mx5cartalk.com

205/45/R16 is standard size yes. You 'can' fit 18's but the question of why? no doubt will be asked.

I would query your better handling idea. Have a look at the size of wheels the guys that track there cars use. I bet you wont find an MX-5 track car with 18' rubber.

raplhie , as the others have said, bigger wheels will definately not make your mx5 handle better. if handling is a priority go for 14's or 15's. i had some 16's and they were good as well, but i wouldn't want to go any bigger than that. i'm running 15's now and i find them to be really good.

I've had no issues with handling with my 17's, as some people from the great ocean rd cruise can tell you. I think slugoid is right with the 215/35 tyres. Dino had 18's on his car and I believe this was the tyre size. People seem hung up on this wheel size issue. The only effect 17's have had on my car is that I get a crap load more grip. It would be interesting to see the difference on a track but in day to day driving I enjoy the extra grip around corners and to me they look bloody good. Go with what you want

Ben

bdscott wrote: The only effect 17's have had on my car is that I get a crap load more grip.

How does the wheel diameter effect grip?

Get decent light 15" rims (for less unsprung weight and better handling) and good sticky stiff sidewalled tyres (for more grip) if you want the ultimate performance package.

If you like the look of larger wheels and don't mind sacraficing some performance, go larger. Just remember, you can get really wide 15s if that is your reasoning for going larger, just look at green_comet's new 15x8s...

Boags

Boags'MX5 wrote:

bdscott wrote: The only effect 17's have had on my car is that I get a crap load more grip.

How does the wheel diameter effect grip?

Get decent light 15" rims (for less unsprung weight and better handling) and good sticky stiff sidewalled tyres (for more grip) if you want the ultimate performance package.

If you like the look of larger wheels and don't mind sacraficing some performance, go larger. Just remember, you can get really wide 15s if that is your reasoning for going larger, just look at green_comet's new 15x8s...

Boags

I understand that Boags and I am by no means saying that people are wrong. It is just that I believe too many people go on far too much about larger wheels being the devils tool. On a track I can understand the reasoning and as I said I would like to see the difference but on the road it is negligable. I am no slower than any other NA6 and do not suffer around corners more than any other Mx5 with similar suspension. I get a much harsher ride for sure but I like the look of them and feel that they fill the wheel arches better, but that is personal preference. The new Mx5 doesn't have 14's or 15's. The Lotus Elise doesn't have 14's or 15's and in fact off the top of my head I can't think of any modern day performance car that has smaller than 16's. They may not be everyones cup of tea but they are by no means worth mentioning the performance deficit everytime someone says they want to get 17's. Sorry it is getting late and I don't mean this to sound harsh but that is the way I see it.

Ben

No probs Ben,

My experience is that heavier rims make more difference on the road than on the track for me. It was parking, excellerating and twisty roads where I noticed the drag of the heavier wheels.

As you said, it's preference. If you like the look, go for it.

Boags

Each to their own I guess. But why stop at 18 inches, when you could have 20 inches?

http://forum.miata.net/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=43037

http://forum.miata.net/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=43038


J

Has that thing had a front diff put under it too It already has the clearance of a 4wd

zoomzoom wrote:Has that thing had a front diff put under it too It already has the clearance of a 4wd

Funny enough most of the comments on the miata forum thread were along the same lines

J

ben i hear what you're saying, i agree people do go on about it a bit. but like i said, i found going from 16's down to 15's made a noticeable improvement in handling and feedback thru the steering wheel. that was my experience. but then again, even with 16's the car was a dream to drive. also, remember the original question was about 18's, not 17's. i just think 18's would be to big, as lil_mike can attest.

The car comes standard with 16's, as it's an NB8B, so why on earth would you fit smaller 14 or 15 inch rims...bloody NA owners that can't read!

17's on an NB8B look great, just make sure the tyre and wheel combo is the equivalent or lighter than the current package, and you'll be fine!

Craig wrote:The car comes standard with 16's, as it's an NB8B, so why on earth would you fit smaller 14 or 15 inch rims...bloody NA owners that can't read!

Au contraire, bloody Camelbois who don't read the posts by the NA boys.

why on earth would you fit smaller 14 or 15 inch rims

Performance. If you read the posts you wouldn't have asked such a silly question.

However, he has a point, your car comes standard with the sexiest rims known to man (might be a little subjective), why change them?

Boags

Can't go past the SE wheels if you ask me. And I would presume they would be light as well.

Ben

bdscott wrote:Can't go past the SE wheels if you ask me. And I would presume they would be light as well.

Ben

Oooooo, good call. They are a little on the brittle side though...