Now for tires: recommend 18x9 and 18x10 combo?

dljpdx · 05-23-2008, 01:49 PM

EDIT: Dammit, the 18x10's I just ordered are out of stock until 6/27 (I have tried both American Muscle and WheelHQ, both out of stock until 6/27). I don't want to wait over a month - may end up just going 18x9 all-around, though I really do like the staggered look... Grr....

Hello folks,

Looking for tire recommendations for new rims that are ordered and en route.

2006 base V6, automatic.
Front wheels: 18x9 deep dish chrome Bullitt.
Rear wheels: 18x10 deep dish chrome Bullitt.
Driving style: mostly normal, around town, some freeway but not much. Weekends I might hit some twisty, hilly roads, but I don't take it too far (i.e.: the most I might do is go 50 in a 35mph corner, etc). Not into racing, or burnouts. Right now I drive about 5,000 miles per year.
Desired performance: good all-season (or, 3-season, though we don't get much ice or snow in these parts). It rains a lot here for half the year (Portland, OR), so good wet & dry performance. Since I'm going staggered, I'm not going to get a 2nd set of "winter" tires. I definitely do not want tires geared specifically towards summer/dry weather (such as the recommendations from American Muscle etc).
Desired look: mildly aggressive, kinda old-school (like staggered Cragar SS's on a 60's Camaro or Firebird). I don't need a big fat rear tire - just the 1" or so difference between the front & rear is fine with me. Am not at all fond of the skinny profile, nor something too tall and 4x4 looking. Something that looks more or less average (on these rims, and this car), that fills out the wheel well nicely.

In the past, I have been partial to brands like BF Goodrich, Goodyear, and the Firestone T/A's.

Basically looking for recommendations as to a brand and size combination, for front & rear, that I am likely to find at one of my local chain tire shops (Les Schwab, Tire Factory, manufacturer stores, etc - - not internet-only or a hard-to-find combo).

If you're running something the same or similar (staggered Bullitt's) on a 2005+ S197, a couple photos and tire info would be appreciated.

Thank you.

-d

svastano · 06-21-2008, 06:50 PM

255-45-18 & 285-40-18 is the combo for the staggared look. See linkhttp://www.nittotire.com/#index%2Etire%2Ent555%2Esizes

I oigonally wanted to do the same thing but after consideration of not being able to rotate them and the extra cost I went with 18 x 9 all the way around with the 255-45-18 Nitto 555's

Hope this helps

Jmrifa05 · 07-21-2008, 01:29 AM

The nitto 555's are great tires for your type of driving. They offer great grip (when compared to other tires of the same price range), and they last for miles and miles. These tires perform fairly well in the cornering aspect, but do become a tad bit greasy after extended periods of "spirited" driving

.
PS
wait for the 18x10's to come back in stock. You are making an investment, so you might as well be 100% satisfied!

kn0x` · 07-21-2008, 10:52 AM

285 svastano? wouldn't a lot of rubber be sticking out?

Jmrifa05 · 07-21-2008, 03:45 PM

Nope, just as long as the wheels are the correct offset. 285/40 on an 18" rim is the same diameter as the pony package 235/55/17 bullitts. try this link: http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html

Norm Peterson · 07-23-2008, 09:02 AM

And the correct width. You need at least 9.5" wide wheels for 285/40Â´s. 9" is too narrow.

Norm