WIM question.

[Mickcafc]

Hi, another stupid question from Mick in Norway. I am taking the 5 to WIM next month to see if they can sort out the mess MX5 parts made putting Gaz coilovers on the old gal. Whilst there I am having the Geometry done so heres the thing, I am on the original 14" daiseys now but want 15" Enkies when I can afford a decent set, will this change things or should I put 15" wheels on 1st? Thanks in advance, Mick.

[Mazda Mender]

It should not make that much of a difference, what i will say is make sure you get the alignment checked every year as a course of action.
M-m

[Mickcafc]

Thanks once again Wayne.

[The-mx5-restorer]

As Wayne says, it won't make any difference, the geo checks the angle of the wheels, so different wheels won't change that, so don't worry

[Lazza]

Wheel offset does make a difference though. As long as the offset of your planned wheels is similar to the daisies then there won't be a problem. If they are some kind of "stance" style 0 offset jobs then they need to be aligned on the car.

[Mazda Mender]

Fair point Lazza and for track use with daft offsets/deepdish or that they have been banged on for a look only and with over streched tyres with them dropped into a inch of there lives, then it will make a very little difference , which is a fair point but not enough to worry about , but i cannot see Mick going for a over the top stance when the roadster will be used and driven for some distance, i am sure he will understand which to get and use the correct rims and tyres for his needs of useage and miles, but it is not my roadster and choice, but i can feel what type of owner Mick is?
M-m

[Mickcafc]

Hi all and thanks again. To be honest I dont know what direction I am going in, what with the choices its all so confusing, but I am trying to make her as good as possible body wise and mechanically at all the recommended 5 places. She only does about 1000 miles a year now (2 years owned) as I am in Norway most of the time. May bring her out here for the Summer though, some great mountain roads to enjoy. Cheers and be lucky, Mick.

[The-mx5-restorer]

Wheel offset does make a difference though. As long as the offset of your planned wheels is similar to the daisies then there won't be a problem. If they are some kind of "stance" style 0 offset jobs then they need to be aligned on the car.

Does it make a difference though mr lazza sir I always thought it didn't because the angles would be the same, the front face of the wheel will just be further out but at the same angle, I could be wrong though

[Lazza]

It will make a difference. As I'm sure you know, offset is the distance of the wheel/hub face from the wheel centre line. When you turn the wheels they don't only turn, they tilt a bit due to the camber. If its set up on 45ET wheels then these are swapped for 0ET wheels then the whole tyre will be 45mm further out meaning they will scrub a lot more on turning.
A good technician such as Tony at WiM can take that into account and adjust the angles to prevent that scrubbing.

When I have mine done I always have my road wheels fitted. The offset difference between them and my track wheels is only 5mm and the width difference is only around 20mm but I want it set up to reduce the wear on the road tyres as I don't expect my track tyres to last long anyway

[The-mx5-restorer]

I see you point now, I stupidly wasn't thinking about the turning of the front wheels, I'm guessing that the caster can be changed to compensate

[Mazda Mender]

Ok for debate sake, if you fit your rims and have the alignment done then there will not be a issue, if you change your standard for a good set not far of the same ET as the old ones then you will be fine ,if you change from your standard after alignment to something wide and with a big off set then you will need to get the alignment done again.
Are we happy with that Lazza
M-m

[Lazza]

[Mickcafc]

Hi all, had the Geo done at Wim and she felt so much more planted to the road afterwards, if you know what I mean. They also sorted the infernal rattling from the coilovers in about 20 mins so very happy with the guys there. Great speedy service. Apparently the Portsmouth mob had put the wrong washers (think thats what they said) on them. Trouble is I am back in Norway for a few weeks so haven't had a chance to really enjoy her. Cheers guys, Mick.

[Mickcafc]

Hi all, got back for a few days and the rattling had started again. Took it back to Wim and Joe went beyond the call of duty to sort it once and for all. Portsmouth lot had cross threaded the back coilover so it wouldnt do up tightly at the top, inside boot. Joe took it off, worked some magic and all sorted, what a relief. They really are top dollar. Be lucky, Mick.