Not sure if I'm crazy but I was looking at peoples rims & tires on cardomain and came across someone running a 245/45/17 on a stock OEM 5th gen rim. There is a pick with a legable size reading so its not a typo. Not to start a 235 vs 225 size debate, but it seems to me that the 245/45/17 is a better fit than the 235/45/17.

235/45YR17 94Y SL 220 AA A
1477lbs.
51psi
10/32nds
7.5-9"
8"
9.4"
8.7"
25.3"
823


245/45YR17 95Y SL 220 AA A
1521lbs.
51psi
10/32nds
7.5-9"
8"
9.8"
9.1"
25.7"
811

This is from a Pole Position off tirerack... the 245 & 235 both have an 8" rim width and the same `spec` 7.5-9" rim needed.

Here is more info that puts the 245 to a closer speedo reading than the 235 would... I got this from the miata tire sizing applet in the FAQ section

Tire Size Comparison

Specification Sidewall Radius Diameter Circumference
225/50-17 4.4in 12.9in 25.9in 81.2in

Revs/mile Speedo diff
780 0.0%
245/45-17 4.3in 12.8in 25.7in 80.7in

Revs/Mile Speedo diff
785 -0.7%

I've compared the 245 to the stock 225 and came up with a -0.7% speedo difference as opposed to the -2.1% for the 235

The 235/50-17 is a +1.5% error so I looked at that sizing as well....

My question... does anyone run a tire this large?? Would it rub... It is .2inches smaller in diameter smaller than stock. (The 235 is .6)

Because the tread is so wide is the sidewall flex more dangerous than running a lower profile 235?? Or would it be more forgiving??

Sorry for the long post!

 

Here is the link to the tirecalculator

http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html

Here is a link to the owners cardomain site

http://www.cardomain.com/member_page...issan%20Maxima

If this is your car, nice ride! I want to talk tires with you!

 

Noone else finds thinks the 245/45 would be a better fit than a 235???

Only problem I can see is rubbing? Anyone running 245s???