Which tires for 14" rims? [Archive] (2024)

jake123

23rd September 2018, 09:11

Wyldesoul

23rd September 2018, 11:05

A copy paste from a previous commenter asking this, but I still like helping:

You have basically 4 choices (with a couple personal pref variations for some of those choices) for 14" tires for a Miata:

A track day, all out, summer Extreme Performance tire. These are tires that will put down near R Comp levels of grip, but still can be driven on the street. These tires will be loud, they will be harsh, they will not last long, they will be uncomfortable, and they won't do good in incliment weather. But oh do they grip. They will rip your face off in the corners.
The two tires that are available that will fit are the:
185/60R14 Dunlop Z3 (https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Dunlop&tireModel=Direzza+ZIII&sidewall=Blackwall&partnum=86HR4Z3&)
or the:
195/60R14 Falken Azenis RT615K+ (https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Falken&tireModel=Azenis+RT615K%2B&sidewall=Blackwall&partnum=96HR4RT615KP&)

Next up, you have the 185/60R14 Ohtsu FP612 A/S (https://www.discounttiredirect.com/buy-tires/ohtsu-tire-fp0612-a-s/p/31084). Now this tire seems a bit sketch, but hear me out.
Ohtsu is the "budget" brand of Sumitomo, one o the world's largest tire companies. Also owned by Sumitomo is their "performance" brand, Falken.
There was a great little tire that used to be sold by Falken, the Zeix ZE912 A/S. This tire was better than it had any right to be, and while it was technically an all season, it was really a summer tire.
That lovely little ZE912 was even tested by Grassroots Motorsports, and came out to be a higher performance tire than the beloved S.Drive (https://grassrootsmotorsports.com/articles/cheap-skates/) (which is a UHP Summer tire).
So, one of the folks on this forum noticed the tread pattern of the Ohtsu 612 was identical to the Falken 912, and contacted Sumitomo about it.

That person got verification that not only is the Ohtsu 612 the same tread pattern, it uses the same rubber compound and carcass construction as the 912 in its low profile, UHP form. (the 912 in 55 series sidewall and up used a harder compound and came with a 60k warranty, while the 912 in low profile had a softer construction and only a 40k warranty).

So... The Ohtsu FP612 is in fact the exact same tire that won the GRM "Cheap Skates" competition, re-released under their budget brand after it was discontinued as a Falken.

Next on down the line, you have the Grand Touring tire. These are tires meant for "sporty sedans", such as low end BMWs, or high end Accords. While these don't perform like a real performance tire, they actually aren't bad at all, and have been the only available all season "performance" tire for the 14" miata for several years now. Lots of people drive on them, and find them plenty sporty for a stock Miata.
The two main choices are:
185/60R14 General Altimax RT43 (https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=General&tireModel=AltiMAX+RT43+(H-+or+V-Speed+Rated)&sidewall=Blackwall&partnum=86HR4AMRT43&) (The slightly grippier choice)
Or:
185/60R14 Kumho Sense (https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Kumho&tireModel=Sense&sidewall=Blackwall&partnum=86HR4KR26V2&)(this is the lighter and more "nimble" of the two. In fact, when paired with an ultra light wheel like the RPF1, it's the lightest possible wheel/tire you can get for a Miata, and that's pretty nice!)

Next on down the line, you can get just a normal all season touring tire. Mild drivers find these "sporty" enough, and the low grip they have can mean they're fun in the corners (especially if you like to slide).
In that size, just go with something from a reputable company. Don't go for a Chinese brand, trust me. To be honest, anything off of Tire Rack would work fine, even the Riken Raptor. I love tire rack that, unlike many other retailers, they refuse to sell Cheap Chinese Junk brand tires. (Brands like Aspen, Westlake, Goodride, LingLong, Milestar... They're all the same company. A company so bad that "brand recognition" is a BAD thing, so they keep releasing new labels to sell their tires under.)

I hope that helps!

With your descriptor, I would encourage you to go with either the Ohtsu or one of the Grand Touring tires. Those would do best for driving described as "slightly spirited cruising around town". Depending on how spirited you consider "slightly spirited", if you want the higher performance Ohtsu, or the better road manners of the Altimax or Sense.

jake123

23rd September 2018, 20:40

Thanks! I tried search but maybe searching the wrong words.

The Ohtsu I think fits the bill.

Wyldesoul

24th September 2018, 17:03

Thanks! I tried search but maybe searching the wrong words.

The Ohtsu I think fits the bill.

No worries! I'm happy to help.

