Hi all,
Question… I currently have a mx-5 mk2 which has 14" wheels and 60 profile tyres I would like to change these for 16" mx5 sport wheels with 45 profile tyres which should be a similar rolling radius. Will I encounter any other problems with this change the car has the standard suspension at the moment?
Thanks,
Matt.
Well, I’m guessing that the ride will be that much harder because of the thinner tyre wall but also I understand that the 16" wheel isn’t the most popular of sizes so tyre choice/price aren’t what they are for, say, 15" wheels. I’d recently changed my daises and opted for 15’s because of these very reasons. Saying that though I hear that the mk2 suspension to be more plush than my mk1.
So most think the 15 inch wheels gives the best ride in the mx5 or at least the best all round. I thought i would go for the 16 as the are ones used on the sport and some specials. But still not sure looking to renew the suspension this year as well so maybe that help soften the ride a little.
That’s the wheels/tyres I have at the moment (except non-Mazda) and would happily swap for your standard 14s. They look great, perfect size for the body IMO, but the ride is just a bit crashy and the tyre prices are ridiculous and there are only a few brands in that size. A midrange tyre (I think Falken) was £95 fitted at the cheapest place around here.
Here’s how they look…
I have only this evening put 16" borbet lv4’s on my 5, running 195/45 falken ze912’s.
It has changed handling but probably due to my previous front 15’s running budgets.
No discernible change in ride comfort but will let you know if my backs shot in a week or so.
As a matter of interest though, anyone know the correct psi setting for 195/45/16’s on a 5?
16" alloys will make for a much harder ride. My advice would be to get 15" but go for some wider rims.
There not to everyones taste but you never know. These are 15x9
There is no ‘correct’ pressure. It’s as much a matter of taste and preference than anything else, but somewhere between 26 and 32 will be right depending on whether your priority is comfort or handling.
Definitely 15" wheels as the tyre availability is better, Toyo Proxes T1Rs from Camskill are cheap.
We changed from the 14" Daisy Wheel rims on my wife’s Eunos to a set of 15" Mk 2.5 rims, the difference in ride was noticeable a bit firmer but improved handling.
As I had the Mk2.5 Sport (pictured) I knew that the tyres were more expensive and that the ride for the Eunos would be a bit more crashy on 45 profile tyres (although excellent for handling).
But with so many potholes in the roads, you need a bit of bump absorbption through the tyres.
Steve
Thanks