MX-5 OC Forum

im looking for inspiration, shal i keep the kit and huge wheels, or use the smaller ones and restore back to factory spec condition?

honest opinion please

I don't like either, there must be a third option

 the third option will be the black ones restored to alloy, or 4th option is that ill buy the factory spec/original wheels

15" wheels suit the MX5 in most respects; most 15" wheels are light enough. The bigger diameter, cheap wheels are generally too heavy.

Personally, I think a light coloured (white, or silver) works best with a dark MX5. There are obviously many different styles of wheels available. The factory wheels are generally 14", but then you run into issues of locating decent tyres in the 195/60 14 size; its generally easier to get a decent performance tyre, and a reasonable price in the 195/50 15 size.

When choosing a wheel, besides the correct stud fitting (100mm PCD) and centre bore size, you need to pay attention to the offset. Stock offset is 45mm. As the offset is reduced, the more the wheel moves outwards; offsets of less than 10mm may result in the tyre rubbing on the bodywork (depending on the wheel width).

The early style 14" "daisy" wheel I think looks dated now; the 14" wheel fitted to 93-96 1.8s is actually a very good design, and very light. Mazda finished these in silver, polished and gun metal. The gun metal version was fitted to the limited edition M2-1028 and looked fantastic

 loving the wheels in the pic, im assuming this is your car?

do you think my arches are wider than yours, front and back or is it just the bumpers i need to change?

No, not mine (I wish I had a 1028, but I'll have to wait for a lottery win for one. You need to stump up £15k for one in Japan).

This is mine, on 15" factory BBSs (45mm offset)

Its hard to tell if your arches have been modified, without either better photos, or taking off all the aftermarket parts.

 that looks gorgeous, love the single tail pipe and spoiler, im thinking if i take the bodykit off i will make a lot of hard work and cost for me, although the car only cost £500 so not too bad i suppose, this was supposed to be easy for my first mx5 project lol

The bumpers on MX5s are really easy to remove. Used bumpers are easily and cheaply available (I have a spare front stashed away, but it needs the top set plates). You can probably sell on the body kit you have.

3rd options are plentiful - check out fleabay. There is usually someone selling a set of wheels, with tyres for less than £100. I picked up a set without tyres for £58. Rover 200 wheels seem to be a popular choice and (personally) I'm a fan of multi-spokers.

I love these Watanabe 15" Split-Rims, similar to Rota RB`s but are the original and a lot rarer.... but then I am slightly biased:

Dr. Eunos

Rota now have the RK-R which is a virtual replica of the Watanabae; unfortunately (or maybe fortunately, if the arches have been pulled), its only available in low offsets and wide widths. The RB is actually more like the Panasport.

RK-R

http://www.rarerims.co.uk/wheelshop_products.asp?productid=58&rangeid=2&product=RKR

RB

http://www.rarerims.co.uk/wheelshop_products.asp?productid=26&rangeid=2&product=RB

The RK-R needs bodywork modifications to work. Note, the RBs over here only seem to be available in 15x8; 15x7 seems to be hard to come by.

The "Split rim" "Watanabes" were actually made for SSR by Watanabe, when they were hard up for work. They started as a 3-piece, but seem to have been plagued with chronic leaks, such that most had the rims welded. I had a set of 14" versions, but was surprised how heavy they were.

Interesting stuff AT as usual, I would prefer another 10-15mm of offset and a 7.5J width, but we cant have everything we want mine are pretty light and am pretty happy with them, I sold a set of 14" Watanabe split rims recently which were in really nice condition and was very pleasantly surprised how much money they made on Ebay, ended up going to a chap from Newcastle to fit on his slammed Mk2 Scirocco.

My other Mk1, `Lightning` is on 7.5J 15" Mim 1900s and

think they look good too...

Dr. Eunos

My old 91 on 14" mag-alloy 1-piece Wats

 should i be using spacers then if the car seems to be swallowing my wheels?