NEED ADVICE: Choosing aftermarket rims

[BadBong]

Hi guys,

Going to pick up a NB8A soon that will come with the stock 15".
Planning to put on sideskirts and a new front bumper so i'm thinking of getting some bigger, dark coloured Rims to suit.

I've tried to read through some of the threads here about what the stock wheels' specs are but what I want to find out is if I'm intending to keep the standard shocks and coils then what are the ideal wheel size I should be aiming for?

Would I be wrong to assume that the standard shocks are not sufficient for 17"?

If I'm going for 16", how does the width / depth of the rim affect the car? (i assume turning circle might increase for wider rims?) Will 16*7 be safe?

I assume the wheels should be at least the same if not lighter than the stock?

Last but not least, how does the offset affect the car again?

If someone can kindly give me an idea of the specs of rims i should aim for so that i can still keep my standard suspension gear without hearing my tyres touching the guard, that'll be great.

Thanks in advance - quite a n00b here.

[Jeo]

Ideal size is really up to personal preference and what you want to do with the car. Most of the track guys argue 15's are the fastest, while doing it purely for looks is obviously very subjective.

17s will fit on a standard car with no problems, provided you don't get weird widths or offsets.
16x7 will have no problems, provided you don't get really high or low offsets.

Lighter is typically thought of as better, but again your priorities here will be important. Are you planning on tracking the car? Is it a daily driver? Does it take long highway trips regularly? etc

Offset is entirely relevant to width, you cant really make statements about one without already knowing the other.

[BadBong]

Thanks Jeo,

If I was to go with 17s, will I need to go with low profile tyres? (my current car has 18s with low profile tyres and frankly... i think i'm going to give comfort a go this time around)

What width would you suggest for 17s as well?

I'm a weekend driver and i'm not going to be taking the car onto the track for the time being.

[SPy vs. SPy]

A set of the SE 17*7 would look awesome as do the the NB8B 16*6.5s

otherwise a hot contender is the Enkei RPF1, which come in a range of sizes

To keep it simple the basic numbers you need is 4*100 PCD (Pitch Circle Diameter)a.k.a. the stud pattern and an offset of +40, you can go to other offsets but legalities and hitting bits of car becomes an issue.

another option is to get the original 15's redone to a polished finish like the 99' 10AEs and 00' heritage edition or get them painted in a colour of choice, 1red5 had a set painted black for sale in the last few days, there's pics if you have a look at his post, Auto NB8B's had the same 15" rim but painted in a bright-ish glossy silver which also looks quite good.

100000000000 choices for what to do

Also, a lot of after market rims are heavier than stock and ultimately this affects the cars handling.

In the words of Yoda, "More reading, I advise, you should do"

Lastly, rock up to a run or two and have a look and ask lots of annoying questions, we mostly won't bite, well not very hard . . . the first time

[BadBong]

Thx Yoda

So if I was to go with 17*7 or 16*6.5, what kind of tyres would i have to go with to ensure that nothing hits the car?

[Charlie Brown]

Thx Yoda

So if I was to go with 17*7 or 16*6.5, what kind of tyres would i have to go with to ensure that nothing hits the car?

Without doubt you would be better off with 16x6.5 fitted with either a 195x45 or 205x45 tyre. Remember that lighter is better so as you go up in size, both in rim and tyre, so the weight goes up and the performance down.

[BadBong]

Good to know, thanks C.B.

So basically:

Rims: 16s * 6.5 with as close to +40 offset as possible. Equal or lighter in weight
Tyres: 195/45

Anything I need to look out for to keep the balance of the car?

I assume alignment will just be done as standard by the guys who I buy the rims of with their sensors etc. (or is there a specific alignment that we should follow for NBs?)

[Jeo]

Most people here would recommend finding an experienced shop who knows what they are going for with our settings, rather than just using the local wheel/tyre shop. Plenty of threads around that can help you.

[BadBong]

You mean... read the threads here, extract the details of the alignment setup.

Then go to an experienced store and hand them the setup specs instead of just letting them do it with their auto sensors?

[Jeo]

Thats the one

[BadBong]

Thanks mate. In that case, any recommendations for a rims shop with someone who knows what they’re doing with the alignment in Sydney? (somewhere on the northshore would be my pref but i'm happy to go to most places)

I’ve been going to Tempe Tyres for the last few years to get my 18s fitted so I was planning to go back there to shop for rims.

[SPy vs. SPy]

Read This post http://mx5cartalk.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=76&t=15398

and have a read here http://www.miata.net/faq/wheel_weights.html

If you give us an idea of suburb, someone will tell you were you can get a good alignment done by someone who knows what they are doing.

Otherwise take Charlie Browns or CT's specs to an aligner and get them to put either spec on, and get them to do a printout before and after as well.

Any MX-5 with a good alignment is a revelation to drive.

Ultimately you'll probably find the original 15's with good rubber will be one of the best set-ups you can have.

I've never looked for a 195/45 16 so Lord knows what's available, be prepared to stick your hand in your pocket for anything 16" and good. For example 205/45 16 Michelin PP2's will set you back ~$250 each.

Plus the cost of the rims

Back to the subject of suspension, how many Kms has the car done and do you know if the suspension is original or not?

[BadBong]

Thanks mate, I live in St. Leonards (Lower North Shore) – any referrals to a wheel alignment place would be great.

I understand where you’re coming from with your comments on the original rims but unfortunately I’m a bit vain and I’m keen on getting the side skirts and a front bumper – which will make the stock rims look terrible (both in colour and size).

However, I’m keen to getting a set of rims that not only looks good but performs at least on par if not better than the stock as well – hence that’s why I’ve come here to borrow everyone’s well of knowledge

Currently, the car’s got a good set of 15s block tyres (195/50R15 82V) on them but I can’t remember exactly what they are as I haven’t picked up the car yet… might try to sell the stock wheels with tyres (over 80% tread).

The car’s only done 52kkms and it’s a 99’ NB8A. Everything stock except for the brake pads, which are better than stock but it squeaks more…

[SPy vs. SPy]

17's do look "The Sh!t" I will concur

these would be a good choice, heaps of colours offsets, sizes etc. and light.

http://images.google.com.au/images?q=enkei+rpf1&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&ei=7U1VSvaeHJKcMZDxgN4C&sa=X&oi=image_result_group&ct=title&resnum=5

At 50K the suspension should be OK

If your in St Leonards, there is a very good service place here http://www.ttauto.com.au/index.html don't know if they do alignments but if they don't, they will know where to go.

[Garry]

Good luck finding a set of after market 16x7" wheels with the correct offset that are light weight, the correcty PCD and look OK. I searched for months and still didn't find what I was looking for. There is a much bigger range of 17" wheels but you will sacrifice some handling and ride comfort if you choose to go with 17". This may/may not be an issue for you.

BTW Mazda chooses to fit 205x45x16 tyres at the factory. If you decide to go for 16" wheels I'd suggest you do the same.