Okay, getting my first mr2- and I need tires AND rims right away!

como · 04-09-2009, 01:04 AM

Okay, here's the deal. Finally found the car I want- I'm flying out to get it, and driving it back.

It's got winter tires on it, and that's no good. I was told I can have new wheels mounted and balanced from tirerack.com shipped to the place I'm getting the car from- but that means I've gotta pick tires and rims!

Now, I'd just as soon keep the stock rims, but tirerack doesnt seem to have any that look anything close to the stock rims... so I need some help finding rims that dont look ricey.

Then onto tires- Normally, I just buy the cheapest tires I can find. I'm not a crazy driver, but I've never driven a car as small and light as the mr2, and never a mid-engined car, so I'm thinking I want some tires that are going to be a little better than just the cheapest available.... so any input on tires would be greatly welcomed!

ebouwman · 04-09-2009, 10:53 AM

whats wrong with winter tires? They won't give as much grip in the summer as an all season or summer tire, but for simply getting it back home it should be completely all right.

The only problem with summer driving a winter tire, is that they wear out faster, the difference in grip you just have to keep in mind if you're going to right out thrash it. But like i said, it's not going to matter on the highway

como · 04-09-2009, 12:16 PM

that may be true, but I'd feel pretty silly driving approximately 3,000 miles on winter tires in may...
Also, the friend I'm bringing with me is a mechanic, and told me I'm not allowed to do it. She happens to be cute and I really like her, so what she says goes for this trip

Resurrected · 04-09-2009, 12:59 PM

dude, grab some needle nose plyers and yank those mettal studs off,
or simply do a major burnout, that should pop most of them off, then use the plyers. i live in idaho, and i buy snow tires for the winter, and when i dont need em, i simply burnout in a couple of safe spots, and poof, used summer tires.

having them in the summer for a 3000 mile trip, will get anoyying with all that crackling fromt he studs. i do suggest to do something about it before the drive back.

como · 04-09-2009, 01:24 PM

not sure if they're even studded- but I definately will want winter tires come winter here in maine. My current car does very well in the snow, but it weighs about twice as much as the mr2 and is fwd with a big, heavy, front engine.

right now I'm looking at the cheapest of the alloy wheels on tirerack- msw 14's. They look nothing like the stock wheels, but this car has 4 wheel disc according to the seller, so I dont mind the brakes showing.

Link to rims

and I'm looking at the cheap 185/60R14 Sumitomo HTR 200 summer tires. mounted/balanced/shipped to the place I'm getting the car for $575, then it looks like about $150 to get the winter tires home.
Overall this trip is going to cost about the same as the car, but in the end I expect it to be worth it, especially with the company I'm bringing

ebouwman · 04-09-2009, 01:43 PM

Not all winters are studded, mine are just a really aggressive non-studded tire so that i get a better ride. And so you know, winter tires are actually a lot softer than summer tires, or even all seasons, so if you run winter tires in the summer, not only are you getting less grip, but you're using up tires faster, and as you know, winter tires are more expensive.

So you're paying MORE for a tire that will not last as long, and gives you less grip. And paying EVEN MORE when you take into account the fact that they're studded!

Como, i can see your point there about the cute girl. But for the record you are allowed to run winter tires in the summer (here at least) as long as they're not studded.

And ya these cars are 4 wheel disks, so those rims will look really nice

Now you need drilled rotors to show off

Also kind of wondering, would that rim work with the stock tire size?

como · 04-09-2009, 02:16 PM

stock:
Wheels and Tires

Wheel size ............................ 5.5 x 14 in.
Wheel type ............................ cast aluminum
Tire make and size .................... Bridgestone Potenza RE86 185/60R-14
Test inflation pressures, F/R ......... 30/30 psi

msw's:
Offset: 38mm Backspacing: 5.07" Bolt Pattern: 4-100
Rec. Tire Size: 185/60-14
Weight: 14.5lbs.

They appear to be identical in size to the stock rims.
source for stock: link
source for msws:link

ebouwman · 04-09-2009, 02:19 PM

Cause i might have to see about getting a set of those

Although i'm just having my all seasons put on today

so it might have to wait a bit instead of spending another 80 bucks right away to get the tires remounted on new rims

como · 04-09-2009, 02:33 PM

heh.
If tirerack.com could sell me stock mr2 rims, I'd get the summer tires on those. They're pretty awesome.

