.5 with a +35 offset (they just clear the calipers) and 67.1 hubbore. My tire size of choice is a 185/70/14 but you can use the wheel specs and different tire sizes in the calculatros mentioned above to find one right for you....IIRC other alternatives would be a 185/65/14 (preferred) or a 195/60/14? And for the record the 70 series do not rub in the rear even when lowered on Tokico Blues and Tein S-techs.

Pics of a test fit of the wheels
http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?123616046-What-have-you-done-to-your-P5-today&p=3737720&viewfull=1#post3737720

Pics with a test fit of the wheels with tires mounted to give you an idea of what the 14" will look like
http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?123616046-What-have-you-done-to-your-P5-today&p=3924465&viewfull=1#post3924465

 

[rjmhotrod]

What o0n8 said above. You can keep the 16's and just get an all season tire. To get a broader selection of tires look for a 205/45/16 or a 205/50/16. Both will fit the stock wheel and the speedo difference is minimal. I've been running 205/50's for about 6yrs out of the 7yrs that I've owned the car.

If you are deadset on dropping down to a 14", they will fit and clear the caliper (as asked above). I'm one of quite a few up North here who run them for winter use (skinnier tire and cheap to replace ). I am running 1993 Eclipse steelies that are 14x5.5 with a +35 offset (they just clear the calipers) and 67.1 hubbore. My tire size of choice is a 185/70/14 but you can use the wheel specs and different tire sizes in the calculatros mentioned above to find one right for you....IIRC other alternatives would be a 185/65/14 (preferred) or a 195/60/14? And for the record the 70 series do not rub in the rear even when lowered on Tokico Blues and Tein S-techs.

Pics of a test fit of the wheels
http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?123616046-What-have-you-done-to-your-P5-today&p=3737720&viewfull=1#post3737720

Pics with a test fit of the wheels with tires mounted to give you an idea of what the 14" will look like
http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?123616046-What-have-you-done-to-your-P5-today&p=3924465&viewfull=1#post3924465

Thanks a bunch for that info. I've been running 205/50/16 for about 4 years now myself - I like the look and slightly wider stance. I've been poking around the forums to find the offset of the stock 16" wheels - haven't found that info yet. Sounds like 35mm might be about the least amount of offset you can get away with?

Please double check to make sure that I'm correct in my assumptions (and BTW - I'm all stock suspension & brakes). Lug pattern is 5 X 114.3 (5 X 4.5). Stock wheel width is 6". Sounds like I can safely do 5.5" - what about skinnier than that? Any offset info would be helpful too.

You guys (and gals) are the best! (2thumbs)

 

[CTt3P5]

Ok, then you know of the multiple options available in the 205/50 size. There is not much to choose from in the 195/50 size. IIRC the stock wheel offset is +50. As for the least amount of offset you can go lower than +35, just check out the slammed thread. Then again, I don't think that is your ultimate goal. lol

Your assumptions are right regarding the lug pattern and stock wheel width. 5.5" width is doable but offset will start to factor in and you may be able to go skinnier but would have to watch offsets more closely. The rimsntires link above is a good one to compare the stock wheel attributes vs. those of a size you are considering.

With winter approaching you should be able to get steel wheels (if you choose) that will fit the P5 from tirerack.com or discounttiredirect.com. If you opt to get them from a junkyard (as I did for $100) then make sure that in addition to the correct bolt pattern that they have a 67.1mm hubbore. If the hubbore is bigger you could run some hubcentric rings but if smaller you'd have to get a shop to bore them out.

 

[rjmhotrod]

Thanks to everyone who has posted here. You all gave great info and links. I've been a member for over 8 years - you folks really are the best! (drinks)

BTW - It's going to be difficult to part with my P5 next year (even though it will stay in the family). I'm already starting to prepare myself! I've had this car for 8+ years now - a record for me. Even though it's starting to show signs of age, I just can't bring myself to sell or trade it (plus the fact it's been paid off for 6 years now). I'll be inheriting our family minivan. Don't laugh, it will be more useful for me and my business, as I will be able to haul all of my gear around much more easily. We'll have to get something fun to drive for the wife. No more minivans or crossovers/SUVs.