NB Miata wheel (and tire) question

Now that I own an NB Miata, I'm looking forward to getting out on track some in 2016. The car came with KYB AGX shocks with first gen Flyin' Miata lowering springs and a front Flyin' Miata solid sway bar. It also came with Rota 13x8 that the PO used for auto-x. My goal is more HPDE-type track work, so I'm looking for 15" wheel and tire recommendations.

Per this recent thread (Kosei wheels) and this recent thread (World Racing league tire choice)), I'm wondering if a 15x9 wheel with 225/45/15 would work well. I am not concerned with classing, either for time trial stuff or auto-x, and am more interested in a widely available wheel and tire choice. Light weight is an interest, given that the car is normally aspirated.

I like the look of this car. Are these 949 wheels?

Those are 15x8 TRM C1 wheels.

Tire availability in 225/45-15 is not good.
- BFG Rival
- Toyo R1R
- Hankook RS3
- Kumho V720

And the track tires - R888, RA1, RR, NT01, RC-1, Hoooooosier.

205/50-15 is much better. Put them on a light 15x8 and you're in pretty good shape. BTW, Flyin' Miata is a Tire Rack dealer so we can offer all the same prices TR can.

I have a set of 205/50/15 Rivals on 15x8 C1s and a set of 225/45/15 Rivals on 15x9 C3Ms on a '94. The on sale Kosei's look like a great deal. At least on a NA, the C3Ms require fender massaging and rub on the inside with too much steering angle (ie. parking). I have two sizes of wheels because 225/45/15s aren't always available when you need them.

The NBs have more room, no need for fender mods with a +36 15x9 (Kosei, 6UL, Storm, C3M).

15x9 in 225/45-15 requires 2.5 in ID springs (in other words: coilovers) to not rub at full lock on an NB. As Keith mentioned, my fenders are awesome!

15x8 in 205/50-15 will just fit and have tons of great track tires. Plus, 205/50-15 take-offs might be available cheap or free from your local Spec Miata guys.

I'm a fan of the C1 special from Tire Rack (in your pic), especially since it consolidates the install/shipping. If you want an upgrade, the 6UL is the lightest wheel you'll find for not much more, and it's better than just about everything else.

I own C1M wheels (15x7) with 195/55-15 snow tires, C1 wheels (15x8) with 205/50-15 RE71Rs (hottt!!!), and C3M wheels (15x9) with 225/45-15 Rivals (not so hot...). I don't track my car (yet) so I cannot recommend a tire other than if it's track only, one of the harder budget slicks (Nitto, Maxxis) might be your best starting point. Rivals suck in the rain and Rival-S and RE71R tires are too soft for track.

I've not had any complaints about the RE71R on track, based on running our ND (2300 lbs, 140 rwhp or so) at High Plains.

Alternative to the 6UL at Tire Rack is the Advanti Storm S1. Only $30/corner more than the C1 and nearly 5 lbs lighter. Strong, too.

I'm personally a fan of the Jongbloed 500 Aero wheels. Haven't seen them on too many other cars but mine. Fairly light, seem pretty tough and only $108 a piece.

I run the 15x8s on my Miata with 205/50R15 Dunlop ZII Star Specs and I love them

Thanks folks. Sounds like the 15x8 is the way to go! Time to do some shopping.

The Jongbloeds are a decent wheel, but unfortunately NLA. There might be a set or two kicking around still. The low price was the result of a weight screwup by the factory, and there won't be another run at that price.

Keith Tanner wrote: The Jongbloeds are a decent wheel, but unfortunately NLA. There might be a set or two kicking around still. The low price was the result of a weight screwup by the factory, and there won't be another run at that price.

Oh, damn, no wonder I couldn't the 15x8s on your site anymore. Pity, because I really liked how they looked. Only real complaint was the center caps were pretty cheesy. Well, guess I got something slightly rare on my hands. Pity that one of them got a mysterious gouge in the middle of one of the spokes. It's small but I know it's there and it bothers me.

Keith Tanner wrote: Alternative to the 6UL at Tire Rack is the Advanti Storm S1. Only $30/corner more than the C1 and nearly 5 lbs lighter. Strong, too.

I picked up a set of these for my NB. They look awesome and man are they light. Very simple yet good looking wheel IMO.