Larger Wheels and suspension lowering

[Agent57]

Generally speaking, I am not a fan of modifying cars. It is a very personal thing and most people get it wrong. Although we all think our own mods are great, obviously.

I love my standard Rev 4 MR2 and the standard wheel design but....

I think the wheels need to be slightly bigger and the suspension slightly lower.

How big should I go on the wheels and how low on the suspension without looking like a boy racer?

Is there a 16" of 17" version of the standard Rev 4 wheel or something equivalent that looks very close?

Ideally I want people to think "Yeah that looks like a great MR2, I'd forgotten how good they look." rather than: "Oh my God he's ruined that by putting some naff wheels on it and lowering the suspension too much."

Any thoughts or pics appreciated. I want the car to look like it was intended to leave the factory that way, just a bit better.

Thanks.

[benckj]

Wheels are a person choice sort of like the shoes you wear. Most of MR2 owners choose the wheel style based on looks and then find tyres to fit. This is backwards as the tyres are most important. Quality performance tyres are becoming difficult to source in smaller wheel diameters which is why 17” is the preferred choice. Start there.

[Agent57]

Thanks for the comment. So long as tyres that fit are available, I am not bothered which tyres I have as I don't drive on track or in snow or ice.

Happy to go to 17" so long as they don't look to boy racerish. You are right that it is a personal choice. My choice would be a wheel that looks as similar to a Rev 3 or 4 wheel as possible or maybe an F355 style.

Thanks.

[MR2_GCY]

I have just removed 18" 5 spoke Rays Volk Racing off mine because though they fit with standard suspension but they rubbed on my new coilovers. They fill the arches, some say 18" too big (they came on the car when I bought it) but I got used to the look. You are welcome to take a look - they are on eBay and FB marketplace...

[Agent57]

Thanks. 18" is too big for the look I'm going for.

[peteV6R5]

tried 16" and 17" when I had mine 1st with apex lowering springs (30mm lower) and then BC coilovers (30mm lower as standard but adjustable if you want bit higher or bit lower).
Prefer the look and road going nature of the 17"s and as a bonus you can get "standard" tyres from most makes at reasonable costs.
with 17" Sparco wheels and BC coilovers fitted

[Agent57]

Thanks for posting. I like the stance on that. So 17" wheels and 30mm lower suspension it is then.

Now to find some 17" wheels that look similar to the rev 3 or rev 4 wheels.

Thanks.

[Synz]

Wheels are definitely personal preference, I've always felt 5 spoke match the Mk2 well and look the most OEM. Tire choice for 15" wheels is shocking these days and 16" isn't much better. 18" don't fit very well especially if you're lowering it with clearance issues so 17" would be your go to imo.

Here is mine on BC Racing Coilovers and 17s

[dansrev2turbo]

Thanks for posting. I like the stance on that. So 17" wheels and 30mm lower suspension it is then.

Now to find some 17" wheels that look similar to the rev 3 or rev 4 wheels.

Thanks.

Width and offset is also a make or break when it comes to the looks of the car. Get it wrong and its easy to tick the box that you are trying to avoid (omg wtf wheels has he put on that!)
My winter wheels that go on the car when not in use are frankly embarrassing

[Agent57]

Well now my front left tyre is not sealing due to corrosion on the wheel. Seems to be a pattern with refurbished wheels. They look great on the outside but not so good underneath.

I need to decide whether to try more refurbished wheels or change them all. But I am very choosy about wheel style.

Has anyone seen a 17" version of the standard Rev 4 wheel or something equivalent that looks very close?

[jimi]

How about SSR integral A2's ? if you can find a set

[Agent57]

Thanks. Too spindly for my taste.
I like there to be more wheel than hole. Hence why I love the rev 2 - 4 wheels.

[jimi]

Ahhh I was thinking of Rev5 wheels, have you looked through this thread ? https://mr2oc.co.uk/forum/topic/mr2-wