[Miata] wheel size-is bigger better?

[Larry Alster]

The advantage is that there are more tire choices for the bigger rims these days.  The disadvantage is that unless you buy very expensive rims it's hard to get a light rim.  The other disadvantage is that if you keep the proper tire ratio you will be running something like a 205/40/17 and have very little sidewall.  This makes it likely you can damage the rim from a road hazard and also that the ride is going to be harsher than your 14" rims since the tire isn't going to do much bump absorbing with it's small sidewall.

I always thought a 15" rim was a great size for a Miata but even the 15" tires are getting harder to find.  I have 2 sets of 16" rims for track tires and they are hard to find now too.  It's getting to be uncool to run small rims so the tire manufacturers are cutting back on the tires available to fit them.


Larry
 
White Knight      1991 Crystal White   #99 CSP
Silver Bullet        1992 Silverstone     #17 SM2  FM I+ Turbo
Honey B             1992 Sunburst Yellow #99 SM2L  JR Supercharger
Whooosh           2004 Titanium Mazdaspeed MX-5
 
LowCountry Miata  http://www.lowcountrymiataclub.net
Masters Miata
RAGS 074
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Luke Zyla 
  To: Miata List 
  Sent: Monday, August 06, 2007 7:18 AM
  Subject: [Miata] wheel size-is bigger better?


  I am looking at a set of cool looking 17" wheels for my 99 stock Miata.  What are the advantages to moving to larger wheels other than they look really cool?  I will keep my 14" wheels for autocross.
  Luke Zyla
  99 red "Ranger"
  42cs


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