I just want to see how much of a difference it might make in fender gap.
Post any you have. I am thinking of going with 245-45-18's instead of what is about equal according to www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html

 

The OEM Sport 18"s run a 235/45/18. Using that calulator a 245/45/18 is about a .4" increase in diameter.

 

That is the point. I want to see how the gap looks with that or other upsized tires and no drop.

 

If you put on a tire that is 2" taller, it will fill up 1" of the fenderwell gap and raise the the car 1" off the ground... not good.

That's why people lower them instead...

 

Too big of a tire and your car looks like a 4 X 4. Remember, for every inch of gap you fill, that's an inch you add to step in.

If you're not helpful, your car will end up looking like a hooptie.

 

Where are you getting 2 inches? The size I mentioned is only .4 inches taller.
I'd like to fill the gap a little without all the headache of a drop on my 05 non-sport suspension ( entirely new suspension, camber issues, harsh ride, rubbing that have all been reported on this site).
My request was for pics. Anyone?

 

Everyone is just pointing out that using this method to get rid of the wheel well gap isn't the best.

BTW, people on this board aren't here to serve your demands, princess. Go search for yourself.

 

so a .4 diameter increase will make your wheel gap .2 less, I doubt you'd even notice the difference. Plus you'd be raising the center of gravity and increasing the rolling circumference = slightly worse cornering and slight difference in speedometer reading vs actual (not that they are correct anyway)


If you really want to get rid of the gap this way throw some 22' swampers on there, sure you may not be able to turn, but man would you look cool at the next tractor pull...

 

yea, i have seen it. 20"s will actully fill in the gap but 19s with same tire will raise it like a 4x4

 

im putting 245/45/18 in the front this afternoon, ill post some pics later.

 

245/45/18 is okay, but just not my cup of tea

 

I did just that (upsized tires instead of a drop).

My OEM wheels are 17's:

215/55/17 yields 118.25mm sidewall = 4.66 in.
4.66+4.66+17" rim = 26.3 inch O.D. (outer diameter) total

My 19" Axis Milano wheels & tires:

245/40/19 = 98mm sidewall = 3.86 in.

3.86+3.86+19" rim = 26.7 inch O.D. total....car is technically only 0.2 inches (3/16") higher off the ground and the gap is filled by the same amount when compared to OEM size.

Here are some pics...I love the look & won't ever be dropping my car....to me, the gap is even all the way around (sides vs. the top) and I like that look. I can only fit 2 fingers between the fender & the wheel.

 

Thanks Jimmyc13 . Have you seen any negatives with this size like rubbing, etc.?

 

I think going with taller tires is a band-aid fix and it won't look quite right. I had .4" taller tires on my lowered Maxima and sure, it filled up the wheelwells better, but it made the car look higher and the tires looked too tall. I much prefered the look with the OEM sized rubber.

I have the Sport suspension and 350Z springs in the front and coupe springs out back. I'm very critical of mods and I absolutely love the ride, handling, and looks of the setup. The ride is no harsher than the stock Sport suspension setup plus the look is SO much better. I have yet to get an alignment (going on nearly one year) and I don't have any odd wear issues except of the inner portions of the rear tires wearing fractionally more than the outsides. I'm doing my best to kill these EL42 Turanzas, but they choose not to die I will get an alignment when I get new tires though.

Now if you choose to go with something other than Z or coupe springs and/or large and wide tires/wheels then yes, you will most likley have a harsh ride and rubbing issues.

IMO, you're far better off buying a set of use Sport shocks ($150) and Z springs ($60) and calling it a day. You'll get the look, the handling, the OEM fit, and excellent ride quality.

 

Not to mention that you throw off your rotational diameter and cause potential ABS, VDC, and speedometer problems.