Tire Sizes

[KWAFA]

Hi guys,

My MR-S is in need for some new tires. Currently, I have Yoko S Drives, and would be happy to purchase again. However, no one in NZ seem to stock them, especially in the OEM sizes which is 185x55x15 in the front, and 215x45x16 at the back. They are the original tires that were on the car when I imported it from Japan. (I don't drive it much)

Do you guys have an idea what alternate tire size I can use which will maintain the stagger?

I am having a hard time finding suitable tires!

[GDII]

That's a really odd staggered size. What size are the wheels? They don't appear to be OEM sizes.
I stand corrected. http://www.wheel-size.com/size/toyota/mr-s/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; But the rear tyre size is not correct.

I checked this web page which lists quite a few tyre sizes but only got one hit for fronts and nothing on the rear.

http://www.adenstyreshop.co.nz/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Grrrrrrr!]

Those are pretty odd sizes.
If you go +10mm at each end you will find it a lot easier.
195 / 50 or 55 R15 & 225/45 or 50 R16 will give you a lot more choices.

[KWAFA]

That's a really odd staggered size. What size are the wheels? They don't appear to be OEM sizes.
I stand corrected. http://www.wheel-size.com/size/toyota/mr-s/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; But the rear tyre size is not correct.

I checked this web page which lists quite a few tyre sizes but only got one hit for fronts and nothing on the rear.

http://www.adenstyreshop.co.nz/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Thanks

It's definitely the correct OEM size... the +03 had 15inch on the front and 16inch on the back, which is what I have.

Just found this site too...http://blog.tirerack.com/blog/roll-on/i ... mr2-spyder" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

He mentions going with 195x50 on the front and 205x45 at the back... but that is decreasing the rear tire and ultimately the OEM stagger by 20mm?

This is all too confusing!

[EssDub]

That's a really odd staggered size. What size are the wheels? They don't appear to be OEM sizes.
I stand corrected. http://www.wheel-size.com/size/toyota/mr-s/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; But the rear tyre size is not correct.

I checked this web page which lists quite a few tyre sizes but only got one hit for fronts and nothing on the rear.

http://www.adenstyreshop.co.nz/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Thanks

It's definitely the correct OEM size... the +03 had 15inch on the front and 16inch on the back, which is what I have.

Just found this site too...http://blog.tirerack.com/blog/roll-on/i ... mr2-spyder" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

He mentions going with 195x50 on the front and 205x45 at the back... but that is decreasing the rear tire and ultimately the OEM stagger by 20mm?

This is all too confusing!

Bullshit.

The correct sizes are:

F: 15x6JJ w/ 185/55R15

R: 16x7JJ w/ 215/45R16

[GDII]

I'd better do proper research next time...

Bridgestone RE040 are that size for the rear. Website says they are for the MR2

http://www.bridgestone.co.nz/tyres/bran ... &x=39&y=10" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Front tyres are the same.

http://www.bridgestone.co.nz/tyres/bran ... 5&x=34&y=8" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[EssDub]

Yup, the RE040 was what our new MR2 Spyder came with direct from the dealer. They were the only tyre specified for the model apon its release.

Of course, that was ever such a long time ago... tyres have become somewhat... better since.

[mickeyduck]

I run RE040 on my T-top AW11SC and they are great both wet and dry. RE002 perhaps a little better, certainly cheaper. RE11 much better again. S001 a whole jump up from that. Bound to be lots of other good ones around too. Never had a problem with Potenzas myself. Whatever you do don't skimp on the rubber, and as evidenced by later SW and the MRS rims, run at least 10% wider on the back. That is if you want to enjoy your 2 and see it survive.

[GDII]

Looks like RE040 is the only bridgestone tyre in 215/45R16.

[Benckj]

I am having a hard time finding suitable tires!

There lies the problem which is why many of us switch wheels and go for larger dia. Really need to source the tyre size availability first then look for the wheels to suit. Could always import from the US like Graham in OZ does but that's not always practical.

If sticking with the 16's in rear go a little wider with a 225/45/16 such as a Kumo KU31.

http://tyreshoponline.co.nz/shop/catalo ... earch.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[EssDub]

Federal 595 RS-R/Evo
Federal 595 SS
Kuhmo KU36
Kuhmo KU31
Bridgestone Turanza
Potenza RE002
Toyo T1R
Toyo Proxis4

blah blah...

There are plenty of tyres in this size available, you just need to look a bit harder and shop around to get people to let you know what they can get.

Most places won't stock 'oddball' sizes like this now (as well as 225/50/15s) because the demand is just not there. You can be almost sure that if its listed, they should be able to order them in for you. Whether or not they charge you a premium to do so is up to the retailer

[KWAFA]

Looks like RE040 is the only bridgestone tyre in 215/45R16.

Yep, and it is the OEM tyre for the car... however, they are $305 each! And by reading reviews, they are not that great a tyre either.

[KWAFA]

Just a quick update on this...

Had the Bridgestone RE-002's fitted today.

195x50x15 in front
205x45x16 in rear

First impressions are that it feels quite twitchy, and the car seems to be pulling to the left. However, I suspect it's tyre pressures. Will check these on the way home. Hopefully this will sort it.

[GDII]

If you just got them put on they should all be the same. You should get a wheel alignment with new tyres. Did the tyre shop say it was pulling left? They usually tell me if something isn't quite right before they hand it back.

[flying_wedge]

They are a good tyre.
Did you get a wheel alignment at the same time?
New tyres do take a few k's to bed in too, can be a bit greasy and slippery until then. Check your pressures and go from there.
Are those sizes the same as factory? Changing the sizes will make it handle different if they are different to what you had on there before too.