6UL 15x8 or 15x9 ?

[CarCar]

I am about to pull the trigger on a set of black 6UL's but I keep jumping back and forth on the size. I will be putting 225/45/15 Nitto NT01's or Hankook RS2 or RS3's depending on the best price at the time. 2001 supercharged NB daily driver with coilovers, swaybars, Hawk HP+. My hope is for more planned track and driving school time but no autoXing.

The 8" rims I see positively are $120 less than the 9".
The 8" are almost 1/2# lighter per wheel to compensate for the heavier tires and weight of the larger rotors I have planned.
They will allow back down to 205/50/15's. The only reason to go back down I see would be more choice of brands and types and more competive pricing for daily drive use but I could still use my factory rims. Just not as pretty as the 6UL's.

The 9" rims I see positively is some sidewall stretch for an improvement in stiffening the sidewalls.
From other peoples pictures I really like the look of the 9" rims.

Are there any other advantages to the 9" and are they worth the extra $120?

I would really appreciate any opinions.

Tank ya

[trickyrix]

I've got 225/45 RS2s on my 15x8 6ULs and they look like a perfect fit to me. On a 15x9, I would think a 225 tire might be a bit stretched.

As for tire sizes, both the 205/50 and 225/45 seem to be popular Miata sizes, so you shouldn't have a problem finding good tires.

[Miatamaniac92]

I'd recommend calling Emilio, he's got some pretty convincing arguments regarding the step up from 8's to 9's.

From what I've heard, the only downside for the 9's is the extra price. The extra width helps put the power down and also helps in the corners.

Chris

[jeff_man]

225/45 on 15x96ul is the most grip you can get on a miata other then over killing it for a 275/45 and rolling fenders

225/45/15 Nitto NT01 on 15x9 is omfg grip. that's what wags, brg and Matt Andrews are running just to name a few, i would be if i has 6ul cash.

o ya and there are no more 15x8 in black, tell his next run next year unless you buy used.

[CarCar]

Goodwin has 4 black 15x8 with my name to ship on Monday unless I change my mind before ship time.

[trickyrix]

Welcome to the dark side...

[CosmosMpower]

IMO 15X9 is too wide for a 225 tire.

[CarCar]

Brian's going to add me to his call blocking. I changed back to 15x9 and added a Bossfrog black double hoop maxx bar.
Anybody interested in a tech day to install a rollbar at CarCar's? Swimming pool, gun range,fishing holes,nature/mountain bike trails,grill and smoker in the back yard.

[jeff_man]

IMO 15X9 is too wide for a 225 tire.

no there not. looks just a little stretched but you put all your rubber down

Goodwin has 4 black 15x8

didn't know goodwin got a shipment to resale. 949 is sold out then

[Titus]

I have 215s on my 15x8 and the fit is perfect. Based on what they look like, I would agree that you may want 15x9s to use all of the rubber of a 225.

[jrj512]

Odd how 225s seem to fit so well on my 7.5s.

[CarCar]

IMO 15X9 is too wide for a 225 tire.

225/45 is a 9" contact patch tire. On a 9" rim the sidewall will be straight not slightly curved as it would on a 8" since the contact patch is wider than the rim. It is optimal fit.

[CarCar]

What I gathered from talking to Brian and Emilio...

225 on 9" is optimal for track due to max contact patch and sidewall straightness. High risk of curb rash due to straaightness of sidewall.

225 on 8" will be more comfortable ride for daily use due to the sidewall bending but sacrifice contact patch size slightly. Less chance of curb rash due to protection from sidewall.

A 10tenths driver will tell the difference of same tire on 8" or a 9" rim. I am not a 10tenths driver but I have dreams.

I think I can compensate for the ride harshness with 1 to 2 pounds less tire pressure and adjusting my Tein's a click or 2 softer for daily driving. It is a small car and I think I can get away with parking a little further from the curb and being careful and vigilant to avoid curb rash.

I going to stick with the 9".
at least for the next hour....

[Radio-Active]

well actually 8.858" per my calculations. I would go with the 205's and an 8" rim cause I am a cheap bastard.

[sammm]

I'd wait for the 15x10's to come out.

[miataspeedracer]

Ask for custom 15 x 8.5"...

[jrj512]

I'd wait for the 15x10's to come out.

+1

[CosmosMpower]

I'd wait for the 15x10's to come out.

LOL the "I drive a Miata but I wish it was a Viper" special edition size.

[jeff_man]

Odd how 225s seem to fit so well on my 7.5s.

i have 225 on 6.5, they just bodge out and i am wasting 15%20 of my contact patch

[jrj512]

i have 225 on 6.5, they just bodge out and i am wasting 15%20 of my contact patch

I agree that 6.5" is too narrow for a 225. I think 8" would be about right. I can't imagine needing a 9" wheel for a 225 tire. However, if you are wanting it for the look, then...

The scary part is that I used to put 225 R-comps on my 14x5.5 NA 1.6 rims!