I am planning on geting a set of Sportmax 501 in 15x8 soon. I was wondering if anyone can help me on what size tire I should purchase for them? I have been reading that some have been going with 195 50 15 or soomething like 205 50 15. What is the difference between the two tires sizes?

 

a standardized size for 15" is 15X7. Sounds like you want to go wider w/ the 15X8 size. A 195/55/15" would be close to the stock calibrations , or a 205/55/15" is also very close to stock rotational dimentions.

Hope this helps.

 

the difference between the 2 sizes you list is the width. The 215 is wider. The stock 15 inch tire is a 60 series a 50 series is going to be very short. Speedo will read fast and rpms will be notably higher at all speeds. A 55-60 series in 205-215 is your best bet with the 60 series being closest to stock as far as diameter. With an 8 inch wheel width the offset you choose will be critical to avoid rubbing.

 

use this calculator.. its your best bet:

http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html

Given what I mentioned above... those are your two best options for tire sizes.

 

Is a good calculator i look at it often.

 

So with a 15x8 wheel and 205/55 tires what offset would you need not to rub if you also had a 2" drop?

 

I was running the 501 with the stock 185/60/15 tire and had no problems in the rear with rubbing. I'm on df 210's. The front I had some rubbing but it was the rubbing was the small rib on the sidewall where the tread connects to the sidewall. I was also running a Toyota Echo strut fot an extra 1/2" drop.

 

now with my 501's i had 2 different tires but same size. the falken ZIEX 512's fit perfectly. the stretch was sexy and they lasted for about a year with my driving. (25K i guestimate) now i got some junkass Federal tires and im rubbing all over the place. but just in the RR..

Sportmax recommends Falken tires. (shameless plug)