Tire Pressure

Boz

Is that true for all tires? I believe the pressures for my 205/40/17's are

Not at all, just the factory recommended pressure. I usually go no higher than about 30 and no lower than 26.

I run my 215/40/16's at around 28 psi, usually for the fronts and rears, about the same that I used for the 195/50/15's on my last Miata.

Pat

It's not just a matter of "all tires." Your suspension is different from the '99, and your lower profile carries more risk of wheel damage. Follow whatever the door jamb sticker advises as a minimum pressure; if you drive hard, you may get crisper response by adding another 2 or 3 psi. If you just cruise, overinflation wears out the tread centers and yields an unnecessarily harsh ride.

As for the OP's 205x45 R16, I would run 29 or 30 psi all around.

Where does it say that? I'm skeptical.

Those are the factory-recommended pressures for a Mazdaspeed Miata.

OK. What about the Mazdaspeed would call for higher pressure in the front?

Page 10-6 of the 2004 Miata owners manual says: 205/40 R17 80W Front 29 psi, Rear 32 psi. The manual also lists 26 psi all round for 195/50/15 and

I see it had the tire pressures backwards. Ah well. I was close.

Just a guess, but perhaps Mazda wanted to ensure understeer on a car that can break traction easily in the rear.

Hey guys, I did 'search the world over' as they say to try to find the best the best compromise of my particular ratio of looks / weight / price. I ended up with OZ Racing "Ultraleggra" 16"ers. IIRC they cost $189 a piece and weigh 14.5 lbs. Most normal priced 16's run 19 to 21 lbs and as Pat has mentioned when you get down to the ultra-lights (11 to 13lbs) the prices skyrocket to $300 to $350 per wheel. The OZ's are here:

Good luck, Chris