Before anybody asks, yes I did do a search. I could't find anything that specifically addressed this particular offset. Either I'm stupid(likely), or it's not been discussed(unlikely).

I've just about decided to purchase a set of Kazera KZ-A's for the sedan. On tirerack, they have the 18x8.5 listed, with an optional 18x9.5 for the rears. The 18x8.5's are listed with an offset of +38, while the 18x9.5's are listed as +45. I really don't want to do the whole staggered approach, so, can I use the 18x8.5's +38 on the rear as well? I plan on using 245/40/18 series kumho's all around. Also, I have replaced the suspension with a set(shocks plus springs) from an 04 coupe, so I will have a slight drop all around.

Since I really just don't get the whole fitment issue, especially with offsets, I wanted to make sure I checked with the experts prior to making the order.

thanks

 

Jeeez, just asking an offset question takes you three paragraphs.

YES! The 8.5, +38 is perfect front and back and the tire size is great as well.

 

thx

 

Like Skeleton said it is a perfect set up.

 

Ok. I'm wordy. Live with it. I obviously do

Actually, before I posted, I found the fitment chart, as well as other *related* posts. From all indications, the setup I was going for would work fine. However, I saw all kinds of people(especially when talking 19's), recommend going up to +45 offset if the car was lowered. Mine is, to a very small degree. So before I wasted a bunch of money, I wanted to make sure.

 

While we're on the subject, what do you guys recommend for tire sizes? For the first set of tires, I plan on running 245/40/18's all around. In the future, I'd like to possibly go up to 255/40/18's all around. So, here are my questions:

1 - Will 255's fit on an 8.5 in wheel? From what I can determine, I believe it will.
2 - Will 255's fit up front with the coupe suspension and the +38 offset?
3 - I understand that putting 255's up front will affect handling, feel, and steering effort. Going from my curren 235/45's to such a size, would the effects be marginal or prominent?


Before anyone asks, I've considered a staggered setup but ultimately I want to rotate my tires using traditional methods.

 

Can't answer all of this, but why "35" profile tires? They're about 5% small off the OEM size - much too much, I think. 255/40/18's (or even 265/40/18's) are almost perfect? -T

 

Sorry, that was a misprint. I intended to use 40's, not 35's. Poor memory(Editing previous post right now). Thanks for the heads up on 265/40's. Didn't try that size(using the calculator on miata.net). Appreciate it.

 

1 - yes it will
2 - yes it will
3 - depends on what you mean by marginal and prominent. Better way to ask is...will you notice it?...the answer is 'yes'...larger mass = more steering effort.

I would stick with 245/40/18 all around for best handling and performance.

 

And so does Cheryl.

 

I'm running 18-8.5" front & rear.
I went from 245 to 255.

The 255s are great.
Handling is great & no noticable change in stearing effort or feel.

They are closer to standard OEM size (DIA).
I noticed much better behavior out of the VDC; much less intrusive

Also the 255s sit nice & square on the 8.5" rims

 

i have 18x8.5 rims with 245/40-18 tires... having read your post, i think i'll be getting 255-40/18 tires next time i'm getting tires. thanks dude!