Rim width vers weight vers grip

[bretauto]

Hello all;
I am about to purchase some semi slicks for track days and require some advise from those who have been there and done that.
I have to 2 sets of rims ; 1 set 15x6 [std NBa] and a set of 15x 7 [ 7.2kgs each].
which wheel would you recommended for the track? I have also been offered some RE55's in 185/55/15 for S175 ea. They will fit the 6" rim or am I better off with the 195? or 7" with a 205?
My nb has BC coil overs F-7, R-5. whiteline adj swaybars front and rear, hard top and haft cage. Engine is stock and will stay that way untill it needs rebuilding, coming up to my 2nd track day, so still sorting the car out, will run the street tyres this time and go to the semi's in the future.
Any recommendations on semi's? they will only be used at the track, and I don't expect to get any more then 15 days out of them.
Thanks Brett.

[Matty]

If I had the funds to choose I'd get the 15x7s with the 205s

[16bit]

whats the offset on the 15 x 7's? i would use the 7's with a 205 50 15. any of the popular semis will do well, 888's, dunlop do2 or 3's, kumho v70a's, re55's, yoko a048's and so on. it just depends on how much you are willing to spend - toyos will be the cheapest generally and they are a proven performer on the mx5.

[bretauto]

thanks for the replies, [keep them comming]. 15x7 are a 40mm offset, It is interesting to see that most people consider the weight [1kg+] disadvantage of the 7's a fair trade off when it comes to grip. The ideal situation would be a set of 15x7 sub 5Kg rims, costly through! for a toy.

Dose a 195 tyre offer so much more grip then a 205 and dose a Mx5 need it ??


Thanks; Brett

[Matty]

I'll admit my information is second hand off miataforum, but there are numerous people there who have made the investment in multiple sets of wheels and tyres.

The consensus is that lighter wheels are nicer for handling and ride (ie better choice for the road), but wider wheels are faster (better for the track).

205 vs 195 probably depends on a few factors, but in most cases the 205 is probably better.

[Cal]

Just get a cheap set of 15x7's like ALT's with R888's in 205/50/15

[jerrah]

ALT's?

Where from?

[manga_blue]

Just another point to consider ... 195/50x15s fit in the boot and behind the passenger seat of an NA, 205/50x15s usually don't. This makes the difference between carrying a full second set of wheels to the track and not.