Big FAT Wheels

peter · Post by **peter** » Sun Sep 11, 2005 8:29 pm

Hiya Steve.

I've got 215/40s on 16" rims, I got told by Mag'n'Wheel Warehouse that bigger wheels ( ie 17"+ ) ean eithe get slimmer tyres or get the speedo rebalanced or something like that...

There's been a ton of discussion on this subject in the past, there are a lot of experts in the club.

I've seen 245/40s somewhere on a MX5, can't remember where. They must be a bitch to turn if you don't have power steering!

Peter

DRGN1

Ian · Post by **Ian** » Sun Sep 11, 2005 8:42 pm

What you are planning will ruin your handling, no argument!!!
Suggest you read some athoritative books etc on this subject. 15 x 6 inch is
what you should be aiming for using a quality tyre - 195/50 x 15 unless you
hav huge horsepower when 205/50 may be necessary on the rear or poss all
round. Unsprung weight is critical to the handling of an MX5, unless 'looks'
are more important to you, and bugger the handling! A 1600 naturally aspirated
will not get a tyre over 185/195 section up to operating temperature...

Ian · Post by **Ian** » Sun Sep 11, 2005 8:42 pm

What you are planning will ruin your handling, no argument!!!
Suggest you read some athoritative books etc on this subject. 15 x 6 inch is
what you should be aiming for using a quality tyre - 195/50 x 15 unless you
hav huge horsepower when 205/50 may be necessary on the rear or poss all
round. Unsprung weight is critical to the handling of an MX5, unless 'looks'
are more important to you, and bugger the handling! A 1600 naturally aspirated
will not get a tyre over 185/195 section up to operating temperature...

Robyn and Rich · Post by **Robyn and Rich** » Sun Sep 11, 2005 8:51 pm

We have fitted 205s 50 15s... cool for good hard driving,, we like
to throw it around the corners and play a little.. the drawback is that
it tends to tramline at low speed...
but they sort of feel safer??? haha... have fun...R. & R.

Robyn and Rich · Post by **Robyn and Rich** » Sun Sep 11, 2005 8:51 pm

We have fitted 205s 50 15s... cool for good hard driving,, we like
to throw it around the corners and play a little.. the drawback is that
it tends to tramline at low speed...
but they sort of feel safer??? haha... have fun...R. & R.

Badcat · Post by **Badcat** » Sun Sep 11, 2005 8:54 pm

ian - suggest you see steve's car before you tell him what's best for it.
just a thought...
ken

From: "Ian Wooster" <walksdrives@xtra.co.nz>
Date: 2005/09/11 Sun PM 08:42:09 GMT+12:00
To: "MX5List" <mx5list@mx5club.org.nz>
Subject: Re: Big FAT Wheels

What you are planning will ruin your handling, no argument!!!
Suggest you read some athoritative books etc on this subject. 15 x 6 inch

is what you should be aiming for using a quality tyre - 195/50 x 15 unless
you hav huge horsepower when 205/50 may be necessary on the rear or poss
all round. Unsprung weight is critical to the handling of an MX5, unless 'looks'
are more important to you, and bugger the handling! A 1600 naturally
aspirated will not get a tyre over 185/195 section up to operating
temperature...

Badcat · Post by **Badcat** » Sun Sep 11, 2005 8:54 pm

ian - suggest you see steve's car before you tell him what's best for it.
just a thought...
ken

From: "Ian Wooster" <walksdrives@xtra.co.nz>
Date: 2005/09/11 Sun PM 08:42:09 GMT+12:00
To: "MX5List" <mx5list@mx5club.org.nz>
Subject: Re: Big FAT Wheels

What you are planning will ruin your handling, no argument!!!
Suggest you read some athoritative books etc on this subject. 15 x 6 inch

is what you should be aiming for using a quality tyre - 195/50 x 15 unless
you hav huge horsepower when 205/50 may be necessary on the rear or poss
all round. Unsprung weight is critical to the handling of an MX5, unless 'looks'
are more important to you, and bugger the handling! A 1600 naturally
aspirated will not get a tyre over 185/195 section up to operating
temperature...

garry · Post by **garry** » Sun Sep 11, 2005 9:40 pm

Hi folks,

Just thought I'd add my 2 cents worth here, I run 17 x 7's with 215/45 tyres
and my car handles like a dream.

Admittedly 215/40's or 35's would have been the appropriate choice to keep the
speedo correct but I was aiming for a little better economy with this swap not
just a car that looked and handled better.

Ian suggests that you will ruin your handling and he is right just as Robyn
and Rich suggest that bigger wheels specifically with a wider offset will
cause the car to tramline, however experience tells me that you simply take
the car in and get it wheel aligned for the new wheel size and everything
returns to normal except that the car actually handles better than it did
before.

Wet or dry I have not been able to get the back loose since the wheel / tyre
change to 17's and I sure did a few times with the 14's on there.

