Tire sizes?

[NoHachi]

(06-09-2016 07:18 PM)Deuce Cam Wrote:  It depends on what you want out of them, but for best performance/feel: match 185s to 6/6.5j, and 195s to a 7j. (FYI 195s are a little bubble'ish even on a 6.5j wheel.)

Better late then never... but you really want 7.5" or 8" rims to make optimal use of true 195s. Rule of thumb: Wheel should be at least as wide or slightly wider then the thread width of the tire. Thread width is in italics because it doesn't match the 195 designation on the side. Some manufacturers list it, others you have to measure and differences can be large. There is a bunch of corner entry feel to be found in ever so slightly wider rims.

Decent tire choices are much cheaper and widely available in 15" or 13". 14" is a dead end that has been slowly dying over the past decade. 13s survive due to mini's and beginnner formula classes. 15s are doing well due to golfs, mx5s, e30s etc. Decent budget choices available in 15s through Federal or Nankang or Toyo.
If you want to lower the car through wheels (good idea) look towards 215-40-15 Avons. You could go 13, but then you might run into problems with the thermal capacity and clamping force of brakes that fit in 13s. Even the 280mm 15" setups are borderline if you know how to use 200whp at the track.

For rain tires -> Toyo R1R in 195-50-15. Closest thing to a wet-slick out there. Basically an SG compound R888 with added water channels.