Bdiz

4th October 2018, 11:21

MX5HIGH

4th October 2018, 11:37

I bought these from Amazon delivered to my garage and have put approx 2000 miles on them and they are great.

https://www.amazon.com/Cooper-CS3-Touring-Radial-Tire/dp/B00K80WFH8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1538666917&sr=8-1&keywords=Cooper+CS3+Touring+Touring+Radial+Tire+-+185%2F60R14+82H

https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-hwvKjBR/0/3ebd2dac/L/i-hwvKjBR-L.jpg (https://curtisbrinkley.smugmug.com/Miata/n-24F2hC/i-hwvKjBR/A)

93miataman

5th October 2018, 00:38

jake123

5th October 2018, 09:12

CStett

5th October 2018, 17:47

I got the new Ohtsu's mounted on the rims now. Also had a chance to really clean up the rims and lug nuts. Need to respray a coat of black back on the daisey rims. First paint from 15 years ago lasted quite a long time, but getting new balance weights it needs some touch up.

Driving impressions?

jake123

5th October 2018, 21:32

brothergrim

6th October 2018, 01:56

CStett

6th October 2018, 12:36

I’m running the 195/60/14 on BBS wheels, slightly wider wheel at 6” rather than 5.5” for daisies, and if you go that way I will say that you will be happy, those tires fulfill your brief. I can’t say about longevity yet, I’ve only had them for a year, they’re not harsh at all, the grip is huge though, great fun. The reason tires like this get a bad rap for harshness is because they’ve coupled with too harsh suspensions without required compliance for fast road driving. Roads here in the north end of LA are awful mostly, with exception being the roads you see on YouTube, Big Tujunga etc, or the nicer bits of town. I run Koni sports set to nearly the softest and it can take railway crossings at nearly full speed. I’ve been in some lowered cars, Miata included that would break in two if they tried that. I’ve owned a few, I’m sure. I have some extra bracing added but nothing crazy, no butterfly braces. Other than that car is a little lighter than stock, probably 80lb to 100lbs less than factory fresh. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181006/b9a46f18ec3fa4265a90ef0477be63c4.jpg

Which tires are you talking about?

brothergrim

6th October 2018, 13:40

Which tires are you talking about?

RT615+

Maneki_Neko

6th October 2018, 15:49

RT615+

Oh, Falken Azenis +. Yes. I have a set of Daisies that I keep fitted with these for use in the canyons.

The Azenis + are an unusual tire in that they are not a directional tire, and they have an asymmetric tread, with a big shoulder to the outside. The shoulder gives bite to the outer tire in a turn. And it really does work. Noisy. Yes. Rough. Yes. Awful in rain, pretty much. Not so good on sand over tarmac. But lots of grip on clean black top. They have less side wall structure than a Direzza ZIII, so they are a little less harsh, and have a little softer turn in. For driving the canyons, the Azenis + is one of my favorite tires.

The Azenis do not last long. The roads here in the mountains have gravel embedded in the tarmac that is very sharp. So the mountain roads around here destroy tires. I get about 4,000 to 5,000 miles out of the rear tires. Probably 5,000 to 6,000 out of the fronts. The Direzzas last a little longer. I do tend to 'slip' the rears a bit in the corners, just a few percent, just below the point at which they squeal. But I do not 'drift' them. And still I spend almost as much on tires as I do on gas. Some roads are hard on tires.

Wyldesoul

6th October 2018, 20:23

RT615+

Ah, the driving impressions question was about the Falken Zeix 912, or as it's called these days, the Ohtsu FP612.

Maneki_Neko

9th October 2018, 13:19

Ah, the driving impressions question was about the Falken Zeix 912, or as it's called these days, the Ohtsu FP612.

I would be interested in that too. Have you found any commentary?

The Ohtsu tires are incredibly light, so on county roads the rebound rate is going to be really swift, and spin up and spin down will require far less torque. This is very positive.

On the flip side at that weight and price they cannot have much in the way of a side wall, which at 60% wall and no stretch in the rim (Daisies are 5.5"?) side wall flex is a worry. My own concern about tires with so little 'build' in them, is that there is typically not enough belting to keep the contact patch flat, with the consequence that I tend to wear the shoulders off them in as little as a single afternoon of canyon driving. Local mountain roads are constructed with fractured granite for 'fill', which is sharp, and these roads are harder on tires than the pavement you would find, for instance, on an interstate.

The number of tires for our Daisy wheels is getting really, really small. If you have a reason for wanting the car to look dead-stock, even when, or especially because, it isn't, then choices are few. In the single digits really.

