Can someone please give me a definative answer to this? I have an 03mc, want to replace the 195 55 16 runflats with standard tires. Can I use the 16" wheels that the run flats were mounted on? Is this the best way to go, with standard tires? What size would you recommend for the standard tires, 215 45 16? or the 205 45 16?

Input would be much appreciated.

 

I have an 03 MC also. I plan on keeping the stock 16" rims when I get new tires. They are a bit heavy, but I can live with that.

www.tirerack.com has lots of information and pictures of tires and wheels. Check it out.

Not sure about the tire size, but I plan on using a 50 series tire rather than 45. I think more tire between the rim and the pavement helps prevent the dreaded "mushrooming" of the upper strut mounts.

 

Thanks for the info. I have been to Tire rack site. You are right, the 50 series is the way to go. Does tire pressure monitoring system only work with the run flats?

 

The indicator works with standard tires as well.

I have 205/45 17 and this has worked for me the one time I picked up a screw. There was so little difference that it wasn't obvious but the indicator told me that something wasn't right.

Jim

 

Thanks. Any suggestion for a standard 16" tire. Size, type.

 

Lots of info in the tires, wheels and brakes forum.
In that forum, just do a search on 205/50 and you'll see lots of options/opinions.

If your goal is to keep the stock diameter, you want to run either
205/50-16 <- just slightly (1.5%) smaller than stock
205/55-16 <- just slightly (1.8%) larger than stock

A 205/45-16 would be 4.8% smaller
A 215/45-16 would be 3.4% smaller
See the miata tire size calculator for more options.

Yes, you can use the OEM wheels, they fit standard tires just fine. Recommend you get a tire plug kit and a small compressor in case of a flat in a remote area.
The TPMS uses the ABS sensors to detect the relative speed of the wheels (a deflated wheel will spin faster), so yes, it works with standard tires as well.