Looking for some new wheels

Enth · Post by **Enth** » Sun Dec 02, 2012 12:07 pm

I'm looking for some new wheels and tires for my NA MX5 for a decent price.
I've found some 17x7 wheels with low profile tires and I'm pretty keen on them as they are going for a good price but I'm just wondering how bad they'll scrape?

Would preferably like some 15x7 or 15x8 but trying to find a set with tires for a good price is becoming rather difficult.

Mr. Shine · Post by **Mr. Shine** » Sun Dec 02, 2012 12:41 pm

You really don't want 17s on an NA, it'll look ridiculous in my and most other people's opinions. Ideally you want something lightweight, and the fact is decent wheels are not cheap.

As for scraping/rubbing, unless you have a larger tyre profile than matches your factory wheels, that's a matter of wheel offset. Most 17x7s aren't crazy low offset anyway.

dylann · Post by **dylann** » Sun Dec 02, 2012 1:36 pm

I had a set of 17x7 +40 on my NA when i bought it, and it had no rubbing issues whatsoever. However as above it made it look a little ridiculous so they promptly got sold, but hey if they go for a steal why not.

Donovan · Post by **Donovan** » Sun Dec 02, 2012 2:42 pm

I run 17's on my NA and countary to other people's suggestions, I don't mind them too much, but I have to run these size wheels out because 15's don't really fit over the brakes I am running, and semi slick 16 tyres are way more expensive than 17's.

I run 205/40/17 tyres and don't have any scraping issues, and my car is lowish (compared to most cars, rides high compaired to Chris's standards) for track work. Can't run 215/45 without rolling the inside of the guard and removing the mudflaps in the front.

The other issue you'll get with 17's is the sidewall on the tyres is pretty small so the ride is a bit harsher than what you get on 15's.

Have a look at my garage, there is photo's of my car with the 17's, but the car is at it's normal ride height in those not the lowered one it is now, but it still might help you decide whether you like that look or not, but is you are or aren't going to run with 17's don't be influenced on some else's opinion on the looks.

Don't ask me what the offset is of the wheels I have, as I wouldn't have a clue

Donovan · Post by **Donovan** » Sun Dec 02, 2012 3:00 pm

Actually have a look at the photo from the night speed drag wars post that's a better pic as the car is at the current ride height in that photo. The white one below mine in that post, he also runs 17's.

ham · Post by **ham** » Tue Dec 04, 2012 12:39 pm

I was running 17s for a couple of years. You will see in my garage photos. I liked the look but found the handling a bit skittish. Have now dropped down to 15s and like the feel way more.

WideOpenThrottle · Post by **WideOpenThrottle** » Tue Dec 04, 2012 3:27 pm

17's are ideal for the sedentary drivers!

Enth · Post by **Enth** » Wed Dec 12, 2012 9:40 pm

Got some 15x7 Work RS Alpha wheels. Came with some average tires. Got them for a decent price too.

Furai · Post by **Furai** » Thu Dec 13, 2012 7:45 pm

Nicce

Timmo · Post by **Timmo** » Fri Aug 09, 2013 8:53 am

Hey enth- Are these the ones you have for sale now? did you have any pictures of them on the car?

SLYDIT · Post by **SLYDIT** » Sat Aug 10, 2013 10:29 am

The single biggest problem with 17's is WEIGHT. They are heavy and will make your car drive like crap and have crap ride. And they look dumb too. 15x7.5 is the best size for nz because you can put a 205/50 or 195/50 on them. With a 15x8 your tire options are very very very limited.

Looking for some new wheels

Looking for some new wheels

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