- My model of MX-5 is: _MK3 sport.
- I’m based near: __Taunton
- I’m looking for technical help or recommendations on: __Tyres
Two questions-
Apart from throwing the speedo out slightly, has anyone tried running 215/40/17s instead of 205/45/17? Not worried about comfort particularly.
Also, any wisdom on tyre choice. I used to insist on Rainsport 3. Not sure if Rainsport 5 is as good. Spirited driving, country lanes and a few trackdays.
I was thinking of Hankook K120 as they were 30% cheaper than the uniroyal, with an equally good/ better review on tyrereviews.com.
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Allegedly, the 215s are something of a win/win.
They apparently should make the speedo more rather than less accurate, should fill the arches better, while actually increasing ground clearance, should look meatier and increase the track a little, should protect your wheels better, should give a larger contact patch, so gripper.
AND they are actually cheaper than 205s.
The big question seems to be, why were they not fitted by Mazda???
The bang for buck tyre mentioned on here the most seems to be the Kumho.
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Mmm, nor sure the maths is right.
205/45 have a sidewall of 92.25mm (45% of 205mm)
215/40 have a sidewall of 86mm (40% of 215mm)
Overall they are smaller but wider.
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The OP is referring to 215/40 but I think 999to5 is referring to 215/45. I would definitely not want a lower profile than 45.
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I think NickD is your man to ask, especially if you are tracking the car occasionally, you need an all rounder.
For road I wouldn’t hesitate in saying Kumho or as you mention Rainsports, had the Rainsports on my Mk2, currently Kumho on the Mk3.
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Ah yes, just registered the 215 bit.
Was it Nick D who said a good 50% of the wheels he sees are bent in some way, so going lower profile doesn’t seem all that wise.
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Thanks for the replies. Sticking with original size and Rainsport 5. At least I wont be upsetting the insurance company and I can stop in the rain- just in case the rain lasts all summer 
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215/45s will make the speedo more accurate, protect the wheels more, and grip better. Eagle F1s on my NC were great.
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For trackdays you will need something more track focused
MRF, nankang, federal etc but 215/45/17 is a big YES!!!
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Agree with Rodders (he’d know). If you do end up using a road tyre on track, to avoid ruining them quickly, give them a cool-down lap half way through a session, or as soon as you feel them slipping more, whichever comes the sooner. Otherwise you’ll be spending lots on road tyres.
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I’m still looking for tyres for the wife’s 1.5 ND.
If l go 205 would l be better with 45 or 50 profile on 16" wheels.
Can l go to 215 's ??
215 seems wide for 1.5 power.
I run 215 45/17 rainsport 3’s on my NC 2.0 and am extremely happy with them but have to admit that my experience on NC tyre setups is rather limited as i bought the car with 225 35/18’s and that was awfull. The rainsport 3 is a great allrounder with impresive grip (especialy in the rain…) but i believe it’s not an ideal trackday tyre ; I heard the Rainsport 5 is even better …I had them at a great price, if not; i think i would have bought something else ( Bridgestone,Yokohama, Kumho and Toyo).
Personal experience and opinion. Swapped out the original Contis on my NC for Kumho KU39 as recommended by Nick D. Loved them in all weathers. Felt perfectly matched to the car.
Then swapped the original Bridgestones on my ND for Kumho PS71. Another winner. Can’t fault them.
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Not sure if the NC has the same size wheels as the ND, but I’ve done a swap from 205 to 215 on 17", albeit keeping a 45 profile. I would avoid going onto a 40 profile for road use, and Rainsport is a good tyre but they don’t last long and they’re squidgy in the sidewall; I went for an FK510 which seems sidewall soft too, other considerations were Goodyear F1 Asy 5 and Kumho PS71. My thoughts and all the maths are at New Tyres for ND - #51 by ckyliu
TLDR: speedo gets 1 mph more accurate and you have loads more grip.
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hi i have just been reading about tyres , I’m putting on 4 x Dunlop Sport Maxx RT 2 215/45 R17 Y (91), Reinforced are these any good, i did order 4 x Dunlop SP Sport Maxx RT 205/45 R17 W (88), Reinforced, Asymmetrical
i have 3.5 NC 2L Have i done the right thing going a bit wider
I have researched the Dunlop’s and they will be my next set.
Sure others will recommend Kumho, Michelin or whatever.
I currently have Maxxis Premitra’s HP5’s and a very good tyre indeed but curiosity will go with the Dunlop’s next time.
Will also be sticking with the 45 aspect ratio.
The minimum tyre width for a 7J x17 wheel is 195.
“Recommended is 205 or 215. Obviously making sure the clearance is correct and to take into consideration any wheel/suspension mods.
Maximum is 225”.
My opinion on the matter is the 215 will be fine.
However, the ultimate decision must be yours.
Sure others perhaps have a different opinion of course. 
The good news is dunlop 205 from blackcircles are more expensive than 215 , 55 pound saving and blackcircles didn’t penalize for changing my order
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Perfect and well done.
I would be very interested how you get on with them as and when of course.
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being fitted on Saturday and will post results at the end of the summer
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