Wyldesoul

9th October 2018, 17:33

I've got an excellent comparo on the Zeix 912 in 195/50R15, and I've got someone's post from when the contacted Sumitomo, who verified that the Ohtsu 612 is the exact same tire as the "low profile" Zeix 912.

(see my original reply up top of this thread for the link to the head to head between the Zeix 912 and the S.Drive, among others).

As far as my general opinion, I was happy with them. They were quite responsive and progressive, and had impressive dry grip, though they did lack a bit in the wet grip category, especially when it got cold.

Do NOT treat these tires like an "all season". They are a summer tire that doesn't get dangerous in the cold, but it is NOT good in the snow, even compared to other all season tires (not to mention snow tires).

Overall, I can see them being a favorite tire for 14" Miata drivers who don't need massive grip, and don't want to deal with the terrible ride quality and tread life that comes with a "200tw" track day tire, but want a proper performance tire. (unfortunately, the Grand Touring tires like the Altimax RT43 and Kumho Sense just don't quite fit the bill of a proper performance tire, though they are not as bad as the "200tw snobs" make them out to be)

Maneki_Neko

10th October 2018, 00:47

I've got an excellent comparo on the Zeix 912 in 195/50R15, and I've got someone's post from when the contacted Sumitomo, who verified that the Ohtsu 612 is the exact same tire as the "low profile" Zeix 912.

(see my original reply up top of this thread for the link to the head to head between the Zeix 912 and the S.Drive, among others).

As far as my general opinion, I was happy with them. They were quite responsive and progressive, and had impressive dry grip, though they did lack a bit in the wet grip category, especially when it got cold.

Do NOT treat these tires like an "all season". They are a summer tire that doesn't get dangerous in the cold, but it is NOT good in the snow, even compared to other all season tires (not to mention snow tires).

Overall, I can see them being a favorite tire for 14" Miata drivers who don't need massive grip, and don't want to deal with the terrible ride quality and tread life that comes with a "200tw" track day tire, but want a proper performance tire. (unfortunately, the Grand Touring tires like the Altimax RT43 and Kumho Sense just don't quite fit the bill of a proper performance tire, though they are not as bad as the "200tw snobs" make them out to be)

Not a snob here regarding UTQG 200 tires. Because the blacktop in the mountains around here has a very mineral content of rather sharp gravel, I spent about as much on tires as I do on gas. The roads themselves provide a lot of grip on an indifferent tire, but they also destroy those tires, especially if you tend to 'slip' them just a little in the curves, and the roads here are all curves.

So I have tried a lot of different tires, and I have a few sets of wheels with different tires fitted up. At the moment I am running Comp2s on some 15 inch wheels and Azeniz+ on some 14s. Tire pressures and negative chamber both play a big role and over the last half decade or so I feel like I kind of have that dialed in, for a relatively flat contact patch and even wear across the whole tread of the tire.

I like the Comp2s a lot as an all around tire. They are at 340 UTQG, have pretty solid belting and a fair amount of structure in the side wall. But the Comp2 is no longer produced for 14 inch wheels. Before the Comp2s I used a number of tires with less structure. The trouble I had with tires without a lot of 'build' in them, by which I mean belting and side wall structure, is that I could run the shoulders of a relatively new set of tires, right down to the cord, quite literally, in a weekend of high temperature mountain driving. In the summer pavement temperature around here goes over 100F. So that is another challenge to tire life.

America's Tire is currently selling the Ohtsu in a 185/60R14 for $32 each, or $128 for a set of four. These are 'give away' prices . . .

https://www.americastire.com/tires/brands/ohtsu-catalog?q=%3Aprice-asc%3AtireCategory%3AperformanceTires&page=0

Wyldesoul

10th October 2018, 04:26

You're not a "200tw snob".

One fool even called the Conti ExtremeContact Sport a "rock hard 340tw hockey puck" and a "no performance minivan tire" simply because it didn't have the magical (and completely meaningless) number "200" in the UTQG Treadwear rating.

"200tw snobs" are a nonsensical bunch, who think that that meaningless UTQG number is the be-all end-all for what it means to be a performance tire, despite the fact you can buy a 140tw cheap touring tire (a literal minivan tire), and that the 300tw Michelin Pilot Sport 4s actually outperforms the Azenis RT615K+ on the track.

They're also the sort of people who will scoff at installing S.Drives or BFG Comp2s, because "those belong on an old man's Buick, not a miata. If you don't need top of the line performance, the RT615K is pretty mild compared to the RE71R, and if you want comfort, the Z3 is a lot softer than the Rival.", despite all those tires being hardcore track-focused "street" tires.

