Enkei 15x8 +28 or 949 Racing 15x9 +36 any thoughts?

[mx54life]

I have decided that I will finish my 95 LE red interior project so now I would have to buy a new set of rims for this baby. I can't make up my mind between these two gorgeous rims but only one set has the wifey's blessing...........handling wise would the Enkei be better? What is both will be wrapped with 225/45/15? I have read that 15x9 +36 is just good for the tracks. Any thought guys?

[The Driver]

If you are not gonna track, 15X9 is overkill. I've heard that even 15X8's love to follow "road tracks". That has to get old real fast. I'm happy with my 15X7's but I'll probably get the 6UL's 15X7.5, some time in 2016.

[kung fu jesus]

225s you should go with the 15x9s. If you go 205, 15x8.

[Phatmiata]

Happy wife = Happy life :whistle:

[mx54life]

Happy wife = Happy life :whistle:


You said that right. sir. She gets everything she needs and I get what I want lol.

[Agent☣Orange]

I had 225s on 15x9s on a daily and honestly, I'd have gone back to 205s on 7.5" if someone would have been willing to trade.

[mx54life]

I had 225s on 15x9s on a daily and honestly, I'd have gone back to 205s on 7.5" if someone would have been willing to trade.

What would be the challenge of a 225's as a daily? Is handling a sacrifice with wide tires?

[Agent☣Orange]

For a DD, handling was good but the whole car rode rough even on soft 225 R1Rs. The fronts required shaved caliper banjo bolts to mount and then I had to use 5MM spacers just to roll. Even then, the wheel would rub on the stock spring perch. Nothing like metal to metal every time I backed out or turned full lock. For a track car, no problem but for a DD, just annoying.

[mx54life]

For a DD, handling was good but the whole car rode rough even on soft 225 R1Rs. The fronts required shaved caliper banjo bolts to mount and then I had to use 5MM spacers just to roll. Even then, the wheel would rub on the stock spring perch. Nothing like metal to metal every time I backed out or turned full lock. For a track car, no problem but for a DD, just annoying.

Wow that is good to know. So you think with a coilover this rubbing problem will be resolve as the springs are narrower? But with this info it looks like Enkei 15x8 would be the logical choice. Thanks.

[kung fu jesus]

I ran 225/45-15 on 7.5" wheels.

Just a few additional thoughts on your choices...

The 225 adds a LOT of additional lateral grip, but that sizing is limited and prone to running out of stock. The 205 is a far more widely available size. On an 8" wheel, most 205s sit square on the wheel, a few look a tad stretched, but depends on the manufacturer and if the tire has a rim protector. Not all 205 width tires are the same size, as you probably already know.

Another interesting bit on the 205 vs 225 sizing is you have to consider the contact patch. These patches are basically oval. Oval have a long and short axis. The long axis is across the width of the tire, the short is parallel to the direction the car is headed. With a wider tire, the contact patch oval is wider, but the short axis is even shorter than a narrower tire. Where this becomes important is when water or rain is involved. I found in the rare occasion that I drove on my 225's while living in SOCAL that it rained, the car was far more likely to hydroplane than on the narrower tires. My 225s were RS3s, the other tires (195/60-14) were Falken 615Ks.

Also, what you gain in lateral grip on a 225, you lose in feel or agility, even slip angles. This is a subjective portion of the decision, but to me, with the 225s, they were great when I wanted shear grip, but the steering felt much heavier and the slip angles were changed beyond what I preferred. It was sort of boring, not as lively.

I think that for the additional grip a 225 may add, a stickier 205 can achieve, can be found more readily, and the steering still feels like a Miata. To that end, a 195 or 185 is a hoot under similar circumstances, but it just requires a bit more work and attention.

[freedomgli]

To that end, a 195 or 185 is a hoot under similar circumstances, but it just requires a bit more work and attention.

This. Right now I run extreme performance summer tires 205/50R15 on a 7" rim and it's got plenty enough grip for the street. In fact, I'm seriously contemplating dropping down to a 6.5" rim and running 195/50R15 tires to liven up the feeling some more. Keep in mind my car is naturally aspirated and built to be super fun on twisty mountain roads with just the occasional track day thrown in. I don't time trial and I don't care about setting the fastest lap times by working within the rules of a given racing class to maximize performance. If I didn't want big brakes to for the occasional track day then I'd probably be running 185/60R14 on a 14x6 rim if we could only get decent 14" tires here in the USA.

[kung fu jesus]

Well, I ran 14x6.5" wheels for years and loved it. Yes, tire selection is limited, but not impossible. Falken 615k, Star Specs, among others are out there. I never really understood the need for big brakes on these cars, the 1.8 brakes are very good on the NA6 and have never considered them an issues at the tracks or running canyons. To their own I suppose.

