mk1 - wheel size, tyres, suspension advice - THANKS :)

[k-ink]

Hi all, I am pretty much dead settled on wanting an MX5 mk1 as my next car soon. I would like to ask some advice on wheel sizes, tyre choice and suspension set up for use on the road. I do not wish to ruin the handling, or affect the ride too much. However I would like some mild tweaks, purely from a cosmetics point of view...


1. I wish to fit some Minilite style wheels, for a slightly retro look. Please let me know the optimum size please. Bear in mind I will be interested in taking the power up to roughly 200bhp at some point in the future.

2. Which tyres are people using? Please bear in mind the above. I will want two sets - summer and winter. Please advise upon what works best on these cars. I usually go for Pirelli or Michelin for both seasons on other cars. I don't know much about other more performance focussed brands or what works on MX5s.

3. Suspension drop. Not sure if this is a good idea. But I do like the look when it is subtle. I don't want a totally slammed stance or drift look. Just a subtle lowering, assuming it does not mess up the handling and ride over bumps too much. If so what are the popular decent options?



Thanks all. I really appreciate any help... I hope to join you soon

Edited by k-ink on Monday 22 September 17:14

[GravelBen]

14" and 15" are generally considered the best sizes for a Mk1. Factory offset with the 14" is ET45, I wouldn't go too far away from that personally. Had ET35 15" on one of mine and that drove fine, but you could feel the difference at times. 195/50R15 is a good sensible option for tyre size.

Don't go too low or the wishbones end up on funny angles and the car won't handle very well.

Edited by GravelBen on Wednesday 24th September 01:38

[MX-5 Lazza]

15" with 195/50/15 is generally considered the best balance between ride, handling and looks on Mk1. They also happen to be the cheapest tyre size
As for suspension height - while much of it is personal choice, the best for handling is to set it so that the lower wishbones are horizontal which helps to reduce roll in corners and sharpens turn-in.

Edited by MX-5 Lazza on Wednesday 24th September 09:36

[k-ink]

So I will get some 195/50/15 tyres.

With regard to the wheel, it seems an ET of 40 might be sensible. Close to stock for optimum handling.

Which model would you go for? I want high quality and low weight.


Minilite



Desmond Regamaster Evos



Volk TE37


Volk TE37 - different angle




So far I think Minilite suits the cars curves more. Any other ideas guys?

Edited by k-ink on Thursday 25th September 10:53