winter tires on 14" steelies

[tnrknght]

Just curious since I hear new england (specifically western mass) is supposed to get a pretty bad winter this year, I want to be more prepared than I was last year. since I have my 15" aluminum rims with daily tires, I want to put snow tires on the 14" steelies I took off the car a few months back. Im looking at the hankook winter iPikes, I sold many of them at pepboys and like hankook products. Im just wondeing what would be the optimal size tire to run for the snow?

Keep in mind Ill probably be lowering the car in the spring, and I want the wheels to fit next season too. Ill only be dropping maybe an inch or so, Im mainly looking for a tighter more responsive suspension, my stock suspension is blown so I feel like Im driving a boat as it is. Looking at KYB GR2s with H&R springs, as Ive seen good reviews from other members.

[mike-tracy]

What brakes do you have now? If you have the 2-piston fronts from a 2.5L they won't fit under 14" wheels. :(

[tnrknght]

I have the stock brakes on it now, the 14s will fit right back on. Im just wondering what size tire to put on the rims if I may be lowering it in the spring, I dont want the tires to only be usable for one season.

[Wiscon_Mark]

I'd stick with the stock diamater, or as close as you can get. I'm guessing 195-60-15s are what you're running on the stock rims?

http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html

That'd be 185-70-14 for the closest size.

[98legwag]

185/70/14 is the stock tire size.

[tnrknght]

Okay that sounds good to me, Yea I have 195/60/15 and for some reason the steelies had 185/65/14 when I got the car. Now I just have to find some winter tires thatll match that size. I have a strong preference to hankook, and their iPikes look like the way to go

[Wiscon_Mark]

Michelin Xice Xi2 and Xi3 tires are tops for ratings on tirerack & Consumer Reports. I own a pair of the originals and they're fantastic. No idea if they make that size though.