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Tires and big horse power

Old 05-12-2010, 05:06 PM
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Default Tires and big horse power

A few of you know my build and have been following it over in the build section.

For those that don't, I have a '91 that I have swapped a honda s2000 drive train into. I am now in the process of turbocharging the car. Depending on the boost I will have between 350 and 450 rwhp.

I am trying to work out a tire selection for my project. I would like to run 6ul wheels, the question is 8" or 9" I have 225/45/15 rs3 tires sitting in my garage, my tuner kind of laughed at me when I told him what I wanted to run for tires. He thinks that I will easily over power this little amount of tire.

So the question is what should I run for tire? I would love to keep the car stock in appearance (no flares) as I may be moving the entire conversion into a 99 in about a year. I know that 9" wheels are going to require rolling the fenders and a small pull for clearance. Not sure I want to do this either, but may not have a choice.

If I decide to keep the NA what are the best flare choices? I am thinking something along the line of tuckin 99's or autokonexion flares. If I go to a NB body what kind of rubber could I fit.

Please keep in mind that this car is not a track weapon so I need tires that are designed for street use. I have a SM that I drive on the track. It will see the track on rare occasion but only for 3 or 4 laps at a time.

Any input is greatly appreciated.
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Old 05-12-2010, 05:10 PM
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For street tires, there isnt much above a 225 until you get to 17" wheels.

Not optimal for miata at all, but there isnt much demand for anything like a 255/35/15 for someone to make and make a reasonable profit off of.
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Old 05-12-2010, 06:53 PM
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I overpower 225 RS2s with <250 whp.
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Old 05-12-2010, 07:01 PM
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You are going to need some gummy *** slicks imo. That beast of yours will absolutely liquify the tires IMO.


I'd pm some of the bigger turbo guys in here over 400whp and ask them what they use.
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Old 05-12-2010, 07:02 PM
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I hook pretty well on 205/40/17 m/t drag radials with around 250-280ish, and my street tires are some weird brand, but they hook amazing. I'd say go for some nice 255's.
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Old 05-12-2010, 07:03 PM
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Originally Posted by kotomile
I overpower 225 RS2s with <250 whp.
Yeah, not quite sure what I am going to do about traction. I will be running 3.636 gears but that is not going to help much.

As I said I am thinking about moving the swap to a 99. Has anyone put 17's under big flares? Anyone have any pictures?
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Old 05-12-2010, 07:47 PM
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Start looking at the tire compound, size means very little if it isn't sticky.

http://www.mickeythompsontires.com/s...StreetRadialII

Last edited by JayL; 05-12-2010 at 08:06 PM.
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Old 05-12-2010, 07:59 PM
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Maybe check with the V8 swap crowd and see what's working well for them?
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Old 05-12-2010, 08:12 PM
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Either do drag radials, R-comps, or learn some restraint with the throttle in the first 2 or 3 gears.
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Old 05-12-2010, 09:10 PM
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Originally Posted by JayL
Start looking at the tire compound, size means very little if it isn't sticky.

http://www.mickeythompsontires.com/s...StreetRadialII

Yep I know that, just trying to figure out what the other guys are running.

I know that I am going to have to practice throttle modulation in order to get the car to hook. It will definitely be a learning experience.
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Old 05-12-2010, 09:53 PM
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I am going with 225/45/15 RS3's on 15x8 6UL's (just decided this) for DD tires. Had them on the turbo car and they were fine. I also picked up an additional pair of 15x8's and will be adding a pair of Mickey Thompson ET Street Drag Radials for maximum stick when I want to go fast in a straight line. I know that some of the V8 Miata guys run the ET Streets full time on the rear. They are only available in 225/50/15, though.

I will be in the low 300's WHP, 320-330 TQ on my V8 Miata.
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Old 05-13-2010, 01:17 AM
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The 15x8 is how I was leaning, as they wont require any massaging of the body. I was throwing out some different scenarios to see what others thought; sometimes it helps to get others perspectives and inputs.

As far as the MT's go, Im not sure I want to run a 225/50. Although the traction would be nice, I don't think I want that much side wall.
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Old 05-13-2010, 12:43 PM
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205 50 and 225 50 are about your only options for a 15" drag radial in any brand. i used to have some 225 50 hoosiers that hooked pretty fkn hard at the track, but they were 99% slicks no tread pattern on them at all.
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Old 05-13-2010, 12:48 PM
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Originally Posted by kotomile
I overpower 225 RS2s with <250 whp.
+1 (well.. i DID, when it wasn't covered in dust sitting in my shop...)
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Old 05-13-2010, 11:40 PM
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245/35-17 R1Rs FTW
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Old 05-14-2010, 01:19 AM
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17's really are not an option on the NA the wheel is to big, not a look that I care for, though some may.
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Old 05-14-2010, 08:32 AM
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Have to work with what they make. I agree on the looks part, but they will fit.
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Old 05-14-2010, 08:42 AM
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Originally Posted by wnwright
Have to work with what they make. I agree on the looks part, but they will fit.
Some 17''s look pretty decent.

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Old 05-14-2010, 09:32 AM
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Wheels look good, but then the brakes look small.
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Old 05-14-2010, 10:12 AM
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You're gonna have to comprimise somewhere. Either play with the throttle all the time like a damn supra in low gears or grow some bawlz and get some flares and tires
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