Questions about wheel sizes

Tadams · 10-24-2005, 09:20 AM

Hey guys, I just purchased an 86 MR2. (It has an '88 engine, ecu, etc). I'm thinking of moving to 16 inch wheels. Will a 16x7.5 in rim fit without any modifications. ie fender rolling, different shocks/struts? And if not a 16x7.5, how about 16x7? Thanks in advance.

RePete · 10-24-2005, 10:38 AM

Offsets are important when dealing with width and you haven't mentioned any. Front fitment is what you have to watch for. As a general suggestion - without knowing your offsets - you should be fine in the front with 7.5" as long as you go 205/40 rather than 205/45.

AceX · 10-24-2005, 11:59 AM

The height is not what is going to kill you on the front, it's the width. A 45 series tire will fit just fine and is probably a better choice. I wouldn't go with anything bigger than a 215, MAYBE a 225 on the front. 225's will fit on the back without much trouble, but I think they MAY rub whe you lay the car into a corner as hard as you can... Not sure on that though.

Tadams · 10-24-2005, 02:38 PM

Thanks guys. I was gonna go with a 205/40 series tire.

carcrazyguy · 11-04-2005, 04:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tadams

Hey guys, I just purchased an 86 MR2. (It has an '88 engine, ecu, etc). I'm thinking of moving to 16 inch wheels. Will a 16x7.5 in rim fit without any modifications. ie fender rolling, different shocks/struts? And if not a 16x7.5, how about 16x7? Thanks in advance.

A 16x7 will fit without an issue. I had 16x7 on my last MR2 with a 40mm offset - great fit and look. There is no reason to go the extra .5" unless happens to be the size the of the wheels (and are a deal), or you need the width to seat a very wide tire (which isn't the case here).
However, IMO you might want to consider a 195 45 16. The reason I say this is because when going to a 205, you get an on-center feel (but then again, this is a +2, so this is expected). Also, you loose somewhat of the feel of liveliness the steering has, with reluctancy off center, and parking is tough of course. However, the 205's will increase grip potentially, so it really is based on what you plan to use your car for and / or how you drive - totally subjective.
I had 205 40 16 on my last MR2, and my current one has 195 50 15, and it simply feels more natural, but obviously has a little less grip, but I don't track my MR2 so it is perfect for my uses. But then again, the bigger is better philosophy seems to reign supreme on forums, so I may get blasted for not suggesting 215 F/235 R.

10-24-2005, 09:20 AM	#1 (permalink)
Tadams No Skills Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Elizabeth City, NC Posts: 6 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader Rating: (0/0% )	Questions about wheel sizes Hey guys, I just purchased an 86 MR2. (It has an '88 engine, ecu, etc). I'm thinking of moving to 16 inch wheels. Will a 16x7.5 in rim fit without any modifications. ie fender rolling, different shocks/struts? And if not a 16x7.5, how about 16x7? Thanks in advance.

10-24-2005, 02:38 PM	#4 (permalink)
Tadams No Skills Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Elizabeth City, NC Posts: 6 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader Rating: (0/0% )	Thanks Thanks guys. I was gonna go with a 205/40 series tire.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

10-24-2005, 10:38 AM	#2 (permalink)
RePete No Frills Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Western Canada Posts: 3,897 Thanks: 0 Thanked 254 Times in 244 Posts Blog Entries: 4 iTrader Rating: (3/100% )	Offsets are important when dealing with width and you haven't mentioned any. Front fitment is what you have to watch for. As a general suggestion - without knowing your offsets - you should be fine in the front with 7.5" as long as you go 205/40 rather than 205/45.

10-24-2005, 11:59 AM	#3 (permalink)
AceX Alien Face Hugger Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 616 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader Rating: (0/0% )	The height is not what is going to kill you on the front, it's the width. A 45 series tire will fit just fine and is probably a better choice. I wouldn't go with anything bigger than a 215, MAYBE a 225 on the front. 225's will fit on the back without much trouble, but I think they MAY rub whe you lay the car into a corner as hard as you can... Not sure on that though.