Additional side effects from the 45 profile is that the tyres sometimes rub on
the guards on big bumps and I had to move the bolts that hold the plastic
inner guard up higher so they didn't rub, the car is raised due to the
additional diameter of the wheels / tyres and this totally changes the
perception of the car it looks taller and shorter and narrower and I prefer it
at that height too, easier to get in and out of .

Garry

garry · Post by **garry** » Sun Sep 11, 2005 9:40 pm

Hi folks,

Just thought I'd add my 2 cents worth here, I run 17 x 7's with 215/45 tyres
and my car handles like a dream.

Admittedly 215/40's or 35's would have been the appropriate choice to keep the
speedo correct but I was aiming for a little better economy with this swap not
just a car that looked and handled better.

Ian suggests that you will ruin your handling and he is right just as Robyn
and Rich suggest that bigger wheels specifically with a wider offset will
cause the car to tramline, however experience tells me that you simply take
the car in and get it wheel aligned for the new wheel size and everything
returns to normal except that the car actually handles better than it did
before.

Wet or dry I have not been able to get the back loose since the wheel / tyre
change to 17's and I sure did a few times with the 14's on there.

Additional side effects from the 45 profile is that the tyres sometimes rub on
the guards on big bumps and I had to move the bolts that hold the plastic
inner guard up higher so they didn't rub, the car is raised due to the
additional diameter of the wheels / tyres and this totally changes the
perception of the car it looks taller and shorter and narrower and I prefer it
at that height too, easier to get in and out of .

Garry

poison · Post by **poison** » Sun Sep 11, 2005 9:56 pm

I was chatting to someone with 17's on their MX recently but can't recall
who... ohh yes I can, the guy worked at Mazspares in Auckland. Name was Mike
if that helps, he seemed very new to MX'5s though when I asked him some
questions. I have 16's on mine and if I wanted to go lower they would hit the
guards as the offset is wrong. But big rims and low profiles will always look
great.

Gazza
"PO1SON"

From jifjif@gmail.com Fri Apr 27 17:32:38 2007
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Date: Sun, 11 Sep 2005 21:57:40 +1200
From: ~Jeff~ <jifjif@gmail.com>
To: MX5List <mx5list@mx5club.org.nz>
Subject: Re: Big FAT Wheels
In-Reply-To: <001201c5b6b4$d6c12d80$0d00a8c0@garry>
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I've run 215/50x16's on 43 offset wheels - they are, quite literally,
the "dogs bollix" !

Steve doesn't care about handling, he's not setting his turbo'5 up for
any corners at all

Looks like 225 tyres are do-able without having to do any crazy flared arches...
http://forum.miata.net/vb/showthread.ph ... idest+tire

poison · Post by **poison** » Sun Sep 11, 2005 9:56 pm

I was chatting to someone with 17's on their MX recently but can't recall
who... ohh yes I can, the guy worked at Mazspares in Auckland. Name was Mike
if that helps, he seemed very new to MX'5s though when I asked him some
questions. I have 16's on mine and if I wanted to go lower they would hit the
guards as the offset is wrong. But big rims and low profiles will always look
great.

Gazza
"PO1SON"

From jifjif@gmail.com Fri Apr 27 17:32:38 2007
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h=received:message-id

from:reply-to:to:subject:in-reply-to:mime-version:content-type:content-transfer-encoding:content-disposition:references;
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Date: Sun, 11 Sep 2005 21:57:40 +1200
From: ~Jeff~ <jifjif@gmail.com>
To: MX5List <mx5list@mx5club.org.nz>
Subject: Re: Big FAT Wheels
In-Reply-To: <001201c5b6b4$d6c12d80$0d00a8c0@garry>
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<001201c5b6b4$d6c12d80$0d00a8c0@garry>
Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit
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Message-ID: <fikYtB.A.U4D.DxYMGB@L733>

I've run 215/50x16's on 43 offset wheels - they are, quite literally,
the "dogs bollix" !

Steve doesn't care about handling, he's not setting his turbo'5 up for
any corners at all

Looks like 225 tyres are do-able without having to do any crazy flared arches...
http://forum.miata.net/vb/showthread.ph ... idest+tire

MN · Post by MN » Sun Sep 11, 2005 10:35 pm

I have 205/50 x 15 and it hasn't upset the handling one scrap, it sticks very
well and there is no trouble getting the tyres to operating temperature -
depends on the pressure, your driving style and the road you're driving on.
However I would like to try 195's perhaps when the Formula R's are ready for
replacement. I know of one Wellington car which laps Manfield around 2-3 tens
quicker on 14" than 15" - I know the track is different to the road but
perhaps its a whole suspension thing not just the tyre size. I understand the
SpecMaita cars run 15 x 7 and spacers but their spring rates, sway bars,
shocks, camber etc are all different too.

MN · Post by MN » Sun Sep 11, 2005 10:35 pm

I have 205/50 x 15 and it hasn't upset the handling one scrap, it sticks very
well and there is no trouble getting the tyres to operating temperature -
depends on the pressure, your driving style and the road you're driving on.
However I would like to try 195's perhaps when the Formula R's are ready for
replacement. I know of one Wellington car which laps Manfield around 2-3 tens
quicker on 14" than 15" - I know the track is different to the road but
perhaps its a whole suspension thing not just the tyre size. I understand the
SpecMaita cars run 15 x 7 and spacers but their spring rates, sway bars,
shocks, camber etc are all different too.

