Tire Question
 

Well I haven't quite figured out all that is involved with picking the 'right' tire size (hell I finally think I got offsets and width and bolt pattern for wheels down...haha) so I bring my question to you.

I am currently running 205/50/16's on a 16x7 with +45 offset wheel at stock height and love the look. OK, ok I could drop it a little, just need a little convincing. ;)

What I am wondering is how will a 195/50/16 look on the wheel? I know these were the stock size on the P5 but IIRC the stock wheel is 16x6. Am I right that this size tire will look 'stretched' on the rim or possibly not even fit?

IMO 205/40 would look better. But you gotta drop it.
195/50s are a pain in the a$$ to find and they are always more expensive.

ASX 195/50-16s are reasonably priced at the tire rack.

On my Miata I ran 195/50-15s on 7" rims and it looked great with the stock Michelins and Pirelli P700Zs (long discontinued). It looked decent with Kumho 712s (also discontinued).

The look will depend on the type of tire as much as the size. If you go for 195s, make sure its actual measured treadwidth is 7+ inches and has an aggressive-looking shoulder.

205/45R16s were made for 16x7s and are cheap, too. Good luck!

Thanks Josh.....so if I am interpeting this correctly, then the ASX should look/fit ok?

Section width is bolded...couldn't find anything on tread width.

From Kumho's site:
195/50R16 84W BSW 5.5 - 7.0 23.7 7.9 on 6.0 10 420 AA/A 18.6

From Tirerack:
7.9"

I hear ya on the 205/45 but I found a local killer deal for the 195/50's ($100 for 4)and want to make sure they will fit properly and look good too.

Yeah, would def. need a drop with a 205/40. I know all about looking for 195/50's, that's why I chose the 205/50's last year as a replacement. See my post above for why I ask. :)

I'm not sure how the ASX will look--I haven't seen 195s mounted on 7" rims. With my rubbing I considered getting 195/50s, but decided to pursue other solution methods for fear of stretched-looking tires.

Damn, I spend too much time thinking about this stuff. =/

Be careful not to confuse section width (the maximum width of the tire when mounted on the indicated rim (6" for 195s), which accounts for sidewall bulge) with tread width, which is less than the section width. Tread width may or may not be 195mm or 205mm or whatever the manufacturer states.

I think aMaff had 205 azenis whose treads were an inch wider than some other 205s.

Also, that 7.9" section width is measured on a 6" rim, so on a 7" rim the section width will be greater.
At $25 each, maybe it's worth it just to try? Are you a gambling man? :)

After some more debate and research I am thinking I will pass them up. I fear they will look stretched due to the max. rim width range being 7". That and I can't find anything on tread width other than that it is used to compare tires from the same manufacturer and several don't release the specs. Yeah, I also remember reading where someone (amaff?) had the super wide 205's.

As for gambling, I do occasionally but for this I would rather spend some more money and do it right the first time!

Yeah, I think 16x7s are great for 205/45s and 215/45s, but they kinda limit us 50-series guys; 6-6.5" is better.

That's one reason I'm seeking a set of '06 Miata 16x6.5s. I'll likely drop back down to 195/50s with those. A tad less sidewall and more slush-cutting prowess than my 205s.

The only problem with 195/50's is your choices are limited as far as tire makers. I would recommend not going back to the Dunlops. Those things are shit in my opinion.

195/50R16 selection isn't bad:

Kumho ASX and SPT
Falken 912
Toyo Proxes 4 and T1R
Dunlop Direzza DZ101
Continental ContiSportContact
Michelin Pilot Exalto PE2 and A/S
Yokohama ADVAN A048

and others...

See, when I was lookin Kumho wasn't even making one and the YOKOs were outlandishly priced. Yeah, it's not bad now.