It also occurs to me that I'm going to have to get temp plates.
If I want vanity plates when I get back up here, to my temp plates have to match? I can't decide what I want for my plate, but if I'm gonna be driving around in the car of my dreams it might as well be something neat.

ebouwman · 04-09-2009, 02:38 PM

"2fast4u"?

a long time ago i had a need for speed game and that was the plate.

I have to agree with you, i think the stock rims look cool also

como · 04-09-2009, 03:25 PM

No, I'm not a ricer and I dont street race... and I'm not big on performance, either. I just love the way this little car looks, it's tiny!

I'm almost thinking MR-COMO, but that seems a tad silly.

ebouwman · 04-09-2009, 03:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by como

No, I'm not a ricer and I dont street race... and I'm not big on performance, either. I just love the way this little car looks, it's tiny!

I'm almost thinking MR-COMO, but that seems a tad silly.
https://www10.informe.org/cgi-bin/bm...&CLASS_CODE=PC

Slightly silly.

But seriously i would never have a plate that said 2fast4u or anything like that, first all its super ricey, and would attract unnecessary attention from cops, and with that plate you could forget about EVER making away with just a warning for speeding

como · 04-09-2009, 03:56 PM

Oddly enough I've never once gotten pulled over for speeding.

Oh, wait, that's a lie. I drove about 10 miles neck and neck with a cop on the highway once going about 8 over (according to my gps) not knowing it was a cop, because I couldnt be assed to actually turn my head and look. I was wondering why they were riding next to me like that, it's a highway, you pass over there.

So no input on tires? a tire is a tire is a tire in my book, but I've always bought the cheapest tires that fit my car, and I've always gotten all seasons...

ebouwman · 04-09-2009, 04:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by como

Oddly enough I've never once gotten pulled over for speeding.

Oh, wait, that's a lie. I drove about 10 miles neck and neck with a cop on the highway once going about 8 over (according to my gps) not knowing it was a cop, because I couldnt be assed to actually turn my head and look. I was wondering why they were riding next to me like that, it's a highway, you pass over there.

So no input on tires? a tire is a tire is a tire in my book, but I've always bought the cheapest tires that fit my car, and I've always gotten all seasons...

Well i don't know too much about different summers, but really my advice is to get separate summer and winter tires (which you're already doing). You will need winter tires in this car if you're going to drive it in snow, otherwise it'll be downright scary. I have yokahoma's for my winter, and they're super aggressive, and for the summers, i have potenza all-season tires (came with the car) don't have anything to compare them to though for this car.

Since you're not big into performance though you'll probably be happy with the tires you found, i found this

Corolland Forums > Sumitomo Htr 200 Tires

So the Sumitomo does get good reviews.

como · 04-09-2009, 05:03 PM

Well okay, then! I guess that covers tires and rims. That was easy.

... now, onto the audio section (this thing comes with a "broken" cd player)

Recklesss · 04-09-2009, 05:38 PM

why would i want a caravan thats gat no fookin wheels!

como · 04-09-2009, 06:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Recklesss

why would i want a caravan thats gat no fookin wheels!

Is there an award for the most worthless post ever?

Recklesss · 04-09-2009, 06:48 PM

if there is, i guarantee that wasn't it

como · 04-09-2009, 07:29 PM

That severely discourages me, I was hoping this would be a fun place...

Recklesss · 04-09-2009, 07:58 PM

awww maaaan I'm playin around. It was a quote from a movie (if you haven't seen Snatch, I definitely recommend it).

this is a fun place, I'm just one of those losers that likes to poke fun.

personally I have always been a fan of SSRs on toyotas, if you can find anymore. They are strong/light and aren't too ricey.

04-09-2009, 01:04 AM	#1 (permalink)
como Road Warrior Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Southern Maine Posts: 652 Thanks: 13 Thanked 10 Times in 9 Posts iTrader Rating: (2/100% )	Okay, getting my first mr2- and I need tires AND rims right away! Okay, here's the deal. Finally found the car I want- I'm flying out to get it, and driving it back. It's got winter tires on it, and that's no good. I was told I can have new wheels mounted and balanced from tirerack.com shipped to the place I'm getting the car from- but that means I've gotta pick tires and rims! Now, I'd just as soon keep the stock rims, but tirerack doesnt seem to have any that look anything close to the stock rims... so I need some help finding rims that dont look ricey. Then onto tires- Normally, I just buy the cheapest tires I can find. I'm not a crazy driver, but I've never driven a car as small and light as the mr2, and never a mid-engined car, so I'm thinking I want some tires that are going to be a little better than just the cheapest available.... so any input on tires would be greatly welcomed!