Lisa & Paul Cardosi · Post by **Lisa & Paul Cardosi** » Sun Sep 11, 2005 10:56 pm

For my personal experience of 'big tyres' please note that I am unhappy
with how much grip my year 2000 NB MX5 has on 195/50/16's. I would much
prefer the delicacy, feel and adjustability of the MK1's 185/60's, so
many aftermarket changes include the fitment of big tyres and overly
firm suspension almost exclusively to the detriment of overall ride,
handling and balance.

Lisa & Paul Cardosi · Post by **Lisa & Paul Cardosi** » Sun Sep 11, 2005 10:56 pm

For my personal experience of 'big tyres' please note that I am unhappy
with how much grip my year 2000 NB MX5 has on 195/50/16's. I would much
prefer the delicacy, feel and adjustability of the MK1's 185/60's, so
many aftermarket changes include the fitment of big tyres and overly
firm suspension almost exclusively to the detriment of overall ride,
handling and balance.

Ian · Post by **Ian** » Mon Sep 12, 2005 9:12 am

What brand etc of tyres are you running?

Ian · Post by **Ian** » Mon Sep 12, 2005 9:12 am

What brand etc of tyres are you running?

Ian · Post by **Ian** » Mon Sep 12, 2005 9:14 am

Paul... sorry, that was my question of you - as to the tyres you are using.

Ian · Post by **Ian** » Mon Sep 12, 2005 9:14 am

Paul... sorry, that was my question of you - as to the tyres you are using.

Lisa & Paul Cardosi · Post by **Lisa & Paul Cardosi** » Mon Sep 12, 2005 9:27 am

I am running Dunlop DZ 101 directional tyres on the front and Michelin
Pilot SX's on the rear. I prefer a 'pointier' front end and I've
certainly got that but the overall feel is of an overtyred car with
enormous grip and not enough adjustability. When the rear end does
finally let go then it does so at very high speeds and with sudden
rather than progressive breakaway. Riding out a third gear 100kph slide
was chicken feed in my MK1's, even for a muppet like me, doing the same
thing in my NB gives me palpitations.

Lisa & Paul Cardosi · Post by **Lisa & Paul Cardosi** » Mon Sep 12, 2005 9:27 am

I am running Dunlop DZ 101 directional tyres on the front and Michelin
Pilot SX's on the rear. I prefer a 'pointier' front end and I've
certainly got that but the overall feel is of an overtyred car with
enormous grip and not enough adjustability. When the rear end does
finally let go then it does so at very high speeds and with sudden
rather than progressive breakaway. Riding out a third gear 100kph slide
was chicken feed in my MK1's, even for a muppet like me, doing the same
thing in my NB gives me palpitations.

Mike Jolley · Post by **Mike Jolley** » Mon Sep 12, 2005 5:46 pm

I did lots of research on this and went for 15 x 50 x 195 and a good wheel
alignment and its sharp and concice.Tyres are new Yokohama C Drive.Wider look
cool but more than happy with set up.Controlled rear slides would be all on if
only it wasnt breaking the law.As the tui add says YEAH RIGHT! Mike

Mike Jolley · Post by **Mike Jolley** » Mon Sep 12, 2005 5:46 pm

I did lots of research on this and went for 15 x 50 x 195 and a good wheel
alignment and its sharp and concice.Tyres are new Yokohama C Drive.Wider look
cool but more than happy with set up.Controlled rear slides would be all on if
only it wasnt breaking the law.As the tui add says YEAH RIGHT! Mike

Ian · Post by **Ian** » Mon Sep 12, 2005 8:32 pm

Mike...
Good advice. 'Go' over 'show' in my book everytime! And as MX5 owners we have
the luxury of being able to set our car up using our preferred wheel alignment
settings.
Some interesting advice I was given by a vastly experienced race engineer and
car builder (V8 Tourers, TransAms etc etc).."overtyre and overwheel an MX5 and
you will go slower".
Would be interested to know if anyone is running my planned tyre
choice..Goodyear GSD3 in 195/50 x 15 (supposedly the beesknees and
surprisingly affordable after
shopping arround)

Ian · Post by **Ian** » Mon Sep 12, 2005 8:32 pm

Mike...
Good advice. 'Go' over 'show' in my book everytime! And as MX5 owners we have
the luxury of being able to set our car up using our preferred wheel alignment
settings.
Some interesting advice I was given by a vastly experienced race engineer and
car builder (V8 Tourers, TransAms etc etc).."overtyre and overwheel an MX5 and
you will go slower".
Would be interested to know if anyone is running my planned tyre
choice..Goodyear GSD3 in 195/50 x 15 (supposedly the beesknees and
surprisingly affordable after
shopping arround)

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