So... Yeah, you're definitely NOT a "200tw snob".

Maneki_Neko

11th October 2018, 14:37

One fool even called the Conti ExtremeContact Sport a "rock hard 340tw hockey puck" and a "no performance minivan tire"

I wore out several sets of Conti EC Sports on a 325i BMW that used to be my daily driver. For a sedan that I sometimes drove on mountain roads, I liked them. The EC Sports have a 'summer' rubber compound so that they are relatively sticky for that class of tire. And they were an asymmetric tire with a bigger shoulder on the outside which helped with roll under, of the tire shoulder on the outside wheel, when cornering. They also have big sipes, so they good in the wet, or with sand over tarmac. So I liked them. At the present there are better choices for Southern California, in a 195/50R15 tire. But in a hot, wet place with sand on the roads, like Florida for instance, they would be superb.

Give how important tires are for our cars, it is astonishing to me how hard it is to find out anything about them. Forum opinions help. Tire Rack testing helps. Driving in your Miata club pals cars helps.

Designing and building a tire seems to be as much craft and art as anything else. For me, personally, getting a few sets of old rims and doing some A to B comparisons was the only way to understand my options.

I like the Comp2s a lot. The Azenis+ in 14" is a big step up in grip, at a cost in service life. Toyo R1Rs are a lot of fun. Huge grip, and not too harsh on the side walls, but they simply evaporate. I can blow through a set of R1Rs in less than five months, so R1Rs cost more than gas, per mile, given where I drive and how I drive. Star Specs have huge side wall stiffness, and that leads to a very rough ride here in the mountains. If you can live with that the grip is terrific. I have yet to try the RE-71s. I have yet to try the S-Drives, but at some point I think that I will. The price is favorable.

I wish that I could find more that is published on tire construction, and the impact of each feature of the tire on over all tire behavior. I have cross sectioned tires, using a Sawzall and a hack saw blade, and that helps a bit. Perhaps it would be interesting to start keeping a collection of cross section slices, or photos of them, to get a better grasp of the structure.

Getting the right tire for where you drive, how you drive, and how your suspension is set up, is just so important on a Miata. As with many things in Miata-land, the cars are so light that small changes in things like wheel weight, spring rate, ride height, and bump stop gap can lead to rather large differences.

Tire choice is often the difference between 'pretty good' and 'exceptional' in terms of how our cars handle.

gtxhawaii

30th November 2018, 19:46

Wyldesoul

30th November 2018, 20:07

Yeah, the Ohtsu 612 is the same thing as the Ohtsu FP612. Just a shortening of the name for brevity.

The 612 is going to be a lot better than the Sense, being as the Ohtsu FP612 is a High Performance tire that actually out performed the Yokohama S.drive, an Ultra High Performance summer tire. (look at the GRM link in my first post's quote. If that doesn't sell you on that tire, I don't know what will)

Now, on the Ohtsu FP7000...

The tread pattern looks identical to the Falken Sincera SN828, and if the Ohtsu FP612 was an indication of how Sumitomo deals with re-releasing discontinued Falkens as Ohtsus, then there isn't any reason not to belive the Ohtsu FP7000 is the same thing as the old Falken SN828.

That being said, the SN828 was just a decent "Grand Touring" tire, much like the General Altimax RT43 or the Kumho Sense.

So given the choice between the FP7000 or the FP612...

If you want a high performance tire, go for the 612, if you want a grand touring tire, go for the well known and proven Sense or RT43.

I see no reason to go for the unknown budget tire that is the Ohtsu FP7000, when even if it is the reincarnated Falken Sincera SN828, that isn't anything to write home about.

DrewNA

30th November 2018, 21:55

The best performance option is the Dunlop Direzza ZIII 185-60, they are relatively expensive though.

I have the original 14" Daisy rims. Planning to only drive the car in nice weather for slightly spirited cruising around town. Only winter use will be maneuvering in the driveway. Lower cost is always good too. Suggestions? Thanks!

Wyldesoul

30th November 2018, 22:56

The best performance option is the Dunlop Direzza ZIII 185-60, they are relatively expensive though.

Welp, I can you didn't read the thread at all.

gtxhawaii

1st December 2018, 03:02

Wyldesoul

1st December 2018, 07:50

Tire Rack doesn't sell Ohtsu, nor do the local places with decent prices, such as Walmart and Costco, nor does Amazon carry the FP612 currently. I'll keep looking for someone that actually wants to sell Ohtsus to Hawaii, but may end up with Walmart Sense tires.

