Hi - I have recently bought a mark 2.5 and the wheels are non original mazda alloys which are old and tired. When I took it to an alloy specialist he thought that most mk 2.5s had 15 inch wheels and this has 14 inch wheels. I can source Mazda 14 inch alloys but can 15 inch wheels be fitted instead? Please help!!! Confused mx5 owner
You can have either 14, 15 or 16 inch wheels. 15inch is probably your best bet in terms of choice of wheel and tyre price.
My 99 car came with 15" wheels as it is an IS. I also had a spare set of 14" wheels on while getting the 15" wheels powder coated and left them on for about 6 months.
For just 50mph weekend days out with the roof down the 14" wheels are great and the ride is lovely. If you really push it round corners the back can step out just a little not skid just a little step out. The choice of tyres is not great or that much cheaper but for light use it is fine.
On the 15" wheels I have to set the seat up a lot better as if I slouch I get a sore back and the ride is firmer. It is much better planted when taking it to the limit. I’m using Toyo TR1S and they are great.
Therefore if you are just using it for weekend or nice days out keep the 14" wheels. If you want to push it a bit get 15" wheels but they are not overal better just better at certain things.
From memory, I believe the Mk2.5 came with 15" wheels as standard with 16" wheels on the Sport and some Special Editions.
Agreed, our Euphonic has 16 inch wheels.
Malcolm
My 2.5 has 14", the hand book gives specs & pressures for 14"&15". I believe that was the 2 options as OE.
Generally speaking the mk2.5’s had…
1.6 had 14" alloy wheels
1.8 had 15" 5 spoke alloys
1.8 Sport models had 16" alloys
Some special edition models like the Nevada and Euphonic etc had 16" alloys
Hope that helps
Best in terms of what?
I downsized from 16’s to 15’s, handling improved and tyres are a bit less expensive. I didn’t swop just for cheaper tyres though, and I agree with Eddie on tyre choice, despite opposition from one well known owner. You need to make sure any wheels you buy have an ET of around 40mm (standard offset), mine are 38mm. IIRC diameter of tyre should be around 390mm (not less)
I have Toyo T1R’s (Proxes) 195/155/R15 - the increased wall depth gives better ‘seat of the pants’ feel when pushing the car, which the 16" wheel never did. Don’t go there unless you really want to! Oh - and I gained 2 pounds a corner in unsprung weight, which helps handling a lot.
I’m not telling you to fit Toyo tyres though, you get whatever you prefer, it’s just that I’m very happy with them, and so it seems is Eddie. One tip, if you do decide on Toyo’s, make sure you specify they must come as a set from the same factory - either Malaya or Japan, as there’s a degree of incompatibility between a mixed set from both. (I’ve had confirmation of that from Toyo UK). Also buy the type without rim protection, these have a better rating than the ones with it.
Agreed.
Just make sure you avoid the Nanoenergy tread pattern from Toyo. They tramline very badly on our Mazda3 regardless of what tyre pressures I tried. I might be replacing them very soon even though they have only done about 5k miles.
There is an article in the STHT a few years back - June 2011 - related to a book by Keith Tanner titled “Mazda MX-5 Miata - Find it. Fix it .Trick it.” In Keith’s book he explains all about wheels, wheel sizes and the effects they can have on car handling etc. It is an interesting book with lots of other stimulating info. on a variety of things. Inspired by this, I improved the looks of our 2.5 by getting rid of the non-Mazda 14" wheels and bought myself a set of Mazda logo centred 15"on eBay. It is a very personal thing, how your car looks, but I think that 15" is a good compromise and definitely better looking than those 17"monsters that individuals cram into their wheel arches! It just looks more balanced for me. I have since had the wheels refurbished and they look magnificent! At the end of the day it will be your call.
Trying to get some photos attached but not having any luck…AAaaaahhh!!!
just curious, why answer a question from a long forgotten 4 year old post? Is there a glitch in the matrix, the forum has been performing a bit odd the last few days?
Aaahhh! That was interesting! I just noticed the entry on the current postings at the top right hand corner of the Forum beginning and did not notice the date…like a few other enthusiasts no doubt? Ah well, in the spirit of the Club and the exchange of information and ideas…?! Some of us have too much time on our hands and do not spent enough time looking at the small print, perhaps…?..! However, I did have another attempt at attaching photos to my listing - small but viewable without too much trouble, as long as the file size was small.
I have 17" monsters on my '04 euphonic, going to change them out to a set of 15". Anyone want a set of 17" alloys 
Wise move - you’ll surprise yourself how different the handling is.
16 inch wheels running with 45 low profiles ,perfect
That’s correct.