02Pilot
02Pilot PowerDork
11/15/24 10:37 a.m.

My indy has declared that he's not going to mount tires on my existing wheels any more, and I can't say that I blame him. Every set has been a fight, and the last attempt resulted in a ruined tire. Something about the mounting lip on the rim makes it difficult (we tested the same tires on another rim he had and they went on easy, so it's definitely the wheels).

Anyway, time to shop for wheels. I've got some sort of BBS mesh type knock-offs on there now, and I like that style, but I'm not averse to others. 15x7, 4x100, et25 offset. I'd really like to keep it under $500 for the set if I can - I wasn't planning on having to shell out for wheels right now, and discretionary budgets are not without limits. Suggestions of specific wheelsets or just good sites to check out are appreciated.

iansane
iansane SuperDork
11/15/24 11:00 a.m.

They're a hair outside of your spec (20mm offset instead of 25mm) but I really like Compomotive as a brand.

https://www.comp.co.uk/products/product.asp?item=ml1573-24-128

I think they might be a bit more than 500 for the set though. I bought a set of 17s for my e30 touring a year or so ago and it was 1100 shipped from the UK. They are a quality wheel though. I was impressed by the steel inserts in the lug holes.

DeadSkunk  (Warren)
DeadSkunk (Warren) MegaDork
11/15/24 11:12 a.m.

15x8 is pretty easy to find in 25mm offsets. Konig makes some for Miatas. You could look at what's available at all the usual Miata vendors in 15". Your price point suggests used wheeels are in your future though. There are a few of the 15x7 wheels in 25mm on TireRack's site. Search Miata fitments in 15".

Keith Tanner
Keith Tanner MegaDork
11/15/24 11:13 a.m.

15x7, 4x100, +25 - that's the Spec Miata wheel. There are a bunch of options all at the same (minimum) weight and fairly low cost.

New (ignoring costs):

https://philstireservice.com/product/spec-miata-wheels/

On Tire Rack, choose a 1990 Miata and filter for diameter, width and offset. Oh hey, look, the Kosei K1!

Or just go to Flyin' Miata and pick up a set of Kogekis.
https://flyinmiata.com/products/kogeki-15-x-7-flow-formed-wheels-for-na-nb

02Pilot
02Pilot PowerDork
11/15/24 11:32 a.m.

I found a few new options that come in right around $500/set - not sure I'm crazy about any of them, but that's secondary. I'm totally open to good used, but I'm leery of buying used wheels sight unseen from unknown sellers. I'd love to find a nice set of Ronal Turbos....

Compomotive look nice, but definitely more than I want to spend right now. The Kogekis are closer to my price point, but I don't know that the open style of them is going to work well on the 2002 (which does not have pretty brakes to show off).

It also occurs to me that we are on the cusp of Black Friday, and perhaps I'll find a deal in a couple of weeks. It's not time-critical, so I can wait.

Keith Tanner
Keith Tanner MegaDork
11/15/24 11:35 a.m.

Oooo, Turbos on a 2002. A bit out of range, but...

https://paddockperformance.com/r10-turbo-4x100-15x7-0-28-b-fc/

Trent
Trent UltimaDork
11/15/24 11:41 a.m.

Personally I think 2002s look pretty bad with modern style wheels. 

Maxlite is a new company from Germany with a Florida warehouse that still makes 13-15 inch wheels

Their BBS E30 rep is stunning

Image Wheels will make their wheels in whatever diameter, width and offset you aks for.

I mean..... COME ON.

HHHNNNNNGGGG

I only ask that you avoid the Rota Rb. I don't mind the wheels, they have just become the defacto standard for EVERYTHING. From Alfa Spiders to Datsuns to Fiats to TE27 Toyotas. They are just everywhere

 

Oops. Totally missed the budget part.

Trent
Trent UltimaDork
11/15/24 11:44 a.m.

Corsa Steelies are a solid budget option

02Pilot
02Pilot PowerDork
11/15/24 12:43 p.m.

In reply to Keith Tanner :

Those are very tempting, even if they are more expensive than I was planning (quite a bit more with shipping, which is over $200).

The Maxilites (I especially like the Alpina-style ones)and Corsas are both nice, but sadly out of budget.

A couple other options I'm considering: Kansei KNP 15 and the Circuit Performance CP21.

Keith Tanner
Keith Tanner MegaDork
11/15/24 12:58 p.m.

The KNP 15 did catch my eye.

Do you happen to know what the hub bore is for the 2002? That might be an issue if you find a Spec Miata wheel you like, some of them were built specifically for Miatas with their fairly small 54.1mm bore.

02Pilot
02Pilot PowerDork
11/15/24 1:17 p.m.

In reply to Keith Tanner :

It's 57.1mm, I believe. Definitely something to check, though Tire Rack says the KNP 15 will fit, and the CP21 is listed as having a 73.1mm center bore.

Keith Tanner
Keith Tanner MegaDork
11/15/24 1:35 p.m.

Most aftermarket wheels have an oversized bore, 67 or 73mm. It's only the Miata-specific ones that get you in trouble with other cars.

02Pilot
02Pilot PowerDork
11/15/24 1:39 p.m.

Now here's a conundrum: if I order the KNP 15 from Tire Rack and order tires from them as well, they'll mount them for free, which makes for a nice savings, but also sticks me with three 195/50-15 Falken ZE960s I don't need (the fourth being destroyed during attempted mounting having been the final straw that set off this whole debacle). Anyone in the Northeast need some 15" tires for cheap? I mean, they're cheap to begin with (I paid $325 for the set), but I'll sell the three for $150 if I don't have to ship them anywhere.

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