Wheel size change speedo impact

  1. My model of MX-5 is: __2007 NC
  2. I’m based near: __Warrington
  3. I’m looking for technical help or recommendations on: Speedo drives

Put the old tyre size and the new tyre size in to this calculator and it will tell you how much the speedo reading will change.

I am thinking of changing my NC 16inch wheels to 17inch. What I would like to know is whether I have to change the gearbox speedo drive mechanism? Seen this having to be done on Wheeler Dealers a few times.

Cheers,
Les.

You won’t have to change or adjust anything. Just use a 205/45/17 tyre size on a 17x6.5 new wheel if you want to keep things standard.

Also here…
https://www.willtheyfit.com

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It’s about the rolling radius. If you go up in wheel size but downsize in tyre profile and the radius remains the same the speedo will show no change. :+1:

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I believe the fitment from factory was either:

  • 205/50R16
    Or
  • 205/45R17

I’ve been looking into this for my ND too…

My current tyre size is 195/50/16, but if I go to a 205/40/17 the rolling radius is more or less the same according to willtheyfit :slight_smile:

Hope this helps in some way…

Even on a 45 profile, at 120mph your speedo will read 117. As long as it doesn’t interfere with the drive train it’s not too much to fuss about.

Thanks for the heads up, very helpful.