I just bought 18x7.5 - 38 mm offset wheels for my 2000 I30. I'm not dropping my car so I want to get tires that would keep my car at the same height as it is now with the original 215 55 R 16. What size tires should I get? Any suggestions of tire brands?. I'm looking for performance tires great in rain/snow/dry.

 

I heard Falken Ziex ZE-512 is the good ones.
Considering to buy it soon. What others think?

 

Falkens have soft side walls, so when you make turns .....

but i agree that they are one of the best in rain/snow ...

i have them

 

if 7.5" is wide enough, by all means get 245/40/18. Look at Kumho ASX or Pirelli Pzero M&S tires for good rain/snow/dry traction and handling.

And by saying "wide enough," I mean check the specs on the tires at tirerack...they'll list the minimum wheel width for said tire size.

 

Thanks metaorbit. Tirerack suggests 235/40-18. The size you suggested are wider right? Do you know if the 245's will rub on the inside if I cut the streering wheel tight? If not, I would go with it.

 

Seeing as folks with 18/19" wheels on 5th gens are running 245s with no issues, I'm almost positive that you wouldn't either.

Something to consider about TireRack is that they are very conservative when it comes to recommending wheel offsets and tire sizes. That said, using the Tire calculator http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html I found that 235/40/18 is in fact closest in overall diameter to your previous wheel and tire combination. I said to go with 245/40/18 because that's closest to my stock wheel and tire combo: 225/50/17. Also, it's a tad wider and allows for a marginal amount of more sidewall, which should translate into a little better ride quality. I don't think you can go wrong with either size though.

 

cool site! it even shows how the speedometer could be off vs actual speed. Thanks. Now I have to choose a brand...