Asking for an opinion here..

I have an '04 LS with the Sport Suspension and 18" wheels. The tire size that came with the car is 245/45 18 and I am thinking of replacing them soon, but with one sidewall ratio larger 245/50 18. I think the extra height will fill in the wheel wells nicely and improve the ride with the sport suspension.

What do you think?

Charles

 

The tires will fit and the sidewall will be bigger making your rims look smaller. Just to let you know, using a tire calculator a 245/50 is almost an inch taller than the 245/45. As for the ride aspect it should be a smoother ride but probably not significant difference. Since changing to a bigger tire like that, also perform an alignment after, as your height will change with taller tires. I personally would just stick with factory size, the LS still has a very comfortable ride even with the sport suspension.

 

Here you go:

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

A 225/50/18 would be closer to keeping things stock.

 

Does the Michelin MXV4's come in that size?

Honestly, you'll never find a better tire than that one.

 

Your car will accelerate and brake slower with larger diameter tires. Speedometer will also be off.

 

Yes the more I'm reading up on it, the more I think I'll stick with the original size. I'm running on Michelin Pilot Sports right now I find them pretty quiet but hard riding. Maybe the MXV is the way to go..

Thank you all!