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04-09-2009, 10:53 AM	#2 (permalink)
ebouwman Curve Hugger Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: BC Posts: 1,600 Thanks: 19 Thanked 51 Times in 51 Posts My Google Map iTrader Rating: (0/0% )	whats wrong with winter tires? They won't give as much grip in the summer as an all season or summer tire, but for simply getting it back home it should be completely all right. The only problem with summer driving a winter tire, is that they wear out faster, the difference in grip you just have to keep in mind if you're going to right out thrash it. But like i said, it's not going to matter on the highway

04-09-2009, 12:16 PM	#3 (permalink)
como Road Warrior Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Southern Maine Posts: 652 Thanks: 13 Thanked 10 Times in 9 Posts iTrader Rating: (2/100% )	that may be true, but I'd feel pretty silly driving approximately 3,000 miles on winter tires in may... Also, the friend I'm bringing with me is a mechanic, and told me I'm not allowed to do it. She happens to be cute and I really like her, so what she says goes for this trip

04-09-2009, 12:59 PM	#4 (permalink)
Resurrected I Drift Mine's Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Idaho Posts: 240 Thanks: 1 Thanked 5 Times in 4 Posts iTrader Rating: (1/100% )	dude, grab some needle nose plyers and yank those mettal studs off, or simply do a major burnout, that should pop most of them off, then use the plyers. i live in idaho, and i buy snow tires for the winter, and when i dont need em, i simply burnout in a couple of safe spots, and poof, used summer tires. having them in the summer for a 3000 mile trip, will get anoyying with all that crackling fromt he studs. i do suggest to do something about it before the drive back.

04-09-2009, 01:24 PM	#5 (permalink)
como Road Warrior Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Southern Maine Posts: 652 Thanks: 13 Thanked 10 Times in 9 Posts iTrader Rating: (2/100% )	not sure if they're even studded- but I definately will want winter tires come winter here in maine. My current car does very well in the snow, but it weighs about twice as much as the mr2 and is fwd with a big, heavy, front engine. right now I'm looking at the cheapest of the alloy wheels on tirerack- msw 14's. They look nothing like the stock wheels, but this car has 4 wheel disc according to the seller, so I dont mind the brakes showing. Link to rims and I'm looking at the cheap 185/60R14 Sumitomo HTR 200 summer tires. mounted/balanced/shipped to the place I'm getting the car for $575, then it looks like about $150 to get the winter tires home. Overall this trip is going to cost about the same as the car, but in the end I expect it to be worth it, especially with the company I'm bringing

04-09-2009, 01:43 PM	#6 (permalink)
ebouwman Curve Hugger Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: BC Posts: 1,600 Thanks: 19 Thanked 51 Times in 51 Posts My Google Map iTrader Rating: (0/0% )	Not all winters are studded, mine are just a really aggressive non-studded tire so that i get a better ride. And so you know, winter tires are actually a lot softer than summer tires, or even all seasons, so if you run winter tires in the summer, not only are you getting less grip, but you're using up tires faster, and as you know, winter tires are more expensive. So you're paying MORE for a tire that will not last as long, and gives you less grip. And paying EVEN MORE when you take into account the fact that they're studded! Como, i can see your point there about the cute girl. But for the record you are allowed to run winter tires in the summer (here at least) as long as they're not studded. And ya these cars are 4 wheel disks, so those rims will look really nice Now you need drilled rotors to show off Also kind of wondering, would that rim work with the stock tire size?