Yeah, unfortunately, the Ohtsu FP612 is a Discount Tire exclusive.

I think the entire brand might be, but that I'm not sure of.

greenmeanies

28th May 2023, 10:06

Apologies for reviving a dead thread-- sorry I'm new here and this particular thread is the one Google decided to bring to the top of the list of 14" Miata wheel and tire search results!

Unfortunately I can't seem to find the aforementioned OHTSU FPO612 tires available anywhere, as if they've been discontinued and the last people who snapped them up at $32 each were getting the closeout stock.

Has anyone seen these tires available in 14" size anywhere?

adamr

28th May 2023, 22:53

Has anyone seen these tires available in 14" size anywhere?

They have been discontinued, any stock you claim to find is going to be a couple years old at best.

I highly recommend just moving up to 15s. Tire selection is infinitely better.

Maneki_Neko

29th May 2023, 10:31

They have been discontinued, any stock you claim to find is going to be a couple years old at best.

I highly recommend just moving up to 15s. Tire selection is infinitely better.

Some of us still drive on 14" Daisies. I have a few sets of rims, and I still like the Daisies from time to time.

The tire choices are very narrow. The Azenis+ is good value in a 200 UTQG tire, and works well with our cars. The Dunlop has very stiff side walls, and is a little narrow. And is a somewhat different choice in this category. Less grip than the Azenis but more agile. The Dunlop is lighter.

The Altimax is a touring tire, but it is extremely light at about 15 pounds a tire, so the frequency of response of your suspension will go higher, which is an interesting result, and increases the agility of the car.. By comparison, IIRC, the Azenis is around a 19 or 20 pound tire.

When the NA6 Miata was introduced, Mazda had Bridgestone make an especially lightweight tire for the Miata. That was the SF325 tire, which has been brought back, but is available only in Japan. These were around 16 pounds.

The Altimax is even lighter.

JAD007

29th May 2023, 11:42

yv1ax

11th June 2023, 15:31

Maneki_Neko

11th June 2023, 23:15

Anyone try Michelin Pilot Exalto available in early NA size, 185/60R14. They are available at co*ker tire at prices similar to some of the other mentioned tires. I just wish the XZX came in the right size. I always enjoyed them on my Brit car back in the day.

Interesting.

If you mean the Michelin Pilot Exalto PE2, that is a highly regarded tire. Tire Rack sells that tire, but they do not sell it in the sizes for the early NAs.

I know almost nothing about co*ker, other than they have a base in Tennessee.

N,

yv1ax

12th June 2023, 12:27

tywebb

13th June 2023, 09:55

Maneki_Neko

13th June 2023, 12:02

I'm currently running the 14" Michelin Pilot Exalto on my '91 that were manufactured in 2011 and I love them. Once they are back in stock at co*ker I plan to order a new set.

I will be interested in how it goes for you. My Falken Azenis+ tires are down to the wear bars. (Here in California the DMV allows tires to be used slightly below the wear bars.) In truth the Azenis have more grip that I can intelligently use on a public road. And the Dunlops, which in the 185/60R 14 are very light, have exceedingly stiff side walls.

So the Michelin Exaltos are interesting to me. I had not heard of co*ker before, and they sound like an interesting niche business.

Maneki_Neko

13th June 2023, 14:18

Whoops. They are back ordered. Cooker does not have them on the shelf.

Information about these Michelins Pilot Exalto PE2 tires is a little sparse. co*ker does not proved the UTQG for instance. From Tire Rack I learned that the UTQG is 240. So they are pretty sticky.

I have not found the lowest temperature in which you can drive them. I suspect, but do not know, this is around 50F, which would be normal for a 'summer tire'. So no 'all season' use.

Weight is not listed either, with 2 steel belts, and in this size, it is probably arounf 18 lbs. If true, when mounted on a Miata 'daisy, the total wheel weight comes in around 20 lbs.

yv1ax

15th June 2023, 17:28

Maneki_Neko

16th June 2023, 17:16

Just contacted co*ker and bad news if looking for 14 inch tires :ohno:
"Unfortunately, we don’t have an updated ETA on Michelin or Vredestein at this time."

Thanks for letting us know. I had a feeling that if they were available, that Tire Rack would have them on a special order basis. Tire Rack sells a lot of Michelin, and they sell this specific tire, but in 16 inch only.

My 14 inch Azenis are done, so I need new tires for the daisies.

