The tires and wheels would be next on my list, too. 13xwide(not a
13x6) makes a considerable difference, at least on my VW Rabbit(DSP) -
I switched from a 14x6/205/55-14 to 13x7 w215/50-13 R1s a few seasons
ago, and the difference was quite significant - switching from the 7s
to 9s made another noticable difference, but not as noticable when
switching from 14 to 13. I now use 225/50-13 Hoosier radials/A3SO3 on
a 9" wheel, and it is _very_ worthwhile.
Lowering the CG is probably not as important on a Miata as it is a
Rabbit, but the added acceleration combined with more lateral grip
made an enormous difference.
Regionally, we have a guy competing in an ITB Rabbit - the only
significant difference between his car and mine is the wheel/tire
combo; he has IT legal 14x6/205/55 R1. Both cars have similar
suspensions, limited slips, fresh engines, yadda yadda yadda. Mine is
lighter, but weights with driver are probably comparable. He's
consistently 2 seconds slower than me - I probably have a smidge more
power, but the cars are really quite similar. Might not be 100% tire,
but a good portion of the time difference is.
Like Josh said, you'll probably want to change suspension stuff later
anyway - I would not build the car around the 14s; I'd get 13s and be
done with it(for now, Miatas can obviously go fast on wide 15s or 16s,
too).
I doubt the smaller OD is worth a whole lot on the Miata - some, as
you will lower the CG/gearing, but adding 3" wheel width and 20mm of
tire is worth a _lot_, if you ask me.
Don't undersestimate the power of a wide wheel:).
I.Mannix
On Sun, 8 Aug 1999, Mike Keyes wrote:
> Hi! I have a 90 Miata with the following: 14 x 6 alloy wheels with 205-55
> 14 BFG R1's. I have Ground Control Coil-overs with 375 lb front and 250 lb
> rear springs with Koni single adjustable shocks. I am wondering what my
> next purchase should be:
> 13 inch wheels and tires with a smaller diameter
> modify air intake and exhaust system
> new sway bars and bushings
>
> Can anyone provide some advice regarding which of these 3 options would be
> the best choice .
> Thanks.
>
> Mike Keyes
>
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