Brakes Wheels 1st Gen Tires Tires. Make and size for R50 Coop.

Discussion in '1st Generation: 2002–06 R50, R53 & 2004–08 R52' started by M1N1, Apr 1, 2014.

  1. M1N1

    M1N1 Well-Known Member

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    Now that winter is hopefully in the past:fingerscrossed:, I need to put some tires on the M1N1. I have R93 OEM rims with Blizzaks on at the moment. I recently purchased another set of the same 15" rims. My local tire fitter is currently running a promo on Bridgestone Ecopia tires, 175/65 - 15, and I could get these for about $320 fitted, out the door. Has anyone tried, or have experience of these tires? Any preference in sizes?

    I only use my car for normal daily driving. No sprints, rally x, etc.
     
  2. Crashton

    Crashton Club Coordinator

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  3. M1N1

    M1N1 Well-Known Member

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    Anyone else have any input?
     
  4. Justa Jim

    Justa Jim Well-Known Member
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    I have a 2nd Gen Justa. I have tried many sizes and types of tires and found that going larger is not good. Better grip in the turn, but the Justa has limited power and the larger tires rob what is there. Smaller helps acceleration, but the ride is rougher. I now stick to the 175/65X15 that came on it. I am running the Blizzark's like you, and they are the smoothest, quietest tire I have found. Looking for Bridgestones for summer, but have not decided on which one yet.
     
  5. Crashton

    Crashton Club Coordinator

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    I put Kumho 4x all seasons on Babs clubster. Her car has 16" rims. I went with 205-50-16. These are good tires & fairly inexpensive. The dry road grip is good & I'd rate the wet weather performance as very good. We put Blizzaks on for winter use so no info on show traction from these tires. So far these tires are quiet.

    These tires were on the clubman when we went to MOTD last year. They worked very well Jim. :yesnod:

    If I was buying a set for 15" rims I'd go with 205-50-15. Just my .02.

    http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Kumho&tireModel=Ecsta+4X&sidewall=Blackwall&partnum=955VR5E4X&tab=Specs
     
  6. M1N1

    M1N1 Well-Known Member

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    Many thanks. Agree with both of you on the Blizzaks. Best snow tires by a long way. All thru this NW Ohio winter, I only had a problem one time, and that was probably my fault more than the tires. I was pushing a little too hard because I had such confidence in the Blizzaks.
     
  7. Justa Jim

    Justa Jim Well-Known Member
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    The OP has an R50. Less power then the R56. There are many threads that advise smaller on the Justa which I have found to be true. The 205 would handle great, but rob acceleration and mpg. Depends on what is important and what is not.
     
  8. Crashton

    Crashton Club Coordinator

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    4 donut spares is the hot setup for mileage. :wink:

    I just gave my 2 donuts worth of opinion.:donut1::donut1: I really do like the Kumho 4x. It is a shame the selection in the 15" size is limited. Seems that is becoming common with many tire brands. Wheels sizes are really growing.
     
  9. wmwny

    wmwny Well-Known Member

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    I have put Kumho tires in sizes 195-50-16 and 195-50-15 on my Justa and MCS and have been pleased with the lower width. The acceleration and fuel mileage in each vehicle have not suffered, either.
     
  10. Crashton

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    Good to know, ask the man who has them. :Thumbsup:
     
  11. wmwny

    wmwny Well-Known Member

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    #11 wmwny, Apr 2, 2014
    Last edited: Apr 21, 2014
    My winter Blizzaks are size 185-65-15 and I almost hate to take them off the car because the ride is so smooth. That said, I'd do a search at Tire Rack for the same size in an all season. I did, had found the Fuzions [made by Firestone/Bridgestone] to be the lowest in cost, AND, I am already running Fuzions on my R50. They are very smooth running tires and I think I'll be buying them for awhile.
     

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