I have a 91 with a 1.8 swap, flying miata turbo kit, and countless other upgrades (including a 97 lsd swap). Making around 230whp, I am currently running old all season Falken tires at 205/50 on a 15/x8 wheel. It's been good for sliding around, however I want to start actually driving the car more and putting the power down, but I lose traction constantly. This is for 98% street use. Given I don't have a working ABS or anything of that nature, its getting a little dangerous feeling, I have to constantly be especially careful with the throttle.

I wanted to pickup some Falken RT660s in 225/45-15 however discount tire won't allow me to purchase them online (not an appropriate size they say for the car). I also have a molded widebody so there is some extra room under the fenders.

So my question is, would a 205 tire (say the ECS) have enough traction for my use case and greatly limit the slipping, or do I need a 225 with 200tw? I live in a very hot place with little to no rain.

 

Without knowing exactly which tire you currently have, then we cant say whether the ECS is an upgrade at all.

I would blindly recommend 225/45 or 245/40/15 200tw for street use at that power.

 

First, I'd start with a 225 size tire, I think you'd easily overpower a 205.

Second, screw Discount Tire. Buy the tires from Tire Rack and use one of their recommended installers.

I bought 245s from TR and did what I mentioned above. After the fact, the folks at the local Discount Tire told me they would have sold and mounted the 245s if I came in and asked. I told them that they're losing customers because of their stupid policies.

 

245/40/15 on 15x9 at minimum. Rolled fenders and you can sorta squeeze onto 15x9.5. 15x10 fastest and best handling but requires flares.
225/45/15 on 15x9 an easy fit but your car could definitely use 245's. That's why we asked Maxxis to make them a decade ago when we started making 15x10's.

 

Thank you!

You're right, I just wanted to use them so the tires could be shipped directly to their store, so it's easier. I'll call them and ask if I fudge my car online, if they will install them. If not, tire rack it is!

I have molded widebody fenders already, so it shouldn't be a problem regardless. Does a 15x9 support 225s better than a 15x8?

 

To get the most grip from any radial, follow our 1:1 rule: Wheel should be at least as wide as measured tread width.
So specifically, yes, 225's are faster on 9's

 

Tirerack will ship to who ever you want, to have them installed even if they aren't listed. Makes it very easy.

 

As a local independent tire store owner, TireRack is both a blessing and a curse. They do an exceptional job at competing against their dealers and preferred installers.

shop local, there’s probably an enthusiast from a local car club working behind a chain store counter or running an Indy shop.