Maxxxed

iTrader: (3)

I am scraping together some loot to buy some new wheels for my max SE. Stock one's are 17 and I want to get 18's. I am not interested in looks, like chrome, I just want better handling and increased performance. My second priority is reliability. I want my wheels strong.

I know weight of the wheels make a huge difference in performance. Does size make any difference, like between 17 and 18 of same kind of wheels? What other factors make a difference?

Finally, I need suggestions of different light weight wheels that won't put a hole in my wallet like the VOLK's would... So far, I have SSR Comptetition (about 15lbs & $450 each!) in my list, but they are still expensive! Looking for something that's justifiable for the price.

drewm

Watch out for the comps, a few miata guys have bent them (and miatas don't weigh very much)
http://www.villacorte.com/miata/ssr-comp-problems/

But I can say, Volks are strong as hell. You pay for the strength.

Another light rim: Centerline RPM
http://www.centerlinewheels.com/whee..._id=4&sw_id=27

Check out the lightest ones at:
http://www.wheelweights.net

Also rims don't really give you better handling. 17s are just fine for racing purposes, the only thing lightweight ones give you is more acceleration. Tires and suspension will do so much more for performance than rims will ever do.

Unless you're looking for lightweight 17s, I'd just keep your stock ones. Moving from 17s to somewhat lightweight 18s really won't reduce overall rotational rim mass.

limsandy

iTrader: (1)

Don't get SSR Competition, esp the ones with older production dates. Some people at the miata forum says that they're having problems with some SSE Comp. Try searching around there and here. I believe in "you get what you paid for".


~limsandy

kwd2kSE

$450 each for the SSR's or $525 each for the VOLK's. The extra $300 total is not that much when you consider the total cost of the car and all the mods that most of us do. Yes, I have the VOLK's on order, hopefully here in two more weeks.

Maxxxed

iTrader: (3)

Thanks for all the input guys...

kwd2kse, SSR is just on my list to get started. They are quite expensive (to me) and VOLK's, I can't even touch. I am still looking for light weight wheels that are reasonably priced... I am willing to spend anywhere between $1000 and $1500 for a set of 4.

2K2DEMAX

iTrader: (1)

OZ Racing Superleggeras

limsandy

iTrader: (1)

Ya, I'd rather get OZ Superleggera than SSR Comp.


~limsandy

Maxxxed

iTrader: (3)

1) 5zigen FN01R-C? Supposedly, their 17" weighs 16lbs and their 18 weighs 17lbs. Are they light enough? Any feedback?

http://www.5zigenusa.com/pages/wheels/fn01rc.html


2) Volk Racing GT-A? I can get it for 17x7 $1500/set shipped...

http://www.import-store.com/volk_gta.htm


3) Will these fit on my 03 Max?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...tem=2436910874