Bought a 91 MX5 - need to spend money on it!

mikey mx5 · Postby **mikey mx5** » Sun Jun 25, 2006 10:43 pm

Hi,
I just bought an MX5. I really don't have heaps of money, but I was thinking I might upgrade my 15 inch standard wheels with some Mag Wheels.
Looking on Ebay, there are wheels that range from 14 inch to 17 inch.

Can someone please explain to me, or direct me somewhere where I can learn about what I might need?

There are some cheap 14 inch wheels with tyres - $160 atm. Would these be any good?

I would like to have a safe car, that I could maybe also race in the MX5 club! (When I join).

Thanks,
Mike

Juffa · Postby **Juffa** » Sun Jun 25, 2006 11:44 pm

Hi Mikey,

Welcome to our obsession. If you have 15 inch wheels on your 91. these are not standard. From 1989 to 1998 the wheels were 14 inch. From 1998 to about 2001 they were 15 inch. From 2001 to 2005 they were 16 inch. All of the newer wheels a re a straight fit for the earlier models, but the earlier wheels do not fit the later (2001 onwards) models due to these having bigger brakes.

Also, the standard wheels on the MX-5 are amongest the lightest available and unless you pay for a decent set of replacement wheels you may affect the handling and ride comfort of your car for the worst.
Come along to a club run and have a chat to the guys and girls. Better to see what is best for your car than spend money only to go backwards. There is a run this Sunday (2 July) and one on the first Sunday of every month.

J

PT · Postby PT » Mon Jun 26, 2006 9:12 am

Juffa wrote:From 2001 to 2005 they were 16 inch. All of the newer wheels a re a straight fit for the earlier models, but the earlier wheels do not fit the later (2001 onwards) models due to these having bigger brakes.

The standard wheels on the SE's are 17" Racing Harts.

JBT · Postby **JBT** » Mon Jun 26, 2006 9:56 am

mikey mx5 wrote:I really don't have heaps of money, but I was thinking I might upgrade my 15 inch standard wheels with some Mag Wheels.

Your financial position and automotive desires seem mutually exclusive. Save the money for a good set of tyres or the inevitable repairs to keep your 15 year old MX-5 running like a charm.

mikey mx5 · Postby **mikey mx5** » Mon Jun 26, 2006 11:54 am

Thanks for your advice.

I have decided that I should wait and come to the club event this Sunday!

And I'll show you my beautiful car and maybe I should actually measure my wheels! I must have 14 inch's on it, as I am pretty sure they are the standard ones.

But I LOVE the wheels on PT's car! Can I buy them off you?!!!

Mike

Mr_Q · Postby **Mr_Q** » Mon Jun 26, 2006 1:28 pm

mikey mx5 wrote:... maybe I should actually measure my wheels! I must have 14 inch's on it, as I am pretty sure they are the standard ones.

Just take a look at the tyres - they'll have the rim size as the last part of the size info, eg. 205/45R16 is 16".

Juffa · Postby **Juffa** » Mon Jun 26, 2006 2:32 pm

mikey mx5 wrote:Thanks for your advice.

I have decided that I should wait and come to the club event this Sunday!

But I LOVE the wheels on PT's car! Can I buy them off you?!!!

Mike

The more the merrier for the Sunday run. The wheels on PT's SE are the 17 inch Racing Hart and can be bought from MX5Mania, just click on the link at the top of the page.

J

PT · Postby PT » Mon Jun 26, 2006 2:34 pm

Sorry Juffa...

Not the standard wheels on here matey...

And Mike, definately NOT for sale!!!

Bevan · Postby **Bevan** » Mon Jun 26, 2006 2:39 pm

PT wrote:Not the standard wheels on here matey...

Tell them why! :shock:

Mikey, make sure you're sitting down when you look at the price. Over $400 per rim which is no good unless you have a never ending wallet, which you (nor I) don't. :cry: