changing tires and would like to know how much larger I can go
without any problems. am running 195-55-16 run-flats now and
would appreciate any information here. recommendations will be
greatly appreciated too....

thanks

 

What is your budget?
What kind of driving do you do- street only, track, autocross, driving school?
How many miles do you drive per year?
What is your weather- any light snow or heavy rains?
How long do you want it to last- does it matter?
How do you prioritize these tire traits: Performance Dry, Performance wet, comfort, longevity, noise, price?

Why do you think you need larger (you mean wider) tires?
What suspension do you have now and what are your plans for upgrading it (lowering your car in the future).

Depending on your priorities and budget then certain tires would apply. The range is very very large for 16" wheels. All the way up to about $140 per tire. Some wear very fast needing to be changed about once yearly but offer superior handling in all conditions. The softer the rubber the better it handles and the faster it wears and the more it can cost.

For stock 16" wheels common tire sizes are 205/55-16 or 205/50-16

Check out the Potenza RE-050A Pole position for $126 each comes in 205/55-16 and 225/50-16. 140 treadwear AA traction 24 to 26 pounds

Consider the Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3 (various sizes available):
205/50-16 for $114 23 pounds 24.1" outer tire diameter
205/55-16 for $131 22 pounds 24.9" outer tire diameter
215/40-16 for $134 19 pounds 22.8" outer tire diameter
225/50-16 for $89 23 pounds 24.9" outer tire diameter
All with 280 treadwear AA traction (Max Performance summer tire)
Various speed ratings from W to Y or Z.

Talk to Alex@tirerack.com for more details and options.

 

Yesterday I had 4 new tires installed on my stock MCSCa. I went with the 205/50-16 sized Bridgestone Potenza G009 tires. What a difference non-runflats make!

I immediately noticed a less harsh ride and MUCH quieter. Handling is not quite as crisp - but certainly not shabby.

My reasons for the G009 tire - a 50,000 treadwear warranty, highly rated on TireRack and good performance.

If you are looking for performance tires (not ultra-performance!) with longevity as an important feature, I think you should look at the G009. Also, the slight increase in size only translates to <2% loss in speedo accuracy. The miata web site calculator indicated that at 60mph on speedo the actual speed is 59.1 mph. I can live with that.

 

Looking at tirerack.com in 205/50-16 with lower prices

In Ultra High Performance summer tires-
General Exclaim UHP $68 each 380 tread AA traction W speed rated 19 lbs
Avon Tech M500 $81 each 280 tread AA traction W speed rated 21 lbs

In Ultra High Performance All season tires-
Pirelli PZero Nero M&S $101 each 400 tread A traction W speed rated 22 lbs
Kumho Ecsta ASX $69 420 tread AA traction W speed rated 20 lbs
In 205/55-16
Bridgestone Potenza RE960AS Pole Position $108 each
400 tread AA traction W speed rated 24 lbs

In High Performance All season tires-
Bridestone Potenza G009 $94 460 tread A traction H speed rated 22 lbs
BF Goodrich Traction T/A V $103 440 tread AA traction V Speed rated 22lbs

----------------
For just street driving and for use in dry and wet conditions (common in California and south or western states)
The best blend of performance, treadlife, comfort and price is usually offered in Ultra High Performance All Season tires.
Then it depends on which size you choose what would be available. I suggest you pick a tire then a size.

For example in UHPAS tires consider the
Bridgestone Potenza RE960AS which comes in 205/55-16 at a price that is close to
Pirelli PZero Nero M&S which comes in 205/50-16.

205/50-16 and 205/55-16 both work for stock 16" rims
205/50-16 looks more aggressive on lower profile, can weigh a little less, might cost a little less but might ride a little rougher and offer a little better cornering. It is also a little smaller than stock outer tire diameter but very close.

For street use with emphasis on performance try 205/50-16 while for street with emphasis on comfort try 205/55-16. Treadwear numbers are for comparison and not reliable to predict your actual tire life. Y and W rated tires offer more performance than H rated tires like the Bridgestone Potenza G009.

 

All of this info will help very much in choosing tires for my '05 MC.
We are basic street drivers with more spirited driving on the weekends
during club runs. The wife drives during the week and the MC is mine on
the weekends for all the fun stuff.

Thanks again my MINI brothers

Rick in California