Miata Mailing List: February 1998, Message #72
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From: 	scocham@webtv.net (Scott Chamberlain)

Subject: 17" Contis-a road test

Date: 	Sun, 1 Feb 1998 16:35:13 +0000



The combination of nice weather, a new set of wheels, and a day with

nothing to do was too much to resist. I had to try my new wheels and

tires.

The combo in question is the Ronal SL rim with Continental 205/40-17

Super Contact tires. While installing the rims, I took a few extra

minutes to repaint the calipers, and to grease the caliper pivot pins..

Now to the test;

The car: 1992 base model with P/S, Tokico HP shocks, Eibach sport

springs and swaybars

Top:down

Heater:high (don't use a 160 'stat in a cold weather car!)

Tunes: 80s guitar rock(ie BTO, Allman.Foreigner)

Roads:two lanes and some interstate, central N.Y.

My first discovery was that the 17s didn't interfere with anything

either on bumps, or at full lock. I was worried, what with 1.3" dropped

springs. The ride isn't bad either. On smooth roads, there was little

change. Small bumps were a little sharper; big bumps are a LOT sharper.

After a few miles, you really start looking out for potholes. This setup

is a good bit heavier than stock, and you can feel it, especially on

rough pavement. I probably could use some additional damping from the

shocks. Turn in is very precise, and the car tends toward slight

oversteer at the limits. The tires track well, and are very quiet. Total

adhesion is on a par with the SP8000s I have driven. 

My conclusions? I bought these with appearance foremost in mind, and I

am not dissappointed. It would be very hard to beat stock wheels with

R1s for total performance. The bigger patch helps the car launch with

less wheelspin, but the extra weight hurts. The limits ARE higher than

the D60s I replaced, however.  Overall, I think that this combo does

what I want it to do, and I am pleased. The whole package from Moss is

IMHO, a good deal. They work well, and the look is incredable.



Scott Chamberlain

Nutmeg Miata

Red 92 base "Thumper"

Yellow 92

BRG 91 

"Life is a journey...enjoy the ride!"