It was such a nice day I decided to take a few pics in the driveway after washing. You can view pics below...

http://groups.msn.com/Bretts2K2Maxim...ox.msnw?Page=1

 

deleted large pic

 

Wow that's a nice U Haul truck....j/k... nice Rims

 

brett... what size tires are you running?

 

i just washed my car today too...this morning was real crappy though, and i thought i wouldn't be able to, but it cleared up nicely! (i live in SA too btw...)

it's lookin real nice though! i love the wheels and the drop!

 

BUMP

Brettb... what size tires? And are you experiencing any rubbing from the 18's?

 

225/45/18 - I have no rubbing issues at all.

 

I have 18's from a 2004 Max and running 245/45/ZR18...

I experience rubbing when I have 4 people in the car over a bad bump (Louisiana has PLENTY of them)... and most recently, when the car was loaded down with only two of us, but a lot of luggage and a full tank of gas.

Is the difference between 225 and 245 that big? Or do you think that I'm dealing with bad struts or springs?

 

The 245s are wider hence the rubbing. I believe a lower aspect ratio (245/40) will eliminate the rubbing.

 

So no matter what I do, they will rub? Am I stuck getting either 245/40s or 225/45s? I just bought these tires and that will suck if I have to replace them.

Would these fit better on a 2k3, or is it all the same between 2k and 2k3?

 

I'm pretty sure its the same for all 5th gens. Also, I think 235/45 would be closer to stock cirumference.

 

BUMP

sorry, but anyone else can help me?

Am I stuck replacing the tires with 235/45 or 245/40, or is there a solution to keep the 245/45s and somehow avoid the rubbing?

The wheel well on the 2k3s looks bigger (with the 225/50/17s) on the 2k3 than the 2k

if this is so, I can switch with a 2k3 (other vehicle).

I ran the numbers on the Miata tire calculator and got this:

the current difference for the 2k:

Specification Sidewall Radius Diameter Circumference Revs/Mile Difference
205/65-15 5.2in 12.7in 25.5in 80.1in 791 0.0%
245/45-18 4.3in 13.3in 26.7in 83.8in 756 4.7%

and the difference for the 2k3 with the 18's:

Specification Sidewall Radius Diameter Circumference Revs/Mile Difference
225/50-17 4.4in 12.9in 25.9in 81.2in 780 0.0%
245/45-18 4.3in 13.3in 26.7in 83.8in 756 3.2%

and the difference for the 2k with the 17's from the 2k3:

Specification Sidewall Radius Diameter Circumference Revs/Mile Difference
205/65-15 5.2in 12.7in 25.5in 80.1in 791 0.0%
225/50-17 4.4in 12.9in 25.9in 81.2in 780 1.4%

any advice? think it is best to put the 18's on the 2k3 and the 17's from the 2k3 on the 2k?

thanks!

 

You will have the same problem with the 2k3 as with your 2k if they are lowered the same.

 

2k3 is not lowered, nor will it be lowered at any time (I know, I know... but the ride quality is definitely not good when lowered).

So if not lowered, then will the 18's be ok on the 2k3?

 

The wheels itself are OK, it's the STOCK tires that are the problem. Just get a smaller aspect ratio and you should be fine.

 

235/40 18's on my 2000 max and have never experienced rubbing

 

Your statement is not true. The first week after I installed my Maxspeed springs I was pissed at the ride quality, but after 400 miles they broke in nicely.

 

Isn't that up to the individual?

I had Maxspeeds on a 2k3 and didn't like it... even after 1k miles. Changed it back quick! But we all have our preference...

 

235/40/18 with Tein s tech and Kyb gr2's and no rubbing. Very very rough ride though!

 

Car looks good! Gotta luv the Sunlit Sand color! What color tint do you have, smoked? I'm running 20% bronze on mine, which brings out the color even more! (Just wondering). Love the wheels, too. Time for me for some rims!

 

I agree, I should have rephrased to say that quality of ride is one's opinion.

 

Question is, what struts were you on? Ride quality depends on a lot of things. What struts, what tires road conditions.

 

stock struts, Maxspeed springs, 17" tires, Chicago roads... didn't like it.