225/45/16 Mk2.5

Technical Area Wheels, Tyres & Brakes
2

Has anybody fitted wider wheels to their MX5 NB’s?

looking online I see a lot of people add spacers to generate a wider stance but I was wondering if I could fit 225/45/16 (7.0jx16 wheel) wider wheel to the car for the same effect with increasing the overall foot print of the tyre thus increasing grip in the corner?

Or is this too large? I’ve not a clue about changing wheel widths and the overall effects, I am aware that too wide will rub on the arches but I’ve no idea if I’m compromising the handling or if 225 is just too wide?

logically I ‘think’ it will improve handling by increasing the width but I’m not sure. FYI the profile of the wheel revolution will not change, it will remain 45/16.

(I’m not looking for the back to step out for fun, I want as much grip in the corner as possible!)

Sorry If this has been asked to death.

 

3

NickD is the man to answer this, I expect he will be along soon.

4

If you want more grip, easier just to fit gripper  tyres. 

5

So that’s a ‘don’t know’ then…

 

I fully intend to fit good rubber but I’m also asking about the wheel width, can any one advise? 

 

(I’m not looking for the back to step out for fun, I want as much grip in the corner as possible!)

6

Actually that’s a you don’t know then. 

7" is the narrowest rim you would fit a 225 45 16 to. You should get your ruler out and decide if an extra 10mm will cause you a problem. It won’t generally on the standard offset Mazda rims unkless you a smashed to the ground. you should however be aware that things like 888 are usually wider than standard tyres. 

If you want as much grip in the corner as possible I would be looking at 8" rims. 

 

7

Very true, I didn’t know hence my question. 

Thanks for the advise on which way to go, it’s genuinely appreciated.