[freedomgli]

For me, going BBK is mostly about weight savings, brake pedal feel, ease of maintenance (no sliders to lubricate) and easy pad changes.

[Stoly]

I have decided that I will finish my 95 LE red interior project so now I would have to buy a new set of rims for this baby. I can't make up my mind between these two gorgeous rims but only one set has the wifey's blessing...........handling wise would the Enkei be better? What is both will be wrapped with 225/45/15? I have read that 15x9 +36 is just good for the tracks. Any thought guys?

In conjunction with... ???

I know your question was meant with good intentions; however, it takes the sum of all parts to truly answer this question. And sure, I guess I could search out every aspect of your car and every thread you've ever posted in or started but that isn't the point. You started a new thread and this thread deserves to be an independent entity.

Again. In conjunction with...


If you are not gonna track, 15X9 is overkill. I've heard that even 15X8's love to follow "road tracks". That has to get old real fast. I'm happy with my 15X7's but I'll probably get the 6UL's 15X7.5, some time in 2016.

Wrong, as per usual.

Following 'road tracks' has more to do with the alignment than the tires.

And an alignment is done at a tuner shop, not a drive through. And the owner of the car has a say in how the car is aligned IN CONJUCTION WITH... ???


225s you should go with the 15x9s. If you go 205, 15x8.

As always, wrong. And compounding the problem, you are a self-proclaimed expert that can't orate a complete sentence without needing to repeat some, if not most, of it.

225/45/15s on a 15x8 -
13313


I had 225s on 15x9s on a daily and honestly, I'd have gone back to 205s on 7.5" if someone would have been willing to trade.

In conjunction with... ???


What would be the challenge of a 225's as a daily? Is handling a sacrifice with wide tires?

In conjunction with... ???


For a DD, handling was good but the whole car rode rough even on soft 225 R1Rs. The fronts required shaved caliper banjo bolts to mount and then I had to use 5MM spacers just to roll. Even then, the wheel would rub on the stock spring perch. Nothing like metal to metal every time I backed out or turned full lock. For a track car, no problem but for a DD, just annoying.

In conjunction with... ???


Wow that is good to know. So you think with a coilover this rubbing problem will be resolve as the springs are narrower? But with this info it looks like Enkei 15x8 would be the logical choice. Thanks.

In conjunction with... ???


I ran 225/45-15 on 7.5" wheels.

Just a few additional thoughts on your choices...

The 225 adds a LOT of additional lateral grip, but that sizing is limited and prone to running out of stock. The 205 is a far more widely available size. On an 8" wheel, most 205s sit square on the wheel, a few look a tad stretched, but depends on the manufacturer and if the tire has a rim protector. Not all 205 width tires are the same size, as you probably already know.

Another interesting bit on the 205 vs 225 sizing is you have to consider the contact patch. These patches are basically oval. Oval have a long and short axis. The long axis is across the width of the tire, the short is parallel to the direction the car is headed. With a wider tire, the contact patch oval is wider, but the short axis is even shorter than a narrower tire. Where this becomes important is when water or rain is involved. I found in the rare occasion that I drove on my 225's while living in SOCAL that it rained, the car was far more likely to hydroplane than on the narrower tires. My 225s were RS3s, the other tires (195/60-14) were Falken 615Ks.

Also, what you gain in lateral grip on a 225, you lose in feel or agility, even slip angles. This is a subjective portion of the decision, but to me, with the 225s, they were great when I wanted shear grip, but the steering felt much heavier and the slip angles were changed beyond what I preferred. It was sort of boring, not as lively.

I think that for the additional grip a 225 may add, a stickier 205 can achieve, can be found more readily, and the steering still feels like a Miata. To that end, a 195 or 185 is a hoot under similar circumstances, but it just requires a bit more work and attention.

You should really stop talking as you have failed to regurgitate information you heard into information you orate whereby someone trying to hear you can actual understand you.

And again, in conjunction with... ???


This. Right now I run extreme performance summer tires 205/50R15 on a 7" rim and it's got plenty enough grip for the street. In fact, I'm seriously contemplating dropping down to a 6.5" rim and running 195/50R15 tires to liven up the feeling some more. Keep in mind my car is naturally aspirated and built to be super fun on twisty mountain roads with just the occasional track day thrown in. I don't time trial and I don't care about setting the fastest lap times by working within the rules of a given racing class to maximize performance. If I didn't want big brakes to for the occasional track day then I'd probably be running 185/60R14 on a 14x6 rim if we could only get decent 14" tires here in the USA.

Subjective and in conjunction with... ???


