The previous owner of my Volare, for whatever reason, swapped out the 14" rims for 15" rims. I am trying to get new tires for the car and am trying to hone in on the right size. I believe that car came with 195/70 R14, as the spare tire would indicate. Would an even swap to the same tire be appropriate (195/70 R15)?

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Much more variety in 15" sizes. 195/65-15 would be the closest in a 195 width. 205/65-15 or 215/60-15 would also be very close in diameter, and a bit wider. If you went with 195/70-15, the ride and everything should feel the same as the size on your spare, but the tires would be 1" larger in diameter and so the car would sit 1/2" higher off the ground.

Lou

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Home of Slant6-powered fun machines since 1988

I don't think your spare is the proper size. There was originally a sticker on the driver's door jamb which called out tire sizes and pressures. You can plug that info into a tire size calculator and play with other sizes to see how they compare.

I ran 225/60R15 tires mounted on cop car wheels on my last Volare.

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

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Joshua

Is the speedometer accurate with the current tire/wheel combination? The actual outside diameter will have a big effect on that.

I like that calculator, but remember that manufacturer specs aren't always exact.

Like Lou said, there are more choices in 15" tires, and if you go with the "Plus One" approach (1" larger wheel diameter, shorter sidewall, same overall diameter) you should get less sidewall flex and theoretically better handling. I'm at "Plus Two" with my Valiant, having gone straight from 185/80R13 to 205/60R15. I'd like to try 16's or 17's, if I could find the money.

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"When you find a big kettle of crazy, it's best not to stir it." - Pointy-haired Boss

1964 Valiant V200, 225/Pushbutton 904
BBD, CAI, HEI, LBP, AC, AM/FM/USB, EIEIO

Funny that you mention plus sizing. I'm at +4 to get the tires I want!

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Joshua

Just wanted to say great looking wagon. I had a 80 also.when I got it it had Chrysler 300 Road wheels and 215/60/15 on the front and 225/60/15 on the rear(BFG's) fit real nice,plenty of room in those big wheel openings. Speedo was 3 to 5 mph slow. Hardly noticeable after a while.

I looked on the door. The size was 195/75-14. So if I wanted to go to 215/70-15, which is where I'm leaning, it only puts me about 5% off. I think I can handle that. My goal was really to get a bit more height out of my wheels and I think this change nets me an inch. I'm a big guy, that inch will go a long way!

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