Alright, just spent the last hour going through the 13 pages on this topic....but I just want the simple answer. I am purchasing the Victor Mulsanne 22" X 10's. Planning on going with the 285/35/22 tires. My question is, of course, is my tire size the right one (I need more height in the rubber, damn pathetic roads up here) and since I have an 04 S without air suspension, whats the best setup for lowering my ride to get rid of the gap but still keep a reasonably soft ride.

Thanks and sorry for the repeat questions

 

I have installed 22" X 10's with 295/30/22 tires.
If you install 285/35/22 it will work but you will have a small "misalignment" compared to stock wheels. Your speedometer will show 4% too little.
See http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html and you can calculate different sizes yourself.

See my before and after below.
I also have steel suspension and have not lowered the car.

 

I am running 22"s w. 285/35/22 General Grabbers + H&R Springs....
its pretty good.... I had tied to fit 295/40/22 but it rubbed bad.