295/50-20 on OEM LTZ Rims

[JTS]

Wanted to note my observations in case anyone else is considering going wider on the stock 20x8.5 rim.

Was time to replace my stock 275/55-20 and wanted to go a bit wider w/o going to the expense of a full 20” or 22” rim and tire package.

Went with the Falken Ziex S/TZ04.

Screen cap below from the miata.net tire calc – new tire is 0.9% different diameter so ABS, acceleration, braking, odometer etc should all be relatively unaffected (I sure hope so anyway).

Thought about 305/50-20 and even though the 1010Tire calculator says you can safely put this tire on an 8.5” wide rim, from what I can see, I wouldn’t recommend it. I don’t see how the sidewalls wouldn’t be bubbling out and looking odd. Might even be unsafe. Anyway, I know some folks have done it, so to each his own.

Driving impressions with the 295: definitely different. Handles differently and seems to follow road imperfections a bit more than before. Or maybe I just need to get used to it.

I do like the looks though.

When we get some sun up here, I will post some pics.

 

[quick66ss]

I had this same issue when it was time to replace mine. After several weeks of research I decided to stay with the stock brand and tire. In the past I have always gone bigger than stock on my cars but the stockers are meaty enough for my taste.

 

[JTS]

a few pics

 

[joe4343]

Are you happy the Falkens ? I'm thinking about getting that tire for my '08. They look good on yours.

 

[fire730]

I think you are feeling the road grooves more because of the tread design than the width difference. Those tires must run skinny cause I replaced my 275 Bridgestones with 275 Goodyear LS2s and mine look just as wide as yours.

 

[06whitess]

I had these in 275/45 on my TBSS, and LOVED THEM! AWD truck, they did well above everything else in ALL seasons....

 

[felixgun]

I have the same tires in 305/35/24s! I like the look on em. The wider tire gives better traction control I think and makes the whole car look more aggressive. They do stick out more but definitely not "bubbling out" IMO. Your trucks lookin good with the new wider tires. The bi-directional treads are also a plus.

 

[JTS]

Are you happy the Falkens ? I'm thinking about getting that tire for my '08. They look good on yours.

Had a few concerns in the early months - weird vibration at highway speeds and not the greatest in the rain.

However, everything seemed to settle in and they have even been great in the snow.

 

[Ben]

ive seen the 305/55r20s on a few and they look legit