This is a cross post from the performance-tires/wheels list that only got one response (thanks black91n/a). I was hoping for a few more suggestions since the wheels should show up tomorrow, so here goes again.

I just purchased a set of new 15x7 Konig Rewind wheels for my 83 S. I'm looking for something like 15k from the tires, and I'm not concerned much with the ride quality, tire noise, or snow/ice performance. Based on Blk91n/a's advice and what I've read on tire-rack, I like these so far: BFGoodrich g-Force Sport and Kumho ECSTA SPT. I've also heard good things about Hankook, but tire rack doesn't carrry those. Can anyone confirm how these (or other similar tires) perform on a first gen?

Also, I've read that 205/50-15 is about as big as I should go on an otherwise stock 83, but I'd like confirmation on that. Bigger always being better, I'd like to put as much tire on as I can. TIA.

 

205 50-15 is perfect, and I've been thrilled with Kuhmos on both street and track...

 

i run 195/50-15 tires which i think is the norm, but the 205 would probably be the largest without scrubbing when turning. as for brand it's more a price thing for me along with decent tread wear. so that side of tire choice will depend on how u'll be using the car and what u can afford.

 

I have the bfgoodrich g-force TA's in a 205/50/15 and they are the best fit possible. The tires are grippy and I drive spirited-ly all the time and they haven't let me down yet.

 

+1, that's what I'm running, too.

 

On my 15"s I run 195/50/15"s front and 205/50/15"s rear

 

I run 225/50-15 sized Falken Ziex 512's. So for these are the best street tires i've had. The grip is great in both wet and dry and the tires are very predictable. I did have to roll my fenders to get them to fit though.

 

im runnin 205/50R15 S-03 pole positions (got an absurd deal through my work) with rb springs and no rubbing. the 512 is a pretty good tire, and for the price who can complain?
but my fav. performance/dollar tire was the falken azenis which is unfortunately out of production, and the new azenis is way over priced.

 

i have 205/50-15 and are great but im planning to run 225/45-15 hankook rs2. its gonna be great.

(note i have 5lug conversion running a large spacer in the front)

 

For non R compound tires, Id go with BF goodrich G-force TA KD's.

I would have bought a set of these for my Kosei's, but since they were out of stock I went with the G-force TA KDW's. They have worked out damn well for me, and in the rain are uncomparable to anything else Ive driven.

Until anyone donates a set of better tires to me, I will take my BF goodriches over anything.

Spot on with the 205/50/15s, theyve served me well.

 

I was set on getting Hankook Ventus RS-2's until I got a deal on some Toyo Proxes T1-R's which are on my 15" wheels right now. Before that I was running Kuhmo MX's. I had some Yokohama ES100's which I disliked and got rid of.

Being a firm believer in the best performance for the dollar (I'm also cheap and lazy ) which is why those tires were my choices, whether it be on the road course, autocross, street or strip, rain or shine... one kind of tire has to do it all. 205-50-15 all around.

 

205/50-15 was a perfect fit for me too,on my 15X7 Centerlines with 12MM offset.
They fit easily with 12A suspension and I just had to roll the fender lips when I switched to SE suspension.
I ran some Toyo Proxes FZ4's and they worked pretty damn good.Nothing spectacular,Im sure there are far better and costlier tires out there,but they did last for a long time,and were able to hook up my early turbo engine's to the pavement well enough to gather up a dozen mid 13 second timeslips....

 

Here's a good link on tire sizing and fitment....

http://www.jimrothe.com/mazda/wheels/index.html

By the way, I was happy with Toyo Proxes 205/55-15 on my previous SE, mounted on Konig 6.5" wheels with 40mm offset.

 

512's are crap don't buy them, a. I purchased a set and they were recalled before I could get them mounted idk why but was told the tread was coming off, b. my friend had his on a 240 and they wore out in about 10k miles, c. they don't grip all that well for how fast they wear. Much better tires out there

Tires are prolly the most important mod you can do to get the car to handle better, don't skimp here cause with tires you deffently get what you pay for, and if you like to push youre car and drive spirited-ly around corners go with a good brand.

 

if youre only wanting to get 15k miles out of a set of tires then go with the bfgoodrich g-force series they average 20-30k depending on driving style, I can gaurentee that you will not be dissapointed with the bfg's. Very stiff sidewalls for very precise turn responce, I have yet to see any understeer with mine...ever, when I turn the wheel the car turns in more and more. They carry a high price tag (133 for the KD's and bout 100 for the KDW) but like I said above quality cost a little bit of money and you will see that their worth the money the first time you drive.