Hello Everyone,
I expect this has been covered many times. I have a 2007 which have had since new and always garaged, ithas 26000 miles.
My question, I have 16’’ wheels but want to try 17’’ hubs to see if that helps with comfort as age is creeping in. What wheels and tyres can I use for normal road use.
Many thanks to all MX-5 ers
Richard
Hi Richard
People have changed 17" wheels and fitted 16" wheel to improve comfort. I don’t think it will work by increasing wheel size. By increasing wheel size you will likely reduce the side wall of the tyre which will stiffen up your ride.
I fitted 17" wheels on my NC but found them a harder ride than the 16" so changed back.
As already said - moving to a 17" wheel from a 16" means reducing the sidewall size to maintain the same rolling diameter to keep the speedo the same.
Reducing tyre sidewall will always be less comfortable because there is less tyre to absorb bumps.
As a relevant aside when I could not get a prefered and recommended set of regular 45 profile tyres in an emergency for my 16’’ NBFL wheels I bought a set of 50 profile tyres as a temporary fix and found them to be much more compliant with the road and consequently more comfortable. The only down side was the speedo was always slightly out which I managed to keep in the back of mind and avoid any speeding issues.