Replacing 17" rims & tires with.........

[fxpthl]

So.... I bought my 97 Miata on Ebay about four years ago and it had some aftermarket 17" rims and tires mounted. One of these rims is out-of-round and will not balance. I am saving my tokens to replace them all and would enjoy hearing suggestions as to what size I should go to in order to get it back closer to original specs. Many of my Miata club friends have told me to go to a 15" rim/tire and I would be very pleased. What is your opinion and why. Thanks again for your anticipated responses.

 

[Tungsten6]

I vote yes, 17's are wayyy too big for an NA (s***, they are took big for NB's IMO as well)
15's are the best size because there are sooo many choices for wheels and tires (lots of sticky tires in 15)

So yes, get 15's and some proper size tires. (I see you're from Cali, most of those folks dont know how to do that )

Is your car lowered yet? If so I would vote for a 15x8 +20-+30 offset.

 

[fxpthl]

No lowering for this old car. I just want it to drive better. Actually, I don't know the difference in how a smaller wheel/tire drives at all. I've never driven in another car but my own! I have had many comments about how much better it will be once I've made the change to smaller wheels. So all I need to do is keep looking on Craigslist for someone with some reasonably priced wheels. Buying new gear is just way too expensive for a 65 year old trying to live on a small retirement fund.

 

[fxpthl]

Funny, and that comment from someone who lives in a state that believes the game "Corn Hole" is normal? Anyway, enough with the state bashing. I appreciate your comments and look forward to doing as you have suggested by getting rid of these too-big 17's and down to some cool 15's!

 

[phunky.buddha]

Reasons for 15 over 17 on a Miata:

lighter
cheaper
better tire selection
cheaper
lighter

and
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cheaper
lighter.



You can get 15x9 wheels from Tire Rack at around $100 apiece that can fit 225/45-15 or 205/50-15 tires- which are VERY popular in performance tire fitments, and not too expensive. With a 15 you'll have much better stick and handling.

 

[stl boy1.8]

To me 15s look better on an NA...17s are wayyy to big...i didnt even know 17s would even fit on a NA

 

[WillD]

15's are where it's at. There are tons of options in 205-50-15. If your goal isn't performance, I'd skip the 15x8 and 15x9 and just get some 15x6 or 15x7.

If you're looking for something used just be conscious of the weight. A lot of times these wheels:

Can be found for a couple hundred dollars. They're off the 99-02 sport Miatas.

 

[phunky.buddha]

15x7 is perfect for 205/50. 15x6 will have a slightly pinched sidewall, plus most aftermarket 15s in 4x100 start at 6.5" wide.