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Stock rims have a 4 x 108mm bolt pattern, with a +42 offset. They are also available in 14" Steelies with hubcaps, 15", 16", and 17"

The Stock tire size on a 15" rim is 195/60/15, wheras the 17" on an SVT uses a 205/45 17 or a 215/45/17, depending on the brand of tire eing used.

When you are shopping for aftermarket rims, remember that only rims with a 4 x108mm bolt pattern will work, and that you need a offset of +40-+42 for them to fit properly under the wheel wells.

Ummm, there's a lot more info to this stuff, but I figured that it would be good to know for some that might wanna know...
good post!
The stock 14" steel wheel comes with 185/65R14 rubber.

It's also NOT common knowledge (to everyone) that a stock 14" wheel/tire combo can easily fit in the spare tire well in the trunk of the sedan Focus. It would seem logical that it would fit in the ZX3/5 as well, then. This is a heck of a lot safer than the stupid little donut that comes from the factory.
45's work well. :lol:
Stock SVT = 17" 49mm offset... weight i believe is 22lb.

Tires 215/45/17

Stock Tires: Continental ContiSport Contacts
The stock 16" wheels take 205/50R16 though other sizes are possible:

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

Wheel weights:

http://www.superhonda.com/tech/wheel_weights.html

Lots of "tech":

http://www.rsracing.com/tech-wheel.html
2001 ZTS,Aug 31 2005, 09:15 AM Wrote:The stock 16" wheels take 205/50R16 though other sizes are possible:

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

Wheel weights:

http://www.superhonda.com/tech/wheel_weights.html

Lots of "tech":

http://www.rsracing.com/tech-wheel.html
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We need hard links to these things on this site.
working on it.
what about the hub size?
Smallest rim size for a SVTF is 16" You need it to clear the front brakes. Also 4x108 bolt pattern is the same as 4x4-1/4" bolt pattern.
Umm, my ZX3 came with a 15" spare with a 60 series donut...I forgot this, and wasn't reminded until I went to put my fith 17" rim under the floor, and saw it wouldn't fit...oops...lol
Is anyone using 205/45R17 on there ZX3's or sedans? I have a 17x7 wheel with 215/40R17 rubber and I'm thinking of swapping to 205/45R17's because they are so much cheaper. Anyone using the 205/45's out there and how do ya like 'em?
I may run 195/55/15 tires for winter because I have them from my Protege5.

The diameter difference is 1.95cm smaller for the 195/55/15
The speedo should be off a tiny bit at hiway speeds (1- 2 km/h)

Anyone advise against this? instead of running stock 195/60/15 ?
Nutella,Jul 7 2007, 11:02 AM Wrote:I may run 195/55/15 tires for winter because I have them from my Protege5.

The diameter difference is 1.95cm smaller for the 195/55/15
The speedo should be off a tiny bit at hiway speeds (1- 2 km/h)

Anyone advise against this? instead of  running stock 195/60/15 ?
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for snow, the thinner the tire the better. The weight of the car is more concentrated, making the tire plow through, not on top of the snow.
oldeguy,Jul 7 2007, 11:10 AM Wrote:for snow, the thinner the tire the better. The weight of the car is more concentrated, making the tire plow through, not on top of the snow.
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Tire width is identical for 195/60/15 vs. 195/55/15
only difference is sidewall height. works out to almost 2cm smaller for the latter
Nutella,Jul 8 2007, 11:38 AM Wrote:
oldeguy,Jul 7 2007, 11:10 AM Wrote:for snow, the thinner the tire the better. The weight of the car is more concentrated, making the tire plow through, not on top of the snow.
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Tire width is identical for 195/60/15 vs. 195/55/15
only difference is sidewall height. works out to almost 2cm smaller for the latter
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another way to get that lowered look :lol:
Is it true that it's better to drive on narrower rather than wider tires during winter? ie. 195 rather than 205 because supposedly you're getting better grip
Cut down better in the snow.
so it's a 'you'll slice better with a sharper knife' analogy?
You got it sharper the better. Though I never could really comprhend this reasoning, but if it's not broken don't fix it.
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