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I am currently running 15x6.5 Rota MSR's that I bought for $100 a while back, which weigh somewhere around 16 pounds, and I am looking into finding a lighter set of wheels. I have been considering picking up some 949racing 6ul's, which seem to be a good bang for the buck. I am torn between 15x7's and 15x8's; while the 15x8's are a bit more expensive and a bit heavier than the 15x7's, I've heard they offer better steering feel and turn-in. Would it be worth it to spend the extra $100ish and gain a pound per wheel opting for 15x8's over 15x7's? I am planning on swapping over my 205/50/r15 Direzza ZII's from my current wheels if and when I end up installing the new wheels.
I currently daily drive the car and I am fairly new to autocross, although I plan on getting more serious about autocross in the near future (when events stop getting cancelled). Would it be worth it to upgrade to lighter wheels or should I hold off while I gain experience? FYI the car is stock other than a set of Meisterr ZetaCRD's, the aforementioned wheels and tires, and an exhaust.
I found some 15x7's in stock, 15x8's are a bit harder to find. I'm not stuck on the 6ul's though, just an idea. My main point in posting this was to gauge whether I should go for a 7 inch or 8 inch wheel.
I would go for the 15x8's if you can find some. I was looking at 15x8 and 15x7.5 wheels but ended up going wider. I don't think I would've been as happy with anything less than 15x8
There will be more 6ul’s available soon. You can e-mail 949 for an update. I have three sets of wheels and have tested several combinations. A 205 on an 8” wheel is a bit stretched and does not ride well on the street. It also depends on the tire since some 205’s have a narrower section width. Example an r1r is wider then re71. IMO a 205 on a light 7-7.5 wheel 10-11lbs is a very nice combo for these cars.
I found some 15x7's in stock, 15x8's are a bit harder to find. I'm not stuck on the 6ul's though, just an idea. My main point in posting this was to gauge whether I should go for a 7 inch or 8 inch wheel.
Hey where'd you find the 15x8? I have one in tungsten with +36 offset that's been damaged and have been trying to find a replacement since August :/
Chiming in because I recently went through a similar consideration process. More of an enjoyable street car than a super competitive Autoxer, but I do have an EFR setup, so I wanted more tire.
Anyway, initially had Enkei92 15x8 with Direzza z3 in 205's -- fun but pretty loose. I think this would be a decent setup for a n/a car.
Wanted lighter and more tire, so ended up going with RFP1 SBC 15x8 with 225 BFG Rivals. Thrilled with the look.
Both setups are available from Tire Rack, among others. I couldn't find what I wanted in 15x9, so said to hell with it. I liked the turn-in with the slightly stretched 205's, and didn't want to lose that with the fatter 225's on the same width wheel. Added the SuperMiata big grip sways/endlinks and I'm happy with the combination all told, at least on the street.
Having driven 225 tires on 15x8 and 15x9, I'd recommend a little bit of stretch for better steering feel. In my experience, I've noticed very little improvement from lighter weight wheels in anything other than ride comfort. I dropped from ~20lbs/wheel to ~15lbs/wheel and changing tires did a lot more for overall handling feel than the weight change.
Go for the 15x8 and if you're ready to upgrade to something grippier in the future you have flexibility to get either 205 or 225 tires since selection for the truly grippy stuff is a bit better at 225.
Ended up picking up some 15x8 et25 Konig Dekagrams. No fender roll and so far there's no rubbing with the 205's installed. I'm thrilled with the look, and turn-in is much improved. Next up is an alignment.
Hard to say as I haven't experienced anything wider than a 205 on a Miata. Went for 205's on 15x8's for better turn-in feel and so I wouldn't have to roll my fenders. They are a bit stretched, but I'm satisfied with how the car handles (very responsive). May change my mind whenever I end up driving a Miata with wider tires.
Originally Posted by marudy
How do you feel the 205's on the 15x8 ? Are they a little bit stretched ? Losing some grip maybe ? Or everything good?
How do you feel the 205's on the 15x8 ? Are they a little bit stretched ? Losing some grip maybe ? Or everything good?
I started on 225's on 8" 6UL's and went to 205's and now back to 225's. For NA power I liked the 205's the best especially in tight sections were I could actually get the car to break loose and rotate the car. 225's are fine to but the only reason I went back to 225's was the tire I wanted that was the only size option that was available and fit, I raked the car slightly and I think that has helped rotation as well now.
I would also talk to your tire shop to make sure they will put a 205 on a 8" wheel....its a slight stretch but its more then fine, I had maybe 8 track days on my 205's and never had a problem
03-22-2020, 08:58 PM
15x7's or 15x8's or neither?
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