help for a noob purchasing wheels

[pirite]

So I'm a noob to the whole wheel and tire thing so if this has been asked before sorry. (i tried searching)

I'm looking at getting some new wheels for my '94 mx3 with the 1.6 in it.
Currently the car has the stock suspension in it, it may get lowered eventually, it may not.
I'm trying to debate between 16X7 and 16X8.

Now here's the questions:
Will they both fit?
What offset is required to fit?
What will be the difference visual and performance between the offsets?


Additionally, what size tires should be purchased depending on the size of the wheel?
Also, what are your recommendations on wheel/tire size?

Thanks.

[Muzzled]

i run 205/40 R 17's in the summer. thats with 17 inch rims of course.

[solo_ryder]

I'm trying to debate between 16X7 and 16X8.

Now here's the questions:
Will they both fit?

Yes, 16x8 will be tight tho. You wont find many 16x8 rims in our bolt pattern

What offset is required to fit?

16x7 you can go from +25 to +50 and should be ok
16x8 I would say stay in the +40 to +45 range

What will be the difference visual and performance between the offsets?

Visually, the 16x8 will sit more flush as the rims is obviously 1" wider.
You can run a wider tire on a 16x8, like a 225 or larger but you will probably run into rubbing issues
Performance, well if you are on the street I don't think it matters. On the track, a 16x8 is probably better because with a wider tire you can get more contact patch for turning. However, 16x7 will usually be lighter and since you have a 1.6L I would recommend that you get the lightest rims you can or what your budget allows.

Additionally, what size tires should be purchased depending on the size of the wheel?

16x7 = 205 45 16...215 45 16...205 50 16
16x8 = 205 45 16...215 45 16...225 45 16...205 50 16
17x7 = 205 40 17...215 40 17...205 45 17

Keep in mind that most of these sizes are rare and will cost alot. 205 45 is the most common size followed by 205 50. I have 205 50 now and have rubbing issues on my inner fender, but on a stock ride or slightly lowered it will not be a issue. The closest tire to stock tire size ratio is 215 45 16, which is what I wish I could run.

Also, what are your recommendations on wheel/tire size?

You have a 1.6L... I don't recommend 17's unless you go light.. Like a 5Zigen FN01-RC (abit to open for my liking) , Enkei RPF-1 (Awesome wheel) and some versions of Konig and Enkei

Your best bet is 16x7.. You can get alot of nice light Konig wheels in that size that look great, same with Enkei. Check out their websites.

Here is a link to a site that shows basic rim weight info. Try to keep the weight UNDER 17lbs for 17's.. Keep in mind that the stock 15" mx3 rim is about 13-14lbs.

http://www.wheelweights.net/

Take a look in the worklogs as well to see the difference mx3's here with rims. Pick out the style you like and go from there if you are not sure.

Here is also a site that calculates tire size. Stock MX3 tire size (at least for a GS) is 205 55 15, use this to find the best tire, you want the circumference to be as close to stock as possible:

http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html

[PilotSmack89]

Thanks for searching ahead of time! Much appreciated!

I'm a fan of stock... I bought the car with steel wheels, finally found the OEM mags for crazy cheap. They're lighter than the steels, and overall just handle better.

If you're going to lower the car, you may want bigger tires (not necessarily low-profile), because the sidewall flex also helps absorb some bumps in the road.

[pirite]

thanks for all the answers and quick response.
and huge thumbs up to solo_ryder

and right now the wheels I'm looking at are 16lbs before rubber

[wytbishop]

Keep in mind that the real weight is not in the wheel...the lower the profile the heavier the tire. And an 8" wide tire is much heavier than a 7" wide tire as well. You could wind up adding a lot of weight if you made a poor choice.

Solo's recommendations are excellent. Just listen to him.

[pirite]

going to go look at a set of wheels w/ tires tonight. ill keep this updated while im hunting for a set but the ones im checking out tonight will most likely be the ones im getting.

[pirite]

BUMP

So heres the set i bought and what theyre wrapped in.
And Yes i know, i need to slam it.

Rota Slipstream 15x7




Direzzas


205/50R15

[onlytrueromeo]

Looks nice - some suggestions - paint your drums! Seriously!

Also, don't slam your car. Get some nice lowering springs, such as H&R or Intrax. Slammed cars ride like poo and break things faster.

[pirite]

im hoping to replace the drums soon so the new ones will get painted, same thing with calipers.
yeah, im really thinking about lowering it 1"-1.5" but i have no idea where to start when it come to kits or anything.

[wytbishop]

Slammed cars ride like poo

Quoted for truth.

[solo_ryder]

Slammed cars ride like poo

Quoted for truth.

Thanks guys.

Good choice on the wheels and tires, I hear that the direzzas are a good tire.

[wytbishop]

Lowered cars handle like gocarts...if done properly.

I agree...Nice selection. We need a full side shot with the new gear.

[solo_ryder]

Haha, I misread! I thought you guys said slammed cars LOOK like poo..

Do they ride like poo... Pretty much yea haha

X2 for moar pics

[pirite]

trying to keep all you guys updated:
had a nice day here in buffalo so i figured id go grab a can and spray my drums.

here they are about half way, possibly less than that of me getting them wire brushed/sanded:


after a spray of some paint:


and after a couple coats of clear:


heres a full shot of the car after i got her washed:


and a close up of the wheels now with painted drums:



on a side note
suggestions on a suspension to lower it 1-1.5 inches? adjustable or not. recommendations on brand? whats it gonna cost?

and once again:
THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHOS GIVEN ME SOME INPUT, SUGGESTIONS, AND ADVICE!!!!