Wheel Choice

[skov]

Hi All,

Trying to decide what wheels to put on the Roadster.
My donor came with the standard Mazda alloys:

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_KhLoFzSFH8k/TbuziTARrHI/AAAAAAAAHEo/wx_mhUlqSM0/s640/mazda_alloys.JPG

Alteratively, I have the chance to pinch these Fox alloys off my other MX5 before I sell it:

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_KhLoFzSFH8k/TbuzeyRYBZI/AAAAAAAAHEk/oYvcvryUhHY/s640/fox_alloys.JPG

The Mazda ones are 14" and have 185/60R14 tyres
The Fox ones are 16" and have 205/45/16 tyres

I prefer the look of the Fox alloys, but which are going to be better handling wise?

[skov]

I'm using the original MX5 uprights, so that shouldn't be a problem!

[spud69]

The original Mazda wheels will look nice painted black, could do with some lower profile, 50's tyres on though - some nice Proxes T1-r's. The only problem is it will throw your speedo out unless you fit a DigiDash or something similar.

Regards....Andrew

[Talonmotorsport]

I think you have to weigh up how you want the car to ride and how it looks, style over function or visa versa. 14s with 60 profile tyres will give a more comfortable ride as the tyres will act as dampers with 18-22 psi. 16s with 40 profile tyres will look better but give a harsher ride and maybe less grip as the side walls don't deflect as much.

[skov]

Function over form for me. If it's a choice between looks and handling, I'll go for the second!
Comfort and harsh ride are of little to no concern for this car :)

[james3004]

I prefer the mazda alloys:)

[Wynand]

smaller wheels are less unsprung mass, better everything re handling...

[CTWV50]

I'm sticking with the 14" Mazda alloys for now, although I may get some 14" team dynamic 1.2s in black with Maxsport RB5 tyres! :cool:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v201/fireman69/rb5-f3.jpg

I don't intend to be driving fast in wet weather!:D

[skov]

Oooh, I like the look of those tyres!
Is it wrong to get excited over rubber? :o

I think I'll stick with the Mazda wheels for now, and maybe treat it to some new ones post IVA when the bank balance has recovered.

[james3004]

surely they're not road legal?:confused:

[CTWV50]

Oh yes they are!!:D And they're only £50+vat for 14x185x55!!

[skov]

Interestingly, I put the Mazda wheels on my MX5, and my god what a difference it made to the handling :eek:
Why did I only find out now after two years of ownership and when I'm about to sell the car that it's loads better on standard wheels :mad:

[CTWV50]

Ordered some Team Dynamic Race Pro 1.2 wheels in 13' x 7" et15 for a wider track and this evening I just ordered the first tyre for the rear an R888 205/60 R13.:D

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8535/8694526631_aa3ba01cb9.jpg