The roads in the mountains above me tear them up pretty quickly. My alignment is such that I get even wear across the contact patch, but I am down past the wear bars on a set of Azenis in 4,000 to 6,000 miles depending on how hard I push them. At this rate, I am paying almost as much per mile for rubber as I am for gasoline. I think that the grit in the tarmac is sharper up there, than on some other roads. The tarmac on the roads may also have a higher mineral content.

The Dunlop Direzza ZIII in 185/60 R14 is, apparently, being discontinued. Tire Rack has a few sets left, at $655 for a set of 4.

MarbleCanyon

23rd June 2023, 11:50

Because I have the BBS weaves (14") and really loce the look on my 90 NA, I'm going to be in the market for 14 inch tires soon, as my BF Goodrich Comps are getting old. They do not appear to be drying out, checking or cracking, probably because the car is stored in a pitch black garage, and the tires get flexed from driving throughout the year, but they are dated back in 2016 as near as I can recall.

Any good news on 14 inches would be appreciated. Posted in this sub-forum works.

huesmann

24th June 2023, 08:20

Save The Manual Wagons!

26th June 2023, 09:02

Bob_MX5

26th June 2023, 17:39

Your mileage may vary, but I keep tires until they are about ten years old. The five year (or whatever) maximum is so that people who live in Arizona and park their car in the sun 365 days a year don't have blowouts on the highway. You can push beyond ten years, but at that point, traction falls off more than I would like.

I've never had an issue with 5-10yo tires. Interestingly, every one of the NA that I've bought since 2013 have had tires in the 5, 10, 15 year window. And I've driven each one home over 500-1200 miles without incident. Could I get a failure. Of course. But new tires get flats on the highway too so I don't give it much though. I just make the 20+year old spare has air. :D

So, I think the 5year+ crowd is not small. At the 5 year point, my miata tires tend to have 10-20k miles. Always garage. I get new tires as I approach the wear bars or in the 10-year window just "cuz".

b.

adamr

26th June 2023, 21:27

There's probably some validity to tire age concerns, but like most things, you've gotta use some common sense.

Motorcycle helmets are another thing people (or helmet manufacturers) say to get rid of after 5 years. If it's been used sparingly and stored indoors, the foam does not magically break down. Can't imagine it's much different with tires.

Save The Manual Wagons!

27th June 2023, 08:42

There's probably some validity to tire age concerns, but like most things, you've gotta use some common sense.

Motorcycle helmets are another thing people (or helmet manufacturers) say to get rid of after 5 years. If it's been used sparingly and stored indoors, the foam does not magically break down. Can't imagine it's much different with tires.

Rubber does break down over time, but it depends very much on exposure to sun, ozone, heat, etc. Yes, use common sense.

I have the original 23 year old tires for my Honda S2000. They were only driven 500 miles before being put in storage, when aftermarket wheels/tires were installed. Just for fun, I put them on the car and drove around the block. They are like ice skates! After going into a huge four-wheel drift at like 10 MPH I decided that was enough.

Bob_MX5

27th June 2023, 09:12

Rubber does break down over time, but it depends very much on exposure to sun, ozone, heat, etc. Yes, use common sense.

I have the original 23 year old tires for my Honda S2000. They were only driven 500 miles before being put in storage, when aftermarket wheels/tires were installed. Just for fun, I put them on the car and drove around the block. They are like ice skates! After going into a huge four-wheel drift at like 10 MPH I decided that was enough.

I've driven Miss Linda with her original tires. At 5k miles and 30+ years, there was no lack of traction in normal city driving (speeds to 45-50). I still removed them and installed a spare set. They "look" great: no age cracks. All said, I wouldn't drive them for long distances at highway speeds. :D

b.

tywebb

29th June 2023, 16:01

adamr

29th June 2023, 16:47

I'm sure you could import them but you'd spend probably 3 or 4 hundred getting tires shipped across the pond. DOT standards don't mean much.

Europe generally has smaller vehicles and I would imagine the 14 inch size wheel stuck around a good bit longer over there.

chiplamb

29th June 2023, 17:58

Maneki_Neko

30th June 2023, 00:50

I just bought 4 Uniroyal TigerPaw IIs for my LE. I drive sportingly. They have better grip than I thought they would in quick, tight turns. I haven't had them break loose in a thousand miles. Certainly better than D60A2s as fitted originally. For the price, you can't go wrong.

