need help choosing wheel fitment to suit my needs

[jdm_mp5]

Okay, due to a fellow members generosity, my interest has sparked into getting some wheels. I want the 5-Zigen Pro-N1's in bronze. But I must decide all the other key issues involved when choosing some wheels and tires(offset, bolt pattern, and all that other stuff). I hope to keep the ride close to how it is stock, but just want some good looking wheels. Can anyone offer me any good recommendations?

 

[goldstar]

Okay, due to a fellow members generosity, my interest has sparked into getting some wheels. I want the 5-Zigen Pro-N1's in bronze. But I must decide all the other key issues involved when choosing some wheels and tires(offset, bolt pattern, and all that other stuff). I hope to keep the ride close to how it is stock, but just want some good looking wheels. Can anyone offer me any good recommendations?

We need more information. I assume you have a P5? If so, your current wheels are 16 x 6", 5-bolt lug pattern, +50 mm offset with 195/50-16 tires. You have to decide on the new wheel diameter you want which will determine the tire size you'll need in order to keep the ride close to stock and maintain speedometer accuracy.

To see the effect of tire size and wheel diameter on speedo error, check out:
www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html

To avoid tire rubbing, aim for at least a +45 mm offset on the wheel. Make sure you get the proper hub adaptor rings for the wheels you buy so that you will have hubcentric mounting-that is, the wheels will be supported by the hubs, not just the lugs.

 

[jdm_mp5]

Wow, cool that calculator helped out a lot. Another question, how do you like the ride with your wheels? You seem to have kept all the dimensions close to stock. Still debating between the 16's that will keep my speedometer in line, or 17's with a slight inaccuracy.

 

[goldstar]

jdm mp5,


I'm glad the calculator helped. These were my reasons for going with 16" wheels rather than17's:
1. Light weight for better acceleration and lower unsprung weight. For the same model wheel, 16's are lighter than 17's. For the same reason, I chose 7" over 7.5" rims. My wheels weigh~15 lbs. I know forged wheels are considerably lighter than cast wheels but they are totally beyond my price range.

2. To avoid too harsh a ride, I wanted to use 45 aspect ratio tires rather than 40's. My car is basically a daily driver which I occasionally take on long trips. To minimize speedo error with 17" wheels, I would have had to go with a 40 aspect ratio.

3. I also chose a wheel with an offset as close to stock as possible to avoid interference problems. The OEM offset for the sedan is +45 mm. My wheels are +42 mm-close enough. At least I've never had any interference problems.

I should also point out that to maximize performance, I use summer-only tires on my wheels-Yokohama AVS ES 100's. This means where I live, from November to March, I go back to my OEM 195/55-15 tires and steel wheels. With my aftermarket wheels and tires, handling is of course dramatically improved. I am able to corner at substantially higher speeds, turn-in is much quicker and handling is excellent whether wet or dry. Hydroplaning seems to be pretty much eliminated.

At the same time, the ride feels extremely smooth for the most part despite the lower profile tires. Only on really rough roads can you feel much of a difference. Also, there is absolutely no increase in road noise with these tires compared with the stock set-up. All in all, a marked increase in performance with very little penalty in increased harshness or noise. It pains me to switch wheels in the Fall but at least I have something to look forward to in the Spring.

02 DX Millenium Red

 

[slamdp5]

I am running 19s and my speedometer is dead-on. With the prices on wheels today, who wouldn't go with at least 18s. 17s can be had at most online places for $799 shipped with 18s being no more than a couple hundred dollars more. The biggest handling and looks upgrade I did to my P5 was putting 18s and springs on. I have since upgraded more to the 19s, but I love to see old folks in P5s look at my wheels as I watch their jaws drop. Mind you, the ride is not perfectly smooth with my 35 series Pirellis', but turning heads is the fun part(2thumbs)

 

[jdm_mp5]

Hey, thanks goldstar. I'm going to take all your information into account.
Haha slamdp5, haha I'd go for bigger, but don't think the parents would like for me to spend that much. That's why 17's are better for my situation or possibly even 16's.

 

[slamdp5]

Ok, sorry my parents didn't help me decide

 

[jdm_mp5]

Hahah...well, not even sure if my parents will let me get wheels period but we'll see.

 

[Black Majik MSP]

I think I have a picture of those on an RX7 that Rishie sent me when I was considering them...I'll try to post it tomorrow. BTW, they are awesome rims...very good quality & price.

 

[jdm_mp5]

Yes, I know! That's why I really want them. Right now trying to get a price to see if I even have a chance when asking my parents.