"minus" sizing wheels and tires?

[mike13]

Hello,
Here in Pennsylvania we have shitty road conditions all winter and I'm searching for good snow tires. On average, 16" tires cost $20 more per tire than 15". The same goes for a 14" compared to 15".

I'm familiar with "plus sizing" wheels and tires for going bigger, but how about smaller? Would I be able to run a 185/75/14 the same way i could run a 225/35/18? Therefore saving a bunch of money on snow tires for the winter. I could pick up some 14" steelies to run during the bad weather season. does this sound like a feasible idea? I'm aware that i can run 195/65/15, but i'd like to see if i can go even smaller, for cost and traction issues.

I drive a 1996 SE model. 205/55/16 standard.

[Warwick5s]

the only thing i would be concerned with is your brakes clearing a 14" rim. but that tire size is correct according to http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html

[cdlong]

our stock brakes are pretty small, 14s would probably fit. i would test it to be sure though.

[ZOLTAN]

14's fit.
If you want some inexpensive 14" wheels hit the junk yard and look for old z-car wheels.
I have a pair that are 14x6 +10.



.Eddie.