I’m looking for technical help or recommendations on: Aftermarket 17" Alloys.
Hi all, new member here
I’m looking at upgrading the stock 16" alloys to either a 8x17 or 7x17 to fit 215/45 tyre maintaining a similar offset, as I don’t really like the look of the smaller wheels and there’s seemingly better tyre choices with bigger sizing. Obviously you can go bonkers and spend loads here so I was looking for recommendations for some middle of the road options? Thinking about a matte black or gunmetal to go with the machine blue of the car. I was hoping for a recommendation around my area also on who is best to fit and balance them also. Thanks!!
best bet is to look on line wheel base alloys and rimstyle are two of the most popular you choose your wheel’s and tyres they then deliver them already balanced and then just fit them yourself.
I just bought a set of the OEM 17" and had them painted to my colour choice. The wheels are designed for the car with the weight in mind, and the insurance co didn’t class as a mod when informed .
You may wish to reconsider the tyre size if you’re buying 17x7 alloys.
Jumping from factory fitted 195/50 R16 (601mm diameter) to 215/45 R17 (625mm diameter) works out to be a 4% increase. That is quite a margin and may be noticeable.
Nice! I put 225’s on mine, slight noise on front when on full wheel lock so next time will get 215’s on front. They were a bargain though at just over £80 each plus del from black circles though for PS5’s.
Looking at your photo, it appears that you have 225/40 R17. It’s actually +1.7% increase in diameter compared to 195/50 R16. Such difference will be unlikely to be noticeable.
It’s not recommended to run staggered tyre fitment on MX-5s. I would recommend reducing caster or adding negative camber or even both to address your issue.
What tyre size would you recommend to fit to 7x17 alloys to reduce the difference? While I mainly want to improve the looks, it seems like the 215 is popular choice on these cars. I use the car as a daily driver on a dual carrigeway most of the time, with only a weekend drive on some b-roads. I don’t think I want to go any wider than 215 for sure though.
As you’re coming from 195/50 R16, I would try for 205/45 R17 as @richardn mentioned, which reduces the increase in diameter down to 2.4%. The car would likely feel slower if jumping straight to 215/45 R17.
As for the popularity of 215/45 R17, it’s due to them being slightly cheaper than 205/45 R17. I’m guessing most owners have these fitted previously had 205/45 R17 since it’s only 1.5% diameter difference.
They fit my wilwood brake ,s but have got a very good deal on tyres and tpms as well keeping my other wheels going to get them carbon fibre effect hydro dipped…
Are they coming from outside the UK ?