[NOS2Go4Me]

Morning folks.

I'm finally coming to a point where I can start throwing some cash at the project car. I've been sidetracked as I needed new summer shoes for the Escape. Thankfully, that ordeal comes to an end this week.

So, on top of my other plans for the ZX3 currently (remove KW coilovers and install SVT front suspension, replace worn strut mounts and bearings at the same time), I was going to find it some Rota Slipstreams (in 16") and put on some decent rubber. Or, I may forego the Slipstreams and rock the OEMs. Also, hopefully a fresh-er engine is coming home with me at the beginning of April. Then, some serious buidling begins.

Now, I've driven my past two Foci extensively and I know that their handling responds well to tire width increases. If my math is right, I should be able to easily fit a 225/45R16 in the wheel wells with the SVT suspension. This would give me a 20mm wider tire and the same size sidewall as the stock 205/50R16 - according to the miata.net tire calc.

Has anyone else run this configuration in the past? I'm looking to stick with 16s for the survivable sidewall height on northern roads and the tire weight is pretty reasonable (23lbs for KDW2s). I could stay with 205/50R16s and have way more tire choices, but I'm not one for always running with the herd.

Fire away with your thoughts and ideas. All will be considered.

Thanks all.

[Spinal]

i always thought the stock SVT tire was a good size.

[ZTWsquared]

You probably already considered this Adam, but anyway I think a 7" wide rim is too narrow for 225 ... if your rim is 7.5" and there are no other clearance issues, then I think it would look great. Having said that ... I think the width of the rim is just as important to good handling as is the width of the rubber ... or more to the point, properly matching the two is the way to improve handling.

[GFXjamie]

im running 225's on a 6.5 wide rim, however i plan to run a 7.5-8 tho in the future. 225 is a good width to go with, great for traction in lower horsepower applications.

[NOS2Go4Me]

Thanks guys.

Ken, I had considered nothing less than a 7" rim for the 225s. I'll double-check the widths available to me and go from there. I will definitely keep 7.5" in mind. I also posted up in the FS thread for the Slipstreams and tires shown therein. However, apparently I've blown the slave cylinder on the Focus (clutch) so I'm kinda screwed for now - rocking the truck exclusively till I get this fixed.

First order of business is to pull the existing front suspension and install the SVT front half. Then, start going through the steps needed to inspect the clutch assembly in further detail. Gah.

I was SO CLOSE to ordering this stuff up (tires etc). Now I need to get the car running. Another post coming in basics shortly. If anyone else has tire fitment feedback - fire away!

[reldridge]

To me, stance wise, 215/45/17 is just about perfect for the SVT suspension height. You could run 225, but then chance of rubbing increases. It all comes down to what offset and width rim you go with.

Are the fenders rolled? Are you going lower than stock SVT height?

[reldridge]

To me, stance wise, 215/45/17 is just about perfect for the SVT suspension height. You could run 225, but then chance of rubbing increases. It all comes down to what offset and width rim you go with.

Are the fenders rolled? Are you going lower than stock SVT height?

[NOS2Go4Me]

The fenders are currently not rolled, but I have a buddy with a roller if need be. Once it's back at the stock SVT height, it's staying there. I was going to run lightweight 16s that are lighter than the EAP 17s (or most others). I already did some SVT EAPs and now I want to do something completely different - just like the rest of the car.