17" rims for NB what difference will it make.

[Kiwibirkin]

We are looking for better rims & tires for our 1998 Vspec .

Currently we have the standard rims with the standard tires which are 14" with 185/60R14 tires, we have seen some nice rims that are 17" with 205/40z R17 84W tires on them and using the wheel calculator it comes out very close to the same size just a tad larger. We have seen a NB with larger 17 rims and it seems to fill the arches out better and we like the look.

The wheels in question we are looking at are off a NA model will they go on a NB or is the offset different between the NA & NB ??? I know some will say the ride is harsher on a MX5 with larger wheels and such a low profile tire and im expecting that a bit but are there any other issues we should know about at all.

Any info is much appreciated.

Cheers Stephen

[Gravelben]

Unless they are particularly light wheels they will have a negative effect on handling.

[aidwano]

If you want to fill up the arches get 15's/16's and lower it a bit too, it'll look much better that way

[brownie]

NB's do have a longer suspension travel than a NA,so will ride better than a NA with bigger wheels.
Do bear in mind that 17's will give your wheel bearings a harder time as well as brakes .
Take in account the Brand of Tyre,If they are cheepo 17"s they won't do the car any favour's handling wise.
Bit of a compromise but really comes down to what you want.
My own thoughts would be 15" or 16".

Had a customer in work last week with a NA on 17's,He bought a set of NB 14's on mint BFG touring tyres i traded that day...rung me the next ,Couldn't believe how much better the car drove and cornered and didn't feel squirmy under braking as when on the 17'"s.

These cars NEED quality wheels and tyres ,That's one thing they are sensitive about

[Gravelben]

These cars NEED quality wheels and tyres ,That's one thing they are sensitive about

Yep, unsprung weight is a real killer of handling and responsiveness.

[fleet1]

Hi Stephen, I have just bought a 5 and intend to change to 15" and no larger as I am concerned about the ride rather than the look, 40's will give a hard ride I am told. The seven can have a hard ride . Mike.