16" wheels on a Mk1

[JohneeBoy]

I have a Mk1 MX5 and am considering some new wheels for it. It has a set of 14"s right now and I hear that 15" is perhaps the sweet spot, however, I can't help but think 16" wheels would look better? That said, my main concern is the prospect of ruining the handling. I have a few questions:

Does anyone have any pics of mk1 MX5's on 16" wheels?
Does anyone drive one with wheels this size and can you tell me what it's like?
Are there issues with "rubbing"?

I really like these wheels. Can anyone tell me what they are or suggest a similar lightweight version?

[Evangelion]

To keep the overall diameter the same as for example a 195/50 x 15, you will need to fit a lower profile on a 16, for example 195/45 or 205/ or 215/40.

General concensus, though, is don't do it as the shallower sidewall ruins the ride/handling.

[Jonny671]

The wheels look like Lenso RS5's to me.

New Team Dynamics Pro Race 3's look the same kind of style.

http://www.madmotors.co.uk/catalog/team-dynamics-r...

[MonkeyBusiness]

17's for show
15's for go
16's for people that don't really know what they want. :-)

[JohneeBoy]

MonkeyBusiness said:

16's for people that don't really know what they want. :-)

This may be me.

[bluetone]

JohneeBoy said:

MonkeyBusiness said:

16's for people that don't really know what they want. :-)

This may be me.

The handling is the 5's best feature so why risk ruining it? There are plenty that look nice on 15" rims that have been subtly lowered (not slammed) in order to fill the wheelarches.

If you're more of a poseur than a driver, go for it!

[hornetrider]

That pic above looks like 17s to me?

I personally like the look of Rota Cups at 16, however for handling you can't beat the original BBS 15" imo.

[Howard-]

Most big wheels and aftermarket bodykits/bumpers/bonnets/stick on tat on MX5s looks like ass. IMHO anything bigger than 15" doesn't suit the mk1. At all.

Edited by Howard- on Tuesday 23 March 08:59

[tybo]

I've got 16" wheels on mine....




These replaced the last wheels that were also 16's, so I can't comment on any difference between anything else.


Although, I did think these looked too big....

[Howard-]

They're 16? They look the same if not smaller than my 15s They look good Like I said, most

[JohneeBoy]

tybo said:

I've got 16" wheels on mine....




These replaced the last wheels that were also 16's, so I can't comment on any difference between anything else.


Although, I did think these looked too big....

Thanks, and nice wheels! It looks great. What width and offset are they?

[MX7]

My car came with 17's which were dreadful. I've now got 15's, and wouldn't consider any other size. I find the car much more 'responsive' round a corner, and the tyres are far cheaper than 16's, 17's, and even some 14's.