Tire size...will it fit?

[goggles1226]

Hey guys/girls, i am in need of tires for my 2005 mazda 3. Right now i have 2005 (i think) mx-5 10spoke wheels on the car. Will a 215/40zr/17 fit? I know the 17 will lol. The stock size is 205 will 215 really make much of a difference? Just curious don't want to spend the cash then find out they don't fit well. Thanks!

 

[goggles1226]

Anybody? Help

 

[NTIMD8R]

You can roughly go up to a 225 width before you have rubbing problems. A 215/40/17 will just make your speedometer be a little off (read 5.2% faster than your actually going) but it'll fit with no problem.(2thumbs)

You might want to use a tire calculator like this one

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

Put your original tire size (205/50/17) in and then on the "new tire" section select the width you are interested in and then play with the sidewall ratio (40, 45, 50, etc.) until you find one that's close to the original in revolutions per mile to keep your speedometer accurate.

Have fun and good luck!

 

[goggles1226]

Thanx!!

 

[cali_axela]

If you want to keep your speedo as accurate as possible, you want to use either 205/50/17 or 225/45/17. 215/40/17 are quite a bit too short, I wouldn't recommend them.

 

[goggles1226]

Thanx Cali! too late LOL. i already bought them...really good deal and i couldnt pass it up.

 

[cali_axela]

I'm interested to see how those look, I have a feeling they're gonna look weirdly small but you never know.

 

[NTIMD8R]

Gonna look a little like ya got a lift kit on yer car, I reckon'!

 

[goggles1226]

Oh s*** really? I hope not! Maybe i should get a drop

 

[cali_axela]

You're definitely going to want a drop as soon as you see your car with those tires mounted.

 

[goggles1226]

uh oh....
its really gonna be that bad?

 

[cali_axela]

They have a whopping 1.3 - 1.4" smaller overall diameter than your OEM tires. It's going to be very, very significant.

 

[goggles1226]

oh man! i am in trouble. i just thought it would be very minor....hopefully they can just let me get another set...if not looks like im getting a pro kit

 

[cali_axela]

I would try and get either 215/45/17 or 225/45/17 instead. It's that tiny 40-series sidewall which is causing the problem, not the different width.

 

[goggles1226]

yeah my tires now are 215-50-17. This is the 1st set of tires ive ever bought for any car ive owned. lol. live and learn i guess!

 

[goggles1226]

im sorry! i meant 205/50/17!!