Interesting. Amazon has Uniroyals for $74 each, including shipping, in 185/60R14. My Dasies don't have tires on them at the moment. The UTQG is 700 which generally means a pretty hard compound. I wonder what the weight is?

https://www.amazon.com/UNIROYAL-Touring-Season-Radial-Tire-185/dp/B07QTNBKKJ/ref=asc_df_B07QTNBKKJ/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=647233205746&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=7725935737682622059&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9031102&hvtargid=pla-1966808250867&psc=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw1_SkBhDwARIsANbGpFsneF7itl01FxwhK6Cc A3lWqq_pHqNyuOs78L5n5HlC8VhY8Kau_oQaAnyzEALw_wcB

yv1ax

1st July 2023, 18:46

Mk1Racer

2nd July 2023, 13:20

Maneki_Neko

14th July 2023, 07:05

in the tech details from your included link...17.39 pounds

Okay. There is more data, when you scroll down. Got it. So with a Daisy wheel around 12.5 pounds, the total wheel weight is around 30 pounds, or pretty light.

Maneki_Neko

14th July 2023, 07:27

I ran General Altimax RT43 on my NA, on the OEM BBS wheels. I'd most likely go w/ the RT45 if I was putting tires on those BBS wheels today. There really aren't many 14" options that are even remotely performance oriented anymore. I just ordered new wheels & tires for my NB (15x7 Enkei PF-01) with 205/50/15 Conti Extreme Contact Sport). I was really surprised by the limited options for 15" wheels and tires

People seem to like the Altimax RT45's. They are, as you say, a touring tire. Tire Rack has them for around $100.

They also have, on close out, the DUNLOP DIREZZA ZIII, in 185/60R14, which is a UTQG 200, Extreme Performance Summer tire. I have owned a couple of sets of these over the years. The side walls are very rigid, so they have a crisp turn in.

david b

12th August 2023, 19:26

adamr

13th August 2023, 16:51

Bob_MX5

15th August 2023, 10:54

I've done a good bit of research and truth be told, every tire available in 185/60/14 is incredibly mediocre..

Not these.

For DD duties:

https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Vredestein&tireModel=Quatrac+5&partnum=86HR4QT5&vehicleSearch=false&fromCompare1=yes

For zoom-zoom duties:
https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Dunlop&tireModel=Direzza+ZIII&partnum=86HR4Z3&vehicleSearch=false&fromCompare1=yes

You need better research. :D

b.

tywebb

15th August 2023, 15:52

Maneki_Neko

16th August 2023, 00:26

Not these.

For DD duties:

https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Vredestein&tireModel=Quatrac+5&partnum=86HR4QT5&vehicleSearch=false&fromCompare1=yes

For zoom-zoom duties:
https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Dunlop&tireModel=Direzza+ZIII&partnum=86HR4Z3&vehicleSearch=false&fromCompare1=yes

You need better research. :D

b.

+1 on the Dunlops.

I have had a few sets of the Dunlops over the years. If you want a set order soon, because they are on close out. They are a terrific UTQG 200 tire for our cars. They have lots of grip. The side walls are very stiff, which provides crisp turn in. And they are quite light, so the re-bound is fast. Rebound is so fast you may find that you want to increase the rebound damping setting on your dampers by a click or two.

They do not, however, do dual duty as a touring tire. The ride quality is harsh, and they are noisy. Also they do not like weather below about 50F. Here, in the mountains behind me, where few of the roads are straight, I may get less that 10,000 miles out of a set.

Used as intended, they are remarkable tires.

I have never tried the Vredenstein Quadtrac 5 tire.

Tire Rack endorses them. In a review of four tires in this class the Quadtrac 5 came in 2nd in dry handling.

Tire Rack writes:

Vredestein Quatrac 5 (Grand Touring All-Season, 225/50R17 98Y)
What We Liked: Impressive and easy to drive in the wet, fast in the dry.
What We'd Improve: Could use a reduction in both tread noise and impact noise.
Conclusion: A good Grand Touring All-Season tire with very few compromises.

Maneki_Neko

16th August 2023, 00:34

I received an email from co*ker saying the estimated ship date is November/December.

Interesting.

Save The Manual Wagons!

16th August 2023, 09:47

Not these.

For DD duties:

https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Vredestein&tireModel=Quatrac+5&partnum=86HR4QT5&vehicleSearch=false&fromCompare1=yes

For zoom-zoom duties:
https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Dunlop&tireModel=Direzza+ZIII&partnum=86HR4Z3&vehicleSearch=false&fromCompare1=yes

You need better research. :D

b.

I don't think I'm being too fussy in not wanting a stiff/harsh 200tw tire or a boring all season as the only options. For my use case, a 300tw summer tire is ideal.

For that reason, I'm sticking with 15" wheels.

