Tire & wheel upgrade for MZP6

[obender66]

I took close look at MSP6 rear wheelwells. (Pic below) I don't know what is offset of those 18", but going with 235/45/17 will require 1.5" extra clearance on each side if mounted on 7.5" wheel. And it will stick outside extra 10-15 mm, dependind on aftermarket wheel offset.
Another alternative is to go with 225/45/18-it will fit on 7" rim and will offer 2" more rubber on the road, but 0.4" less than 235/45/17.
Calculations are based on Yoko AVS ES100, which is on chunky side due to rim protector rib.

 

[Mikey444]

just slap on a good sticky 215/45 r18 it's more than fine. In fact, I would go to 17inch wheels, the bigger the wheel the worst the performance gets.

 

[Da 6]

yes normaly a car with 18's stock(say RX-8 for example) are built around those 18's. What happened with this car? but anyhoo what was the recorded weight of theses "too narrow for anything" 18's?

 

[crossbow]

Mikey,

It won't be fine. 215 is far to thin...thus why all the reviews are complaining about understeer issues. THe MPS 6 weighs over 600 LBS more then a 6i and has the same tire/wheel sizing. Heck, even the mazdaspeed protege has 215 on a 7 inch rim, and its 2700 lbs! Take a look at all the competing car's to the MPS 6 in similar weight ranges. They all have 235's!

Its well known the effect of wider wheels/rubber on the 6, it pays rather massive dividends in handling. SCCA rule of thumb is 200mm per ton of vehicle. Obviously we can't fit 300mm wide rubber, so damn well gotta try to get as close as possible. (The rx8 owners at 2850 lbs, put on 275's)

I'd roll the rear fenders and fit a 8 inch wide rim with the 235's.

I'd also not get the yolks...as they're a pretty mediocre tire (personal experience). I'd stick with Toyo (T1-S/T1-R), Falken (New 615's), Kuhmo (MX), or Goodyear (F1 GD-SC or whatever).

 

[obender66]

I didn't know that 615 are out already..who stocks them? I am big fan of Falken's(see my sig).They do come in 225/40 and 225/45/18 !
Yokos were used as example because they have wide range of sizes and specs for estimate.

I'd also not get the yolks...as they're a pretty mediocre tire (personal experience). I'd stick with Toyo (T1-S/T1-R), Falken (New 615's), Kuhmo (MX), or Goodyear (F1 GD-SC or whatever).[/QUOTE]

 

[Mikey444]

next s*** going on my Mazda 6 is Toyo's T1-S

 

[Da 6]

falken azenis sports for me if I don't get toyo t1s...

Howly shat cross you have "666" posts!

 

[Rainman]

Excellent info. Been thinking about this for a while since I am waiting for my MS6 to arrive in a few weeks or so. Subscribing.

R

 

[Da 6]

t1s and azenis sports(if not replaced by azenis rt-615 by then..) are the 2 top street legal track tires you can get hands on. Just remeber summer tires mean you shuldn't be doing 50 mph in the snow

 

[crossbow]

obender,

http://www.vulcantire.com/azenis_rt615_t.htm

They will be available VERY soon, if not some sizes by the end of the month. The price increase is a bit tough to swallow, but they should be one of the ultimate street tires to get.

Remember that even though the MPS 6 appears (even in photos) to now have identical fitment to the 6...I'd still urge caution in preordering wheels/tires to fit it until after you've recieved delivery of your vehicle.

 

[Mazda3]

I read a review where Mazda indicated that they were going to address the understeer issue before the car went into production. They are unlikey to change the tire size with all the literature already printed. Not sure what good tweaking the sway bars and suspension will do with out the right tires. Guess we'll have to wait and see.

 

[crossbow]

They could change the tire "selection". That would definitely make a difference. Aka if they moved to goodyear F1's or something...