Hmmmm Alloys........

[ciderminx]

I'm toying with the idea of getting some new alloys for the beast (Mk1 MX5), mainly for pose-ability.
I've found some 17'' multi spokes with ZR rated tyres on them for £380. Then i'd keep my current 15's for track days etc.
What are your thoughts on this, I've heard contrasting views on how 17's affect the drive of the car.

(or you could say it would be a great idea......)

[mk1salami]

I've never seen a mk1 MX5 where 17's look good. Stick with 15s for steering feel, and less unsprung mass.

17's are fine down Maccy D's though...

[maz8062]

Kei Racing Force 10 with GSD3 205/40 ZR17

Handling was crap so I got rid - I now have 2 sets of wheels, 14's & 15's

Edited by maz8062 on Monday 5th January 18:33

[Planet Claire]

mk1salami said:

I've never seen a mk1 MX5 where 17's look good.

Agree, somehow they just look too big. I think 15s suit the mk1 best.

[matt uk]

step away from the 17's..

Only kidding. Not really my thing, but go with it if it's yours.

[OnlyMX5ives]

For Mk1:

14" handle the sweetest
15" have more control and cheaper (and better choice of) tyres
16" are similar to 15" but tyres cost 50% more
17" are rubbish and for fashion, not driving or handling

Strangely the Mk2 can drive well on 17"

[MX-5 Lazza]

OnlyMX5ives said:

Strangely the Mk2 can drive well on 17"

Like mine does

[maz8062]

OnlyMX5ives said:

For Mk1:

14" handle the sweetest
15" have more control and cheaper (and better choice of) tyres
16" are similar to 15" but tyres cost 50% more
17" are rubbish and for fashion, not driving or handling

Strangely the Mk2 can drive well on 17"

^ What he said. I think 16's look the best aesthetically, but I wasn't convinced of the handling - It could just have been that the Sport 16's, at 15.5lbs, were perhaps too heavy for my likes...lightweight 16's could just be the best compromise for looks and go.

[snotrag]

Interested to know peoples thoughts between 14 and 15 on a Mk1. I'm looking at 15's purely for the availability of decent tyres, but I'm worried the move from 185/60/14 to 195/50/15 is going to make the ride and handling unacceptable... Its just on the right side of too stiff now with Ohlins shocks and lowered a bit.

[MX-5 Lazza]

If you're worried about 15" making it too stiff go for Toyo T1R rather than Goodyear F1 as the sidewalls are much softer. I don't think you'd notice a difference in ride quality though.

What tyres do you have at the moment?

Edited by MX-5 Lazza on Tuesday 6th January 14:48

[maz8062]

snotrag said:

Interested to know peoples thoughts between 14 and 15 on a Mk1. I'm looking at 15's purely for the availability of decent tyres, but I'm worried the move from 185/60/14 to 195/50/15 is going to make the ride and handling unacceptable... Its just on the right side of too stiff now with Ohlins shocks and lowered a bit.

You'll have more grip with the 15's and the car will feel more planted. I have 195/45 VR14's on 14x6 rims and 195/50 on 15x6.5 rims both weigh under 9lbs, but the 14's are slightly better allround.

[Howard-]

ciderminx said:

I'm toying with the idea of getting some new alloys for the beast (Mk1 MX5), mainly for pose-ability.
I've found some 17'' multi spokes with ZR rated tyres on them for £380. Then i'd keep my current 15's for track days etc.
What are your thoughts on this, I've heard contrasting views on how 17's affect the drive of the car.

(or you could say it would be a great idea......)

Don't do it. A) mk1 MX5s are crap with 17" wheels, and B) a wheel AND tyre combination for £380 is going to be shonky as fk. The tyres will be chinese ditchfinder specials and the wheels will weigh about 185 tonnes each. Bye bye handling. I'd expect a decent set of tyres for 17" wheels to be around £400-£450 on their own, not to mention the wheels as well.

Just my tuppence Get a decent set of lightweight 15s and stick Eagle F1s on them



Edit:

snotrag said:

Interested to know peoples thoughts between 14 and 15 on a Mk1. I'm looking at 15's purely for the availability of decent tyres, but I'm worried the move from 185/60/14 to 195/50/15 is going to make the ride and handling unacceptable... Its just on the right side of too stiff now with Ohlins shocks and lowered a bit.

I did this exact move, and the only thing I really noticed was the steering which is a teeny tiny bit heavier

Edited by Howard- on Tuesday 6th January 15:01

[MX-5 Lazza]

Howard- said:

Don't do it. A) mk1 MX5s are crap with 17" wheels, and B) a wheel AND tyre combination for £380 is going to be shonky as fk. The tyres will be chinese ditchfinder specials and the wheels will weigh about 185 tonnes each. Bye bye handling. I'd expect a decent set of tyres for 17" wheels to be around £400-£450 on their own, not to mention the wheels as well.

I paid about £320 for a set of 205/40/17 F1 GSD3 fitted & balanced but otherwise I agree with you

[Phil @ P5]

OnlyMX5ives said:

For Mk1:

16" are similar to 15" but tyres cost 50% more

Depends on the tyre. I love my Federal 595SSs and are only £43.00 in 205/45/16!

[OnlyMX5ives]

Phil @ P5 said:

OnlyMX5ives said:

For Mk1:

16" are similar to 15" but tyres cost 50% more

Depends on the tyre. I love my Federal 595SSs and are only £43.00 in 205/45/16!

In this weather ?

I have a set and they have zero grip.

And verses my £31 195/50/15 T1R's thats still close to 50%

Edited by OnlyMX5ives on Tuesday 6th January 15:22

[ciderminx]

Unfortunately you've all said what i already knew really. I'm just reluctant to change my wheels for something thats only marginally different to what i already have.

Ah well, the Mazda forum word of reason has made me come to my senses. Thanks for all your views.

[Phil @ P5]

OnlyMX5ives said:

Phil @ P5 said:

OnlyMX5ives said:

For Mk1:

16" are similar to 15" but tyres cost 50% more

Depends on the tyre. I love my Federal 595SSs and are only £43.00 in 205/45/16!

In this weather ?

I have a set and they have zero grip.

And verses my £31 195/50/15 T1R's thats still close to 50%

Edited by OnlyMX5ives on Tuesday 6th January 15:22

Absolutely! But then I'm only feathering 115 ponies

[Dimski]

Which reminds me.

Phil, you recommended I find a set of 15' wheels because of the cheaper tyres.

I have not been looking yet, but have the option of a cheap set of OZ Super Turismo 16", totally unused. Are they a good option?

Andy

[MX-5 Lazza]

Very good wheels. Not particularly light but they do suit MX5s (Mk2 more than Mk1 imo). However, 16" tyres aren't very cheap - nearly as much as 17" tyres in fact! I'd carry on looking for 15" unless the OZ are particularly cheap

[snotrag]

FYI.

Just gone from budget 14's to some decent lightweight 15's with premium tyres, been for a short blat.

Car does feel more planted and secure in corners, less flex. Steering is MARGINALLY heavier at low speed but much improved feel when rolling.

It certainly would seem that 195/50 on Quality 15" rims is about the best compromise for road use.