Maneki_Neko

17th August 2023, 14:41

I don't think I'm being too fussy in not wanting a stiff/harsh 200tw tire or a boring all season as the only options. For my use case, a 300tw summer tire is ideal.

For that reason, I'm sticking with 15" wheels.

Yeah, but this is a thread about 14" wheels.

You need to be on the 15" wheel thread. LOL

L. Anthony

13th September 2023, 18:07

I am looking for a good all season 14 tire.
Seems the quatrac is it.
When I get 15 inch wheels we can get more performance oriented. Apex coils so not sure what to do in 15s

The 14s will most likely end up being the quatrac in 185. Any advice?

L. Anthony

13th September 2023, 18:09

L. Anthony

13th September 2023, 18:50

Bob_MX5

14th September 2023, 10:02

I am looking for a good all season 14 tire.
Seems the quatrac is it.
When I get 15 inch wheels we can get more performance oriented. Apex coils so not sure what to do in 15s

The 14s will most likely end up being the quatrac in 185. Any advice?

Are the quatracs okay in rain. Dry. They will be my leave on tires. If I get wheels, 15s, or so, I can put performance tires on too. Take off and store in house during cold months.
Thank you.

Oops.
Vredesrein quatrac 5's are out of stock.
May try the falken sincera. Any advice
Thank you

Check the Rating/reviews at tirerack. They get "excellent" in both wet & dry traction (and the other categories). May be the best rated for a DD AS tire. They will be my next 14inch AS tire.

Give tirerack a call. They may be able to tell you when they are back in stock. Me? I'd wait and not settle for the Falken.

b.

JAD007

14th September 2023, 10:26

Oops.
Vredesrein quatrac 5's are out of stock.
May try the falken sincera. Any advice
Thank you

I have the Falken's on my '90... I'm happy with my choice. :thumbs:

L. Anthony

14th September 2023, 17:04

Yes. I wish they had the vredestein quatrac 5, but they are at least 90 days out.

So atuck with these for now.
Better than my Cooper cobra gth from 1994/95. =0

L. Anthony

14th September 2023, 18:10

GavinL

16th September 2023, 12:55

L. Anthony

17th September 2023, 01:30

L. Anthony

17th September 2023, 18:02

93miataman

21st September 2023, 23:29

SanSan

26th September 2023, 13:10

Can we have a 2023 update on this question? My parents have a 1990 and they asked me to get new tires for them. I'd like to get them something more on the performance/sporty side but also don't want to have to spend to much. I'd like to keep it well under $100.00 per tire.
Treadwear rating does not have to be high since they don't drive it much. We don't plan to drive it in rain, ice, or snow.
I'd like to get something wider w a lower profile. Do they make a 195 55/R14?
I looked up some of the ones Wyldesoul and others suggested, but most of the less expensive ones are not available.

Thanks

WES

unclebun

26th September 2023, 14:26

Can we have a 2023 update on this question? My parents have a 1990 and they asked me to get new tires for them. I'd like to get them something more on the performance/sporty side but also don't want to have to spend to much. I'd like to keep it well under $100.00 per tire.
Treadwear rating does not have to be high since they don't drive it much. We don't plan to drive it in rain, ice, or snow.
I'd like to get something wider w a lower profile. Do they make a 195 55/R14?
I looked up some of the ones Wyldesoul and others suggested, but most of the less expensive ones are not available.

Thanks

WES

This whole thread is 2023. It was started in July.
There are no 195/55 available.
Under $100 they are all all-season. The Vredestein Quatrac is probably best, but it's currently out of stock.

L. Anthony

27th September 2023, 15:51

tywebb

6th December 2023, 15:08

I received an email from co*ker saying the estimated ship date is November/December.

I reached out to co*ker about the Michelin tires I ordered over the summer and they said there was a delay with no expected ship date. I ended up canceling the order.

The tire still shows up on their website with a direct link but no longer comes up when you search by a Miata.

https://www.co*kertire.com/tires/michelin-pilot-exalto-185-60r14.html

Maneki_Neko

6th December 2023, 21:29

I reached out to co*ker about the Michelin tires I ordered over the summer and they said there was a delay with no expected ship date. I ended up canceling the order.

The tire still shows up on their website with a direct link but no longer comes up when you search by a Miata.

https://www.co*kertire.com/tires/michelin-pilot-exalto-185-60r14.html

Thanks for the up-date. I was on the edge of order a set of those Michelins from co*ker myself.

As you say they are still posted on their website, even though when they do not know when (or if) they will ever have any.