Well, I ran 14x6.5" wheels for years and loved it. Yes, tire selection is limited, but not impossible. Falken 615k, Star Specs, among others are out there. I never really understood the need for big brakes on these cars, the 1.8 brakes are very good on the NA6 and have never considered them an issues at the tracks or running canyons. To their own I suppose.

Statement REMOVED.


For me, going BBK is mostly about weight savings, brake pedal feel, ease of maintenance (no sliders to lubricate) and easy pad changes.

The only post here worth quoting for truth.

Back to the OP's original question...

In conjunction with?

I have a stock powered '02 SE which came with the OEM sport brakes. I have the 15x8 Enkei's wrapped in 225/45/15 R-S3s with SS brake lines. The rear sway bar is factory and the front is from Flyin' Miata. Flyin' Miata end links on all four corners. I don't have any additional bracing, etc. When I bought the car it came with a HD double-hoop "roll bar" which would've been a deal breaker on most days; however, the price was too good to pass up. Power steering is still functional and I am using the OEM steering wheel.

The tires 'thump' a bit on cold Oregon mornings but only until they come to temp. Almost all of the roads in Oregon are tar paved vs. a heavy concrete mixture found in places like Texas. Given the restrictions on semi's, most of the "ruts" are in the far right lane.

I had the car professionally corner balanced and aligned by a well renowned shop in Portland, OR. There are three basic alignments with infinite slight adjustments in-between. In simplified terms, street, semi-track, and track. I went with the middle alignment specs which gives incredible driver feel and feedback without being just limited to track pleasure.

Of course an alignment is subjective! Just like a quarterback selecting his balls for a game is; however, I can tell you that on certain roads at certain times (temp and humidity) there is a bit of road pull. And I love it! It doesn't offend the senses and gives the car an incredible feel.

Personally, I wouldn't, and haven't, run anything but 225/45/15 R-S3s on either 15x8 or 15x9 wheels. That said, it is for a variety of factors. Primarily because of what I've run them in conjunction with.

Never underestimate the power of a prepositional phrase.

[Phatmiata]

I see some good points but I see a LOT more personal jabs here :fab:

Everyone will have their own opinions on sizing, but please lets be cordial to each other, no need for name calling.

[The Driver]

In conjunction with... ???

I know your question was meant with good intentions; however, it takes the sum of all parts to truly answer this question. And sure, I guess I could search out every aspect of your car and every thread you've ever posted in or started but that isn't the point. You started a new thread and this thread deserves to be an independent entity.

Again. In conjunction with...



Wrong, as per usual.

Following 'road tracks' has more to do with the alignment than the tires.

And an alignment is done at a tuner shop, not a drive through. And the owner of the car has a say in how the car is aligned IN CONJUCTION WITH... ???



As always, wrong. And compounding the problem, you are a self-proclaimed expert that can't orate a complete sentence without needing to repeat some, if not most, of it.

225/45/15s on a 15x8 -




In conjunction with... ???



In conjunction with... ???



In conjunction with... ???



In conjunction with... ???



You should really stop talking as you have failed to regurgitate information you heard into information you orate whereby someone trying to hear you can actual understand you.

And again, in conjunction with... ???



Subjective and in conjunction with... ??? You're an idiot.


The only post here worth quoting for truth.

Back to the OP's original question...

In conjunction with?

I have a stock powered '02 SE which came with the OEM sport brakes. I have the 15x8 Enkei's wrapped in 225/45/15 R-S3s with SS brake lines. The rear sway bar is factory and the front is from Flyin' Miata. Flyin' Miata end links on all four corners. I don't have any additional bracing, etc. When I bought the car it came with a HD double-hoop "roll bar" which would've been a deal breaker on most days; however, the price was too good to pass up. Power steering is still functional and I am using the OEM steering wheel.

The tires 'thump' a bit on cold Oregon mornings but only until they come to temp. Almost all of the roads in Oregon are tar paved vs. a heavy concrete mixture found in places like Texas. Given the restrictions on semi's, most of the "ruts" are in the far right lane.

I had the car professionally corner balanced and aligned by a well renowned shop in Portland, OR. There are three basic alignments with infinite slight adjustments in-between. In simplified terms, street, semi-track, and track. I went with the middle alignment specs which gives incredible driver feel and feedback without being just limited to track pleasure.

Of course an alignment is subjective! Just like a quarterback selecting his balls for a game is; however, I can tell you that on certain roads at certain times (temp and humidity) there is a bit of road pull. And I love it! It doesn't offend the senses and gives the car an incredible feel.

Personally, I wouldn't, and haven't, run anything but 225/45/15 R-S3s on either 15x8 or 15x9 wheels. That said, it is for a variety of factors. Primarily because of what I've run them in conjunction with.

