Tire size 195-55-16; what else can I use?

195-55-16 is the stock size for the 02 MCS. Can I run 195-50-16 without issue (I realize the speedo will be off)? What about load rating? The stock is an 87, when I go down to the 50 size, most of the ratings drop to 84 which is about 100LBS less load per tire.

The other option is go to 205-50-16. That's just slightly smaller diameter, but obviously wider. Load ratings are mostly 87. I'm running stock suspension, though I do want to add the Ireland Engineer -1.5 camber tops. Any thoughts on fit? Rubbing issues?

Cheers,

Jeff

I run my MCS on 205/50/16. I wouldn't worry about load rating at all. Mine don't come remotely close to rubbing with the stock springs.

We're running 205/50-16 tires as well. Star Specs on one car, old (NLA) Goodyear GS-D3's on the other. No issues other than it's becoming increasingly harder to find tires in that size.

205/55/16 is a more common size... dont know if that will fit your car though.

Use this to figure it out:

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

225/45/16 is another dying size with a few offerings left.

driver109x wrote: 205/55/16 is a more common size... dont know if that will fit your car though.

I've seen this size on MINIs. It looks... Odd. 225/50-16 (same o.d.) as well. The o.d. is about 25".

The 24" o.d. is getting hard to find. It's frustrating (an E30 tire is the same size).

205/50/16 on my '06 S on stock wheels