Miata Mailing List: April 1996, Message #258
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   From: Miq Millman 
Subject: Re: autocrossing wheels
   Date: Sat, 6 Apr 1996 14:15:04 -0500

Sautter, Chris/EUG says:
> I am thinking of getting 13" wheels for autocrossing in CSP.  What are the 
> recommendations for width and tire size?  Any particular hot wheel I should 
> be looking at?

I bought a set of Duralite rims from a fellow that raced a CRX in CSP, they
weigh about 6.5 pounds, the offset seems ok, but who can tell when you have rim
and rubber sticking out that far.  They are 13x9, 16mm offset.  This sticks
about 1.0 inch of extra rim width towards the shocks and about 2.5 inches of
rim width outside the wheel wells.  I have no rubbing when I put Hoosier
235/45/13 autoxer's but I do get a slight rub with real racing slicks during
sharp right handers.  

Last set of slicks were 21x10x13, meaning they had a 21" overall diameter,
used 13" rims and were 10" wide at the tread.  This gives about a 10%
increase in torque due to reduced ratio in tire size and is about the smallest 
diameter, widest tire I would put on the Miata.  

If I were to do it again, I'd get a set of 13x8 in same offset, then run a
21.5x9x13 R20 Goodyear slick.  This is a very soft tire, designed for Formula 
Fords and the like, but the Miata is very light and should be ok.

Duralites run about $185 a rim when new, the company will make any size, any
offset.  Mine are magnesium centers which are more expensive, but really
light.  I seem to remember that Aluminum centers added about 2 pounds.

You can call Duralite at (515) 276-0992 and ask them to fax you more info on
their rims.



-- 
Miq Millman   mmillman@ptd.intel.com	  503 642 6139   (Aloha site)
AL3-59  Intel, 5200 NE Elam Young Parkway, Hillsboro, OR 97124-6497
See also miq@teleport.com