Wheel Choice
 

Hi All,

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



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



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?

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

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

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.

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 :)

I prefer the mazda alloys:)

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

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:



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

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.

surely they're not road legal?:confused:

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

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:

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