I figure if I install the smallest and lightest wheels possible, my 8 would handle even better. Anyone here also care about the unsprung weight, or just content with the compromise of the 18 inchers.

Would the 16" fit?

 

rpf1 ftw :D

 

16" are you racing?

 

Hi liam.

If I remember correctly, you have a 6MT, which means that the smallest wheel size that fits is a 17" and only certain wheels of that size will clear the brakes. As for whether going down to a 17" size is worth it, please read the argument and my posts in the currently active thread about 14" wheels in the wheels and tires subforum on miata.net. The choice is yours.

(This is probably the wrong forum to ask this question.)

 

my lawnmower has like 4in wheels.

 

My office chair wins - each wheel is 2.2 inches tall, and weigh only 5 1/2 ounces each. ULTIMATE in unsprung weight!

This thing takes the corners just badass, and the swivel feature really makes it interesting!

 

does your office chair wheels have ball bearings?? mine does

 

I have 47mm rink rat crossbars on my goalie skates with ABEC 9 bearings. It will crush everything including office chairs

 

The Auto comes with 16" wheels.

 

auto also has smaller brakes I believe so that wont work so well with the MT (unfortunate for OP if he has MT). could switch out brakes I guess.

 

The old (2004) bone stock AT's come with 16"s I have mine in my back yard. Now days a lot of the dealers have AT with 18's on hand. Or you can order one with 18's.
The 5 speeds from over seas would come with 16's as well. I dont know about now.
However, the rotors and calipers on the "sport-suspension" AT's are the same as the MT RX-8's. That means if you have 18"s and try to put 16" they wont fit. On the other hand 17"s will and you can run a sick off set!
Also the AT's with 16"s dont have "sport suspension" where the AT's with 18"s like the MT, will have "sport suspension"
-Gil