Total newb question here but is there significant benefit to bigger wheels apart from looks?
I’ve got the stock original 14" minlite alloys on my Mk1 and am looking to sling on some new rubber as I have a different make on each wheel at the moment.
I don’t want to buy new rubber for these if I’m going to get new wheels but can’t help thinking rather than buy new wheels the money would be better spent on tyres and uprating the suspension (which may improve the soon to be even smaller looking wheel tyre combo in the arches a bit).
For a lot of people, me included, 15" wheels are the best option for the Mk1, a good set of Goddyear F1 tyres and you are set to go. The main problem with 14" wheels is finding good tyres, a lot of the manufacturers, Bridgestone and I think Firestone have stopped making a decent tyre in 14". With 15" the choice is far wider and a lot cheaper. All IMHO of course
I had 14" wheels with Pirelli P6000 fitted. By chance, I got hold of a set of cheap (=£100) 15" wheels also with P6000 fitted. I wanted them purely for cosmetic reasons, but was surprised to find that they made the steering feel lighter and more direct, with no penalty in terms of ride quality. In terms of handling, it’s difficult to know whether the money would be better spent towards a suspension upgrade though. I must say that I much prefer the look of 15" wheels, so if that matters to you then go for the 15" first.
As soon as you’ve got your wheels/suspension sorted make sure you get your alignment done - best bangs per buck you can get.
Thanks for the replies guys. I think you’ve help me make up my mind and go for the wheels and tyres first.
I like the wheels below but what would be good or bad this deal?
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/15-SILVER-RAPID-ALLOY-WHEELS-MAZDA-MX5-TO-05-TYRES_W0QQitemZ140303969365QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_CarParts_Acc_Wheels_tyres_Trims_Car_Rims_ET?hash=item140303969365&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1683|66%3A2|65%3A12|39%3A1|240%3A1318
I’ve seen people talk about an ET of 35 but don’t really know what it means, is 40 bad? Obviously I would go for the upgrade of tyres.
Alignement is right up there on the agenda, I think I’m more excited about that than anything else [:D]
Any idea how much it will cost?
Alignment - get a quote first. I’ve paid between £105 and £60. The norm seems to be about £80. There are tons of 15" alloys on ebay. Search under 15" wheels and mazda wheels. The offset (ET) does not seem to matter because Mazda supplied different types of wheel with different offsets. Search this forum for more info.
