I'm pretty sure my OEM 235/50/18" tires were rubbing in the front on my aftermarket wheels last summer because the inner most part of the tire was very worn. I've since gotten an alignment so I'm no longer concerned about that being a problem, I just thinks it's a conflict with the offset and tire height. Anyways, since two of my tires are now bad I've been doing some research and I would like your opinion on the following sizes that could potentially better fit my aftermarket 18x8" wheels.

I've also been using the following (awesome) site for assistance:
http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html

225/50/18
235/40/18
235/45/18 (seem pricier for some reason)
245/45/18 (seem pricier for some reason)
245/40/18

Maybe I'm forgetting a size, but I've been searching those. Keep in mind, I don't care if my speedo is off, I'll live. I just don't want to waste money on tires that start rubbing.

Also, any cheap tire recommendations? Keep in mind they're only for summer as well. Thanks everyone!

 

Just some that I've looked at...

Goodyear Eagle LS2 - P225/50R18 - $106 (LINK)
Nankang NS-II - 235/40R-18 - $98 (LINK)
Kumho Ecsta AST - 235/40R18 - $95 (LINK)
Nankang NS-II - 245/40R-18 - $89 (LINK)


I've been reading the reviews about the Nankang NS-II and there are a lot of people out there with them on cars like BMW's and Infiniti's. So, we'll see. The 245/40/18 for $89 sounds damn tempting.

Noteworthy: Bing.com has 10% cash back from Discount Tire Direct... So if I went with the $89 Nankang NS-II 245/40/18, they'd be shipped, minus valve stems, for $360. Now that's a good price for 4 tires.

Also, check this out...



IDK guys... Thoughts, comments, concerns? I'd like to hear it all. Thanks again.

 

<<I'm pretty sure my OEM 235/50/18" tires were rubbing in the front on my aftermarket wheels>>
rubbing on what? what do u mean? and if the alignment fixed that, y r u still worried about it?

i wouldn't go with anything shorter than the 245/45x18... unless ur car is lowered like 2", a really short tire will look silly... i'm probably gonna get 245/45's as my next tires... i also have 18x8's, with a 40 offset and have had no rubbing problems with the stock 235/50's...

 

Honestly I don't know what it was rubbing on. I couldn't see anything besides the tire being worn. I don't know if it was the alignment really, I just knew I wanted to get it done when I got my new tires for my "winter/OEM" wheels.

Anyways... I'm so glad everyone was so helpful... Thanks again for all the good helpful posts...

I believe I'll be going with a set of Federal SS-595 (225/45/18). $400 shipped sounds awesome.

 

why a 225/45??? thats tiny, narrower than stock even... get 245/45's
235/50 = 27.25" tall
245/45 = 26.68" tall
225/45 = 25.97" tall
thats over 1.25" shorter

 

IDK... I was thinking price. From what I've read the 225 would be just fine on an 8 inch wide tire with a pretty flat sidewall. Plus the price... It's cheaper.

Thanks again for posting some help Someday. It's appreciated. I've at least got more things to think about and consider. Maybe some more people will chime in. Take care and if you have anything other info please don't hesitate to offer it.

Any thoughts on Nankang NS-II (2) tires? They're available in 245/45/18 for $94.70 a tire? They have a pretty nice looking thread pattern.
http://www.nankang.com.tw/home.php?f...t_1&no=7&pno=1