Dr. RX-8

ok so heres a question for anyone who can help. I found a set of rims with the following numbers:

1.) 245/35/20 - Falken

2.) 245/35/20 - Nitto 555

3.) 245/35/20 - Sumitomo Z Rated

4.) 255/35/20 - Sumitomo Z Rated

5.) 255/35/20 - Nitto 555

6.) 255/35/20 - Falken

7.) 255/35/20 - Kumho 712


Whic of these would fit on the RX-8? and/or which would be the best choice?

Kel Rx8

i would go with #2
so u fitting on 20 i assume ?
good to see another 8 owner in jersey.

Spin9k

The 255-40-18 are the pefect size match as far as keeping the same diameter. But that's a 40 series NOT 35! With 40 series in 255 size the speedo reads 60.1 for true 60 mph. Couldn't get any better than that

The 35 aspect ratio is way to short for 245s (4.7% speedo error ) and 3.6% to fast for 255s.

But the 255s @40, as long as they don't rub (and they don't actually look THAT much wider), I am hoping to be able to use myself. Anyone tired 255x40 already on stock wheels?

Tire calculator: http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html helps alot to picture what happens w/dif sizes.

mdw33333

Stock tire: 225/45/18 is 25.97" tall and 8.85" wide

245/35/20 is 26.75" tall and 9.64" wide

255/35/20 is 27.02" wide and 10.03" wide

My choice of the tires you have listed would be "none of the above," because I don't believe a 20" wheel is right for the 8. Of the sizes you're choosing from 245/35/20 is the closest in size to the stock tire. Both sizes are confirmed to "fit" on the RX8, although both sizes will compromise the vehicle's handling and ride comfort significantly.

Gord96BRG

Of the tire models quoted - whatever you do, do NOT get the Nitto 555s. They are complete and utter crap, and are definitely not anywhere near as good as the OEM Bridgestone tires on your RX-8.

What model of Falken tire? The Kumho 712 are a budget performance tire, not great but nowhere near as bad as the Nittos. The Kumho MX would be a much better choice.

Regards,
Gordon

Dr. RX-8

How About These:

Falken Visa 225-40-18 Or Falken 512 245-40-18
Both have a wheel size of => 18x8

OR

225/40/18 performance tires
Wheel size of 18x7.5


Which would be a better choice?

If neither of these are a good choice will someone for the love of god tell me exactly what i am looking for... I am hoping to fit 18's ot 19's on the RX-8.

Thanks,
The Doctor

Kel Rx8

have you tried these tires ?
i have had them on my 3rd gen with 18" 8.5 front wheel
225/40/18 and in the rear 18 "9.5 265/35/18 and I NEVER HAD A PROBLEM WITH THEM.i liked them so much i also used the nitto drag radial 555r on my stock wheels

as for the stock tires u want to to talk about crap then look at those rubbers before anything.me and XJeRsEyZFiNeStX a z member on the forum that i had the pleasure of meeting had the absolute same complain about the stock tires the z and 8 share.
check the z forum they hate them as much as some of us.

Sputnik

None of the tires that you listed are anything that I would go with. Most of them wear out waaay to quickly for the amount of grip they give.

---jps

Gord96BRG

Nope, neither of those are real performance tires - it's a sports car, for god's sake! (PS - to Kel, no I have never tried the Nittos, and never would. They are legendary on sports car forums for their crappiness. I've known far to many people who have tried them - testimonials abound as to how someone got them and was disgusted with their poor performance. Try this - check out the autocross and track days, and see how many people are running Nittos. Compare to their results. IF anyone is using them, they will be at the very bottom of the pack.)

Very easy way to select tires - go to www.tirerack.com . Go to their tire section, input the size you want, then check the boxes for "max performance" or "ultra-high performance" ONLY. Those are the tires you should consider!

WHY do you want 19s? I'm guessing for the look, but be very careful - unsprung weight is always bad for ride quality and performance, which means you want to try to get wheels that are no heavier than the stock wheels (22 lbs each) and preferably lighter (since the stock 18" wheels are too heavy anyway - I put on 17 lb 17" wheels for winter, and the improvement in ride and responsiveness was definitely noticeable!).

Regards,
Gordon