Never underestimate the power of a prepositional phrase.


Yo, have you thought of what you write before posting in this forum?

And wrong as per usual? PROVE IT!

[WASABI]

http://youtu.be/RPoBE-E8VOc

Stoly your insight is good... just a wee bit personal.

[Phatmiata]

They don't make good educational cartoons like that anymore. :cry2:

[kung fu jesus]

Welcome back, Geoff.

[Stoly]

Th th tha tha thanks, Steve.

[Pfunk]

Th th tha tha thanks, Steve.

This is completely out of line.

[kung fu jesus]

Th th tha tha thanks, Steve.


You're welcome Geoff! :D

I find it strangely ironic to be mocked by someone of your age and disability, let alone for you to give advice to other Miata owners considering the time, effort and THOUSANDS of dollars you wasted on your NA only to destroy it in short order through no other fault than your own. I hope the new location does you some good, but I don't think it will. Enjoy your vacation!

[John J]

The right size tire even for DD/track car also depends a lot on the suspension and the rear wheel HP. I am running 15x8 225/50x15's w/949's rims on my V8R with HP at over 360 to the rear wheels using Tein coilovers. Everything seems to work great. However, my ultra street tires don't cut it so my next set will be competition tires with the pending engine mods providing 60 or more HP or so..

[mx54life]

What happened here lol. Such a waste of intellect. Without respect, discipline and a pinch of common sense how and why we claim to be human. So dangerous to top on someones thoughts.......under medicated maybe?

[tsingson]

Sucks that it had to go there. But anyways, back on track. A lot of good information here.

[The Driver]

What happened here lol.

We had a collision, and someone was sent to another place, far from here.

[kung fu jesus]

The right size tire even for DD/track car also depends a lot on the suspension and the rear wheel HP. I am running 15x8 225/50x15's w/949's rims on my V8R with HP at over 360 to the rear wheels using Tein coilovers. Everything seems to work great. However, my ultra street tires don't cut it so my next set will be competition tires with the pending engine mods providing 60 or more HP or so..


Someone once reminded to not forget the tires are part of the suspension too, meaning the sidewall flex, construction, etc. I never though about it that way but it's an interesting point.

[Pfunk]

I am leaning toward a 205/50/15 solution for my next set of tires. Although I love the lateral grip the 225/45/15s I have on now, I am not a fan of the heavier steering on my manual rack. I have 15x8 6ULs, so the 205s should fit well enough, depending on manufacturer. The variance between tire makers has always made me chuckle. It'd be like buying a 4x8 sheet of ply and having it vary +/- 3" depending on who made it!

[Phatmiata]

I would be interested to know what tires you end up getting since you guys in Japan seem to have a much better selection of tire options for 15" in performance tires than we get in the USA

[Pfunk]

http://www.bridgestone.co.jp/corporate/news/2014120802.html

These are the newest big deal here in Japan; I am considering them but at $250 a tire, compared to $150 a tire for Toyo R1Rs it's a steep ask.

[Phatmiata]

wow those look like a racing tire!!

http://www.bridgestone.co.jp/corporate/news/img_news/2014/2014120802_01.jpg http://www.bridgestone.co.jp/corporate/news/img_news/2014/2014120802_02.jpg

any idea of the tread wear?

[mx54life]

I am leaning toward a 205/50/15 solution for my next set of tires. Although I love the lateral grip the 225/45/15s I have on now, I am not a fan of the heavier steering on my manual rack. I have 15x8 6ULs, so the 205s should fit well enough, depending on manufacturer. The variance between tire makers has always made me chuckle. It'd be like buying a 4x8 sheet of ply and having it vary +/- 3" depending on who made it!

Mind me asking if say 195/205 in front and 225 rear would be a compromise? But then that will make it a staggered set-up. Will that be a no-no as I think it would affect the balance of the car would it?

[Phatmiata]

The stagger setup will suck as a daily seeing as you cannot rotate the tires front to rear. But if its a weekend car it would be fine.

[Pfunk]

any idea of the tread wear?

These have just debuted here so there's no independent data yet, but according to BStone they will wear fairly quickly.

[Phatmiata]

These have just debuted here so there's no independent data yet, but according to BStone they will wear fairly quickly.

Yeah looks like a 60 to 80 tread wear with that aggressive design.

[kung fu jesus]

I have the R1Rs on a short list for HPDE tires, but the Star Specs are still the front runner.

[Pfunk]

What do you daily?

[kung fu jesus]

Michelin Pilot Sport AS3, an all-season. I tracked on them with amusing results. They are very nice for DD, I like them very much.