04-09-2009, 02:16 PM	#7 (permalink)
como Road Warrior Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Southern Maine Posts: 652 Thanks: 13 Thanked 10 Times in 9 Posts iTrader Rating: (2/100% )	stock: Wheels and Tires Wheel size ............................ 5.5 x 14 in. Wheel type ............................ cast aluminum Tire make and size .................... Bridgestone Potenza RE86 185/60R-14 Test inflation pressures, F/R ......... 30/30 psi msw's: Offset: 38mm Backspacing: 5.07" Bolt Pattern: 4-100 Rec. Tire Size: 185/60-14 Weight: 14.5lbs. They appear to be identical in size to the stock rims. source for stock: link source for msws:link

04-09-2009, 02:19 PM	#8 (permalink)
ebouwman Curve Hugger Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: BC Posts: 1,600 Thanks: 19 Thanked 51 Times in 51 Posts My Google Map iTrader Rating: (0/0% )	Cause i might have to see about getting a set of those Although i'm just having my all seasons put on today so it might have to wait a bit instead of spending another 80 bucks right away to get the tires remounted on new rims

04-09-2009, 02:33 PM	#9 (permalink)
como Road Warrior Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Southern Maine Posts: 652 Thanks: 13 Thanked 10 Times in 9 Posts iTrader Rating: (2/100% )	heh. If tirerack.com could sell me stock mr2 rims, I'd get the summer tires on those. They're pretty awesome. It also occurs to me that I'm going to have to get temp plates. If I want vanity plates when I get back up here, to my temp plates have to match? I can't decide what I want for my plate, but if I'm gonna be driving around in the car of my dreams it might as well be something neat.

04-09-2009, 02:38 PM	#10 (permalink)
ebouwman Curve Hugger Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: BC Posts: 1,600 Thanks: 19 Thanked 51 Times in 51 Posts My Google Map iTrader Rating: (0/0% )	"2fast4u"? a long time ago i had a need for speed game and that was the plate. I have to agree with you, i think the stock rims look cool also

04-09-2009, 03:25 PM	#11 (permalink)
como Road Warrior Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Southern Maine Posts: 652 Thanks: 13 Thanked 10 Times in 9 Posts iTrader Rating: (2/100% )	No, I'm not a ricer and I dont street race... and I'm not big on performance, either. I just love the way this little car looks, it's tiny! I'm almost thinking MR-COMO, but that seems a tad silly.

04-09-2009, 03:56 PM	#13 (permalink)
como Road Warrior Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Southern Maine Posts: 652 Thanks: 13 Thanked 10 Times in 9 Posts iTrader Rating: (2/100% )	Oddly enough I've never once gotten pulled over for speeding. Oh, wait, that's a lie. I drove about 10 miles neck and neck with a cop on the highway once going about 8 over (according to my gps) not knowing it was a cop, because I couldnt be assed to actually turn my head and look. I was wondering why they were riding next to me like that, it's a highway, you pass over there. So no input on tires? a tire is a tire is a tire in my book, but I've always bought the cheapest tires that fit my car, and I've always gotten all seasons...

04-09-2009, 05:03 PM	#15 (permalink)
como Road Warrior Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Southern Maine Posts: 652 Thanks: 13 Thanked 10 Times in 9 Posts iTrader Rating: (2/100% )	Well okay, then! I guess that covers tires and rims. That was easy. ... now, onto the audio section (this thing comes with a "broken" cd player)

04-09-2009, 05:38 PM	#16 (permalink)
Recklesss Fck yo couch! Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Oregon Posts: 637 Thanks: 9 Thanked 8 Times in 7 Posts iTrader Rating: (0/0%* )	why would i want a caravan thats gat no fookin wheels!

04-09-2009, 06:48 PM	#18 (permalink)
Recklesss Fck yo couch! Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Oregon Posts: 637 Thanks: 9 Thanked 8 Times in 7 Posts iTrader Rating: (0/0%* )	if there is, i guarantee that wasn't it

04-09-2009, 07:29 PM	#19 (permalink)
como Road Warrior Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Southern Maine Posts: 652 Thanks: 13 Thanked 10 Times in 9 Posts iTrader Rating: (2/100% )	That severely discourages me, I was hoping this would be a fun place...

04-09-2009, 07:58 PM	#20 (permalink)
Recklesss Fck yo couch! Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Oregon Posts: 637 Thanks: 9 Thanked 8 Times in 7 Posts iTrader Rating: (0/0%* )	awww maaaan I'm playin around. It was a quote from a movie (if you haven't seen Snatch, I definitely recommend it). this is a fun place, I'm just one of those losers that likes to poke fun. personally I have always been a fan of SSRs on toyotas, if you can find anymore. They are strong/light and aren't too ricey.