pics with 205/50/16

[Jack Daniels]

bulls***

I agree with you also.

My 205 BFG Traction T/A tires have tons more grip in a straight line and seem to have more lateral grip as well. The ride is a little softer (some will like some will not). They look fantastic and give more curb protection to your wheels (that's good as my daughter drives my P5 most of the time). The only disadvantage is the turn in is a little less direct and they take more time to load up. The stock size has a much more direct feel in steering.

 

[falsedawn]

Quote:
Originally Posted by ottawaP5
How different are the sidewalls of the Falken 512's compared to the stock dunlops?

not sure - maybe someone who has had these tires can comment

My initial impression of the 512s is probably a little tainted, as I made the switch from winter steelies, and they felt great.
However, from memory, compared to the stockers, I think the sidewalls definitely flex more - this means the car doesn't crash and thump over every bump as much, but you can definitely feel them squirming more under hard cornering. I have the V-rated ones- The H-rated are likely to be even worse in this regard. However, grip is great and I'll take the improved ride quality over sharp turning anyday.
I run 34psi at the mo - will probably experiment a bit - maybe a little more air will help reduce flex...

 

[.paul]

If you decide to get the OEM size, I would recommend the Michelin Pilot A/S from Tire Rack. They are $150/pc., but they have a 60k treadlife and ride really quiet. I too was going to get 205/50/r16, but was told this would cause premature wear and trear on the suspension and steering, and also if you look at the tires from the side, they seem to buble out a bit. Your choice.

I dunno about that. Sounds kinda sketch since they are an UHP a/s tire.

 

[02Protege'5]

I have the stock spec asx's and love them. One word of caution however. ALIGNMENT (sp?) They have a soft tread compoud after the initial layer, any odd wearing characteristics will be greatly exagerated after the 1st layer is worn thu. Make sure your vehicle is aligned and rotate every 3k.

 

[iLisa]

Falken Azenis ST115 for the win!

 

[Josh_160]

lovin blackp5's rims i also have a black p5 and looking for dark rims hook me up

 

[Kansei]

lovin blackp5's rims i also have a black p5 and looking for dark rims hook me up

I was just about to say that. I've never seen such glossy black P5 rims. The car looks perfect the way he has it right now. I kinda wish I got black. A pain to keep clean, shows scratches and swirls a lot, but when it is clean and polished/waxed it is sex!

 

[Tasty]

Blackp5's rims = painted stockers

 

[blackp5]

Blackp5's rims = painted stockers

not painted, powdercoated

 

[bobbypressley]

....

 

[turbine50]

Stock size federals ( not my choice)

 

[SuperProtege5]

205's on rear

Here are 205/50/16 on the rear. Still have stock ones on front.

 

[Dark_Phantom]

General Consensus?

I recently bought some 16x7" (42+ offset if I'm not mistaken) rims for my P5, and am wanting to know recommendations for tire sizes. I'm not so much concerned for ride quality (I like feeling the road) as much as wet traction/snow traction, and general handling. I also intend to lower it soon, and want to avoid any potential rubbing issues.

Any suggestions?

 

[RaiderMS3]

20-50-16 ftw

 

[P5w3kids]

No photo, it looks pretty much like stock anyway. Main difference is from the rear quarter--they fill out the wheel well a bit better. But I have BF Goodrich G-force Sports.

Seem to be quite soft rubber--probably won't last long. Very sticky, though. I don't think the steering feel is as direct and solid, but turn-in is very quick. The car feels more balanced, with less understeer. I think this tire was developed with this in mind.

Downside is that they pull whichever way the road slopes. And I had an alignment right before getting them put on. This seems to be getting worse -- probably time to rotate.

I'm clueless as to why Mazda bothered with the stock size in the first place. The 205s fit with plenty of room.

For winter, if you've got real snow to deal with, you can't beat a winter tire. I run 205/50R16 Michelin Pilot Alpins. They're about halfway between a hardcore snow and an all season, in pretty much every way. Got the job done for me with few sacrifices.

 

[GMalatrasi]

Dunlop FM901 205/50-16

That is an awesome picture... the lighting is perfect.

 

[toucci]

here are the falken ziex 512s

 

[Dark_Phantom]

With what are you lowered, Toucci?

 

[Boston5761]

Dude, what springs are you on? Is this pic photoshopped in any way?

Sweet P5!

 

[Tengo]

Dude, what springs are you on? Is this pic photoshopped in any way?

Sweet P5!

i was thinking the same, want mine to look like that when i go back to stockers painted black