Smaller rims

[marcusus]

Yeah, the actual width was the only thing I could come up with after everyone's comments as to why larger rims would be better. But in the end, it'd just be better to see if you could get some 15x7's or 15x8's (do they make those?). Same wideness for traction, but no weight issues etc.

[Boags]

You can get 13x10 if you want, just depends where you look.

I know some of the guys in the US run 13x8s on NA6s.

Boags

[marcusus]

Well, my whole reason for asking was whether or not I should keep the factory rims or get bigger/wider/whatever. However, I was leaning towards keeping the stock rims in the first place, and this whole thread has just kept me on that path.

[Boags]

Well, my whole reason for asking was whether or not I should keep the factory rims or get bigger/wider/whatever. However, I was leaning towards keeping the stock rims in the first place, and this whole thread has just kept me on that path.

Good call. Nothing wrong with stock, they are great rims!

Boags

[marcusus]

What tyre size would you need to run those 15x8's?

Meanwhile, think I might just stick with the stocks for the moment. I'm in no rush to get anything wider... especially since I haven't even tried the track yet

[StanTheMan]

which MX5 are you driving?

[marcusus]

NB8A. Was half thinking about going 16\" OEMs, but I doubt I'll do it now. Nothing wrong with my 15's, and since there probably isn't going to be a huge benefit to having 7\" wide rims (I assume the 16's are 7\" wide?) for my general driving, it's just money that doesn't need to be spent.

[marcusus]

Meh. I'll just keep using my stock rims as my street rims. I doubt I'll do any heavy racing just yet.

Although I get the feeling once I start, I won't stop

[StanTheMan]

in that case.....you're wasting money getting 8\" rimms

[marcusus]

I never said I was going to get them... I'm just curious to know more about them is all.

[StanTheMan]

right.....

[Grumpy]

After reading the above, and many other comments on wheels, I have come to the conclusion I should be using 15\" wheels. Currently I run 17 x 7 with Federal tyres. (purchased from Raymo) Went to Morwell hillclimb recently and sort of went ok. Had problems with understeer which may have been the tyres, or suspension as have not had an alignment as yet. The 17\"s are 40mm taller than the standard 14's, which does slow me down a little, and thay also rub in various spots. Swapped the wheels over today and went for a spin. The difference is noticeable. Turn in is slower on std wheels (G Grid rubber) but steering is lighter, don't have power steering, and the car feels much more settled. Grip was fine. I don't rain much in Melbourne at the moment!!! Will now watch for a 15\" set of wheels, or maybe just go to Bob Jane & buy some. They have some keen prices at present.

[marcusus]

^^^
Glad to see someone with a bit of a comparison.
I reckon I'm gonna stick with my stock 15's. Was speaking to Simone at Mania the other day, and she was telling me that the stock NB8A rims are actually Enkei's, so that's always handy.

[Adam_NAclubman]

I had a thought while I was lying in bed listening to led zeppelin this morning (yes, I'm a really exciting guy lol).

As well as the weight and cost issues already raised, a smaller diameter wheel would be preferable because of the increased air capacity because of taller sidewalls. The more air in there, the less susceptible the tyre/wheel combo would be to rapid pressure changes as the tyre heats up and cools down over different parts of the track as the greater air mass needs more heat to make a change to pressure