Just bought a 2002 Miata

Parking lots and traffic cones.
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dmyer
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Just bought a 2002 Miata

Post by dmyer »

After comtemplating this for several years I bought a 2002 Miata LS with 6 SP, LSD and Sport Suspension to replace my expensive to maintain 2007 Mini. What is a good wheel and tire package for the Miata - I want to run it in ES class. I have not been able to AX much the last two years but hope to next spring.
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Claff
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Re: Just bought a 2002 Miata

Post by Claff »

You're limited to 6 inch wide wheels. Stock wheels aren't heavy at all but you could keep your eyes peeled for '95 M Edition BBS 15x6 which I believe are the lightest stock 15" wheels out there.

There are two tires that seem to be over and above all the others right now: Bridgestone RE71R and BFGoodrich Rival S. I've run on the RE71R all this year and they've been fantastic, but there's no reason the Rivals are inferior to those. Snag either in a 205/50/15 and you're ready to go.

EDIT just saw you have an LS model which came with 16" wheels. You are allowed to go up or down 1" in wheel diameter in ES. Rivals aren't available in a 16" size so that limits your tire choice unless you want to find a set of 15x6 wheels.

Either way you're going to have a lot of fun in this car without spending a ton of money. I run STS but on more than one occasion I watch ES and wish I had something that could play there as well.
moxnix
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Re: Just bought a 2002 Miata

Post by moxnix »

Actually 2002 should have the 16x6.5" wide wheels so you need to find 15x6.5 wheels.
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Claff
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Re: Just bought a 2002 Miata

Post by Claff »

moxnix wrote:Actually 2002 should have the 16x6.5" wide wheels so you need to find 15x6.5 wheels.
2002 is too new for me and my "expertise". I shoulda done more homework.
dmyer
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Re: Just bought a 2002 Miata

Post by dmyer »

Thanks... Yeah.... I will run the 16x6.5 on this car which after my research, the only realy option is either the 205/50/16 Dunlop Direzza SSII or RE71R. Going with the slightly larger diameter I think as the 2nd gear 6 SP gearing is a bit short for the longer faster courses.... I guess shifting is always an option! Looking foward to next year... I was very envious last few yeatrs seeing all those Miata's in ES competing against each other while my Mini was being ganged up on by the flavor of the day in DS. The Miatas look like they are a lot more fun to drive.... looking forward to next year and starting preparation now! :D
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