I replaced my 02 wheels with a set of 350Z touring wheels (got a good deal). These are the 18x8 offset 30 wheels. They came with 225/45's on one pair and 245/45's on the other pair of wheels. I've lowered my 02 with Eibach's and factory shocks. I found that putting the 245's in the rear wouldn't work as I would hit when going over bumps. I believe the tread was hitting the weld seems along the side quarterpanel. The 225's in back work fine.

The overall setup is better than the OEM (decreased sidewall and the RE040's vs. the RE92's). However, not being able to rotate my tires just is not worth it and its come time to replace the fronts. I was also hoping to get a somewhat wider tire. Someone recommended using a 235/40 tire for which there is more options available. I checked the Miata tire page and it shows this being slightly wider but a little lower in height. I'm afraid that this might rub as well. I also noticed that the speedometer reading will be nearly 2% too fast. I've been told that 3% is within limits.

What's the best way for me to find out if the 235/40's will work? Should I simply go to a tire store and see if they will tell me or is there some other way? Thanks in advance.

 

That 30 offset is a killer. It somewhat defeats the purpose of having wide wheels because your tires need to be skinny.

Do you honestly think a tire store will know what will work? They can't even figure out what the STOCK tire size is, let alone what what you are doing.

The only way to figure it out is to try them on. Based on my experience, the 235s should work.

 

are you sure the offset is 30 cause that seems like to little.

 

I've been told 30 offset rims would not work w/ lowered Max because the rims would rub (sticking out too much). Passed on a killer deal on Volk rims w/ 30 offset.

 

It also depends on the width of the wheel. 18x8.5 would definitely not work. An 18x8 probably will with the right tires.

 

Oh ok. It was 18 X 8.5. Now I feel better

 

Thanks for all the feedback. I've had good luck with a local tire place (wheel works). I'll have to talk to them about what my options are.