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I'm wanting to put 205/55/15 tyres on my car and don't want to break the bank. Short list so far:
Bridgestone Supercat $157
Federal 535 $175
Kumho KH18 $125
Toyo TEO $180

Any other suggestions?

CoachOz wrote:Any other suggestions?

Yep, unless you have bought 15" rims for those rough roads, your NB8B has 16" rims.

Do a forum search as tyres have been discussed in full elsewhere here, though maybe not for ride.

Did you check your shocks?

PS. Sorry to tell you there has never been a 2000 "Special Edition" MX-5. Going on your photo you have a stock NB8B with aftermarket leather and door inserts. Not being smart just telling you so you know.

Or you could fit 205/50R15s and save alot of coin. 205/55R15s a rare and hence cost a mint.

Thanks but I'm trying to maximise the rubber between the rim and the road to improve the ride on our lousy local roads. The other alternative is 195/55/15

195 55 15 are going to have a similar height side wall to a 205 50 15.

the 50 bit is a ratio to the width of the tyre.

look at the rolling diameter of the tyre and you will see what I mean.

a 225 50 15 is going to be about 20 or so mm taller 205 50 15.

195 55 15 is going to be about 10mm taller than 205 50 15.

205 50 15 will be about the same taller than 195 50 15

I'm aware of that - more cushioning and slightly higher gearing - thanks

I hooked my car up with 4 x Toyo TEO Plus and I am very happy with them, heard good things about them too. But I note that they are the most expensive tyre on your list.

I'm after tyres for the family car at present and Pirelli are doing good deals on the P7 at present, I have been quoted $174 for 225/60x17 so it might be worth asking the question.

Cheers
Dale

I also put Teo plus on my Magna after a recommendation from my son.
Very happy though I'd have doubts about their suitability for an MX5

Sailor, how come?

I just have the feeling that they need a little weight over them to deliver.
Not unusual for a tyre to suit one size car better than others.

Just a feeling that's all...I'd probably be looking at a higher performance tyre on a 5 that's all.

Personally, I am not a fan of teh TEO plus. Had them on a forester.. Granted, they were better than the Bridgestone D684's, but were not a confidence inspiring tyre for handling.

I think once you drive the car as it is intended, you'll want a more performance based tyre.. otherwise I feel it'll be quite tail happy and fidgety with mid corner changes...

but, that's just my opinion.

Just to put it out there also. Tyres only really account for 10-15% of your comfort. The suspension is where most of your comfort will be found. But you wanna sacrifice handling for comfort?

project.r.racing wrote:Just to put it out there also. Tyres only really account for 10-15% of your comfort. The suspension is where most of your comfort will be found. But you wanna sacrifice handling for comfort?

Unless you've got an NA6.