Hi all,

My wife just leased an '04 6m/t sedan with premium and aero (I have my own '03 6m/t coupe). Got a great deal- our only complaint is that it came with Bridgestone Turanzas- which are rated horribly and do nothing to enhance the experience. I'm looking at a wheel/tire package with Mille HT3, 17X7, and BF Goodrich Traction T/A V's (read great things about them for sport all season use). As most of you know, the stock tires are 215-55-17, and the BF Goodrich only come 215-50-17. I looked at the thread on wheels/tires, but that deals mostly with adding much bigger wheels. Anyway, if anyone has made this kind of change, can you let me know:
- does this size fit OK?
- does it mess up the VDC at all?
- does it mess up ABS at all?
- Can the tire pressure monitor be transferred (is it difficult)?
- If you don't transfer the tire pressure monitor, does it reflect on the dashboard warning light?
- anything else you can share that I should know before doing this?

Thanks to anyone who can share their experience

 

The only thing I can add to this post is re tire size. If you go to miata.net, then the garage section,
look for the tire size calculator...you can play with all sorts of sizes.

F.Y.A.

 

The 215-50-17 are over 3% smaller than the stock tires therefore it is both unreocmmended and may adversly (sp?) affect the VDC and ABS. Not sure on the tire pressure monitoring system, I think there is a thread somewhere regarding that. I know tirerack has a pretty nice aftermarket system. As for the warning light, it will not be on constantly. If you'd like, you can click on the link in my signature and then on the links there which will take you to a tire calculator, you want to stay within 3% of stock tire size.

Diamond Graphite/Graphite/Prem. pkg./Navi.
ASG 7-wire grounding system
Tint
Z-tube
K&N drop-in
Volk GT-C
Eibach Springs
http://ekaz76.home.comcast.net/myg35x.htm

 

I put the Kumho 235/50/r17 tires on to replace those POS EL42s and have been very happy with them.



2003 TwBlue 5AT Sedan, sunroof,
Graphite Leather, splashguards, HKS exhaust,
14 wire Grounding kit, 350Z duct, Stillen CAI
Underbody rear diffusers, Drilled alum pedals

 

215/50/17 does not have the same load rating as stock. You should never lower your load or speed rating. I recommend increasing or keeping it the same.

Better Life thru Chemistry
Black on Black 03.5 Sedan 6MT - Goodyear F1 GS-D3's 225/55/17, Custom Intake Tube, HyperGround Kit, Magnaflow resonator.

 

The important thing for safety and longevity is to make sure what ever tire you chose at least meets the oem load index rating.
Installing a lower strength tire [below factory specs] can be used against you in court as significant negligence on your part.
Going higher in reserve rating is even better.

The EL42 have soft flexy sidewalls to enhance ride, just go with the Michelin Sports if she can stand the extra maintenance of a directional tire..

 

i've been riding on Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 235/50-17 and very happy with them.

________________________________________
2003.5 4DR AT Sport - Brilliant Silver w/Black Interior
http://codeflux.com/iv/g35/

 

I'm just glad to hear from someone who hates the Turanzas as much as I do. They're a friggin' death trap in the rain. I'm interested in this thread because I'm looking to get rid of mine too.

Jase aka Doogie
04 G35S

 

Don't get the Falken Ziexs... damn noisy tire... they stick pretty well and have an agressive look... but the damn noise....


<font color=red>chinee</font color=red>
03.5 G35s

 

I recently installed Ziex 512s (225/55R17) on my sedan and I don't find them to be noisy whatsoever. They're similar to the Bridgestones if not quieter. But this is all subjective anyway. I however do agree with you on how they grip and look. It's a very nice looking tire.

 

I changed from Goodyear RSAs (even worse than EL42s) to Goodyear Pilot Sport A/Ss (235/50/17) when I got the car home from the dealer. Tremendous improvement in all phases of handling and braking!

 

Hi everyone,
Thanks for the quick responses- and the lessons on alternative tire sizes. As I'm sure you all know, there aren't many choices for high performance all season tires in a compatible size. After an exhaustive search through the Tire Rack website, and checking out the comparitive ratings, I think we'll do what some of you have done- go with the Michelin Pilot A/S in the 235/50/17. Think we'll get them mounted on a set of Mille rims my wife likes. We'll give up the tire pressure monitors, but I'd rather not get into removing tires from their rims, especially on a lease car. These Michelins have gotten pretty good grades for snow traction as well, which was also one of our primary concerns.

Thanks again!

 

johnzg35,

That's the same model and size that I recently installed, and at the beginning I didn't notice the noise, but it's really prevalent at speeds below 15mph. I first noticed it while making a wide 180 degree turn in a parking lot and the radio off. I had recently gotten my rotors resurfaced at the dealer so initially though it was the brakes...now after 1000 miles, I think it's the tires. Straight line noise isn't an issue, it's at slower speeds, especially when turning.


<font color=red>chinee</font color=red>
03.5 G35s