215/45-17 Tires on a stock MP3?

[luckezero]

The previous owner had some 205/40-17s installed and it's a little too bumpy... not to mention they look a little too stretched on the MP3's 17s. I tried some Toyo FZ4s sized 215/40-17, but returned them because they didn't offer enough performance. However, I liked the more aggressive look and the way 215s fit the wheels.

So, would going with a 215/45-17 (probably Yokohama AVS-ES100s or something soft and grippy) work fine, or is there not enough clearance with the stock MP3 suspension? Second, do you all have a favorite tire choice in that size? I am more interested in squeal-free autoX/cornering performance and am not worried about snow traction. Decent treadwear is good, but I'd rather have top-notch cornering than a 60k mile warranty.

Here are some measurements:
205/45-17 (O.E. size)
Diameter: 24.26378
Width: 8.07086

205/40-17 (Currently HTRZIIs)
Diameter: 23.45669
Width: 8.07086

215/40-17
Diameter: 23.77165
Width: 8.46456

215/45-17
Diameter: 24.61811
Width: 8.46456

Thanks in advance for your advice and recommendations.

 

[Reitrof]

I am using Sumitomo's HTR Z II's in 215 -40-17. I had Khumo's 712's before and found them too harsh after they wore a bit. After reading a report in TireRack for EVS100, 712's, HTR's they best riding tire was the HTR's. The performance differences bewteen the 3 was not great.

I like the ride and handling I get with the HTR's.

 

[dolphin]

Yes 215/45-17 will fit on an MP3. You could go with the Bridgestone re040 which is the tire Mazda fits to the MSP in that size. Or the Bridgestone S03 which is supposed to perform better but not live as long. Or you could use the Kumho MX which is staring to get a good reputation with autocrossers in that size. If all else fails and you liked the OEM SP9K's, they are also available in that size. I ran the SP9K's on the MP3 and they worked well but not great. I have run the RE040 on the MSP and they seem to be better than the SP9K. My next set will probably be the Kumho MX since they are cheaper and are supposed to work well.

You should be aware that the large tires will cause the MP3 to have slightly less acceleration with the larger tires but might stick better. That is why on the MP3, I went with the 215/40-17.

Of course these are jsut my opinions. Good luck.

 

[TXMazdaSpeeder]

if u go with a tire made by goodyear (goodyear, cooper, mastercraft) a 215/45/17 will rub in the rear when u hit a bump, front will rub at full lock, but all ti rubs is the plastic fender well.

firestone's 215/45/17 has a thinner contact pad and wont rub.

 

[luckezero]

tex, I'll be sure not to get Goodyear family tires They always seem overpriced anyway...

dolphin, dude, you've got the Mazda hookup?? Heh ... gotta love somebody who has a bunch of Mazdas (not to mention both a MSP and MP3!) in the garage. Good to see those kids auto-x-ing

a22, thanks for the advice. I have the same tires now ... think I'll try something else. for the money tho, they seem like a great deal.

thanks all for the comments and advice! if anybody else wants to chime in, i've still got another month or so before I'll be buying... hopefully everything will be alright 'til then.

 

[BS1]

In the rear, it seems that there is less than 10mm clearance between the tire and the shock. From other posts, this seems to be the limiting factor - But I want 225/45-17s for autocross! In the stock class, you can legally use up to a 1/4" (6mm) spacer between the wheel and the hub, which should be enough. I also noticed that when I installed Tokico Illumina rear shocks, there seemed to be a bit more room. I'm not anticipating any problems in the front...will I be rudely surprised?

So I'm going to order spacers from the Tire Rack along with the next set of Kumho Ecstas, Victoracers, or V710s (if they're reissued by then). I've also heard good things about the new Avon Tech Rs.

 

[rowan]

I'm trying the Kumho MX in 215/45R17, but I'm also going to a +50 offset wheel to avoid any rubbing on the inside.

 

[krb1482]

I have these wheels (silver finish not chrome):

17x7 42mm offset with said tires in my sig and no rubbing. works for me