What Wheels? NA6

[Robbo107672]

Hi, I'm looking for a set of wheels for my NA6 which has some aftermarket 14' Mags on it now.. Not too happy with the looks and the rear tyres are not too far away from needing to be replaced.

I'm interested in some 15's or 16's and was wondering what Offset, weight and size etc that I should be looking for.

I use the MX5 as a daily driver with the odd 'Spirited' drive, very occasional track run and I want some comfort, so will the 16's be too much ? (I have just fitted Koni/Kings and am very happy with it after a drive thru the Dandenongs the other day. The old shocks were completely stuffed.)

I like the HR Racing HR125's & HR126's for appearance but have not been to the store to talk about their characteristics yet.

http://www.mswt.com.au/products_closeup.asp?part=HR+RACING&part_no=24
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Thanks in advance, Rob.

[kitkat]

What colour is your car?
if your worried about comfort prob better off going 15\" with a higher profile (also the tyres are cheaper) and there isnt much of a range in 16\" from what i hear.

so after saying that maybe a 15 x 7 (should fit 215 or 225 i think) with a 30mm offset i guess, maybe someone else can confirm an offset.

[StanTheMan]

Rob.

In my opinion the 16 will look drop dead gorgeous.
But tread carefull. Most like ly the offsett will be 35mm. Which would make it legal.
Check the weight......I drove with some really light wheels the other day & it makes a huge difference. (nothing new here just never had a chance before)

Also Agressive street rubber will be much harder to get fort the 16 inch rim. Believe me. but if you are getting the standard run of the mill.....Great.

Drifters tend to use 15\" rims & everything under the sun is avail.

LAst but not least. the 16 inch rim will be illegal . if you drive an early NA.
however you may not be too concerned about 0.5\"

[Shadow]

tangent: why does the 16\" become illegal on NA's??

[StanTheMan]

you may not care, and it only minor, but those particular 16\" rimms are 7 inch wide...early NA's are 5.5\" wide from the factory. You can inrease yor width by 1 inch without getting certification or engineering. No big deal its only 0.5\" over. you could do a lot worse. just pointing it out. so now you know....

[Robbo107672]

I'm thinking that I want 15x6.5's but I do like the look of the 16's.
Have seen some second hand Mazda wheels at Mania that may interest me in 15 x 6.5 but will have to look into the off sets of the after market ones & weight etc.. before I make a decision.

Assuming that standard offset on early NA's is 45mm for 14 x 5.5inch according to Miata.net.. If I go up to 15 x 6.5, should the offset remain 45mm assuming the over all rolling diameter is the same? Does anyone know ?



ps. To answer kitkat question, I have a 1990 Laguna Blue NA6

Ref: http://www.miata.net/garage/offset.htm

[kitkat]

have you ever thought about putting white wheels on? White + Blue goes very well!!!

I think the offset would be reduced to something around 35mm im guessing?

[sab]

Here's a pic of the HR125's on my car. Size is 16x7.

Thinking of changing wheels soon, so may be for sale!

[atomic]

sorry, a bit off topic but just wondering if the steering gets a lot heavier with the larger wheels

I'm talking about non-powersteering...

[bam]

sweet ride sab

[sab]

sorry, a bit off topic but just wondering if the steering gets a lot heavier with the larger wheels

I'm talking about non-powersteering...

I had bigger wheels on my NA6 and yes. The steering does get a little heavier, particularly when parking.

A power sterring upgrade sorted that problem out!

bam Posted: 30 May 2006 02:05 pm Post subject:

sweet ride sab

Thanks bam

[rvlovell]

When I put 16's on my NA the car lost its direct feel with the steering and the ride got harder. Not to the extent that it ruined the car but it was diferent. It looked bloody good though. I havn't had trouble with getting tyres in 16\" but they will cost the same as 17\" tyres.

[Robbo107672]

Very nice look Sab !
The offset looks ok, still under the guards.. Let me know if they go up for sale!

[ozracer]

I just recently acquired a NA8 with 17x7 Lenso wheels and 40 profile federals. They look brilliant but ride is crap. I too are looking for lightweight 15s can anyone also confirm the offest I am guessing 35 positive will fill most of the gaurd on the outside? Can anyone assist?

[StanTheMan]

thats what i have currently.
i run 205/50x15
no probs there at all. unless you've dumped it super, super low.

rimms are 15x6.5 offset is 35mm

here is what it looks like


another angle