Hub Swap.

[NobleRogue]

This has been a very helpful thread. Thanks again to everyone who has commented. Maybe this could become a sticky for other aspiring Mazda Speed Junkies like me.

[druz]

Unfortunately you don't get to choose any tire size you want, otherwise we'd all be running 275/35/15 street tires and 315/30/15 track tires. So sidewall is only important to make sure it fits, aka <24" tall.

You get the widest tires that will fit depending on your wear/wet/etc needs. For most that limits to 225/45/15 since it's the most widely available. 245/40/15 Maxxis rc1 if you run R comps on the street. You can squeeze 245/45/16 in the rear but their options are dwindling.

Then you pick a wheel size optimal to that tire size. Hopefully it'll be wider than 7 If you have more than 200hp.

[— Phatmiata —]

Thank you Ruckkehr. Would you know of any packages that may be available. Or would it be by piece meal?

V8Roadsters has everything you need. (Click) -----> http://www.v8roadsters.com

[Circuit Dreaming]

Before you throw "too much" power in it (I.g. Money) know that Miatas don't need lots of power to be fast. Mine has 115-120whp, weighs 2300 with a full tank of gas, and I have literally overlapped brand new Porsche 911s, Mustang GTs, and a new Camero SS 1LE on our local 2.2mi road course. If that is what you are into, I'm willing to bet 160-250whp is the area which I would be significantly faster, but not so much so that managing the grip of course small drive tires would be a chore like it would with ~400wtq lol. I have never heard of a 5 lug swap on a Miatas though.

[— John J —]

Let me state that my Miata runs in the neighbor of 485 HP currently. When I recently upgraded the engine and my turner drove the car he went sideways in third gear. He has recommended that I go from 225/50x15 tires to 275/35x15 track tires or slicks in rear tires. I will state that the car is unusually fast. Kieth at Flyin Miata could provide you information because his car "Targa" is very similar to mine and has driven Miata's with all sorts of engine HP. There is no doubt in my mind that high HP Miata's need maximum size tires for safety.

[— kung fu jesus —]

Just curious, but what will the use of this 350hp Miata be? Strip, street, or track?

High HP Miatas are neat, but you have to consider the track and wheelbase with that much power. There is such a thing as 'too much'. There are a lot of V8 Miatas out there making at least that much power, but I never see them going fast at a track. It is difficult to use that kind of power in an environment like that in these cars. Not impossible, just a bit impractical, requires some pretty deft skill. Driving a regular Miata at 8-10/10ths is a LOT different than one making over 220 hp.

That said, the LFx swap is intriguing to me than the LSx because of the size of the motor and the power delivery.

[NobleRogue]

You can't learn if you don't ask. Thanks again everyone. From what I'm reading, it would seem I should set my sights a little lower. Start with a goal of 250whp. Since I would like to keep it manageable on the track and street. The five lug swap is out. Go with 225/45/15's on 15x8 rims? get some braces and supports for the frames rigidity and of course I cant forget about a proper roll cage or bars.

[Greasemonkey2000]

Id go with 15x9's with 225s BUT if you go 15x9 you should to stick with 225 or wider, unless you like the whole stretched look. The Advanti S1's that Goodwin Racing sells are a bargain...the 15x9($141?) is around 12lbs and still have free shipping. A 15x8 will definitely keep you tire choices much more broader than x9 for street tires.

[— John J —]

I second using the 15x9 rim size Emillo and others in the racing community have seen better times on 15x9 rims than 15x8 rims with 225/45x15 tires.

[Greasemonkey2000]

Here is a link to a how to on repacking the hubs:
http://www.miataturbo.net/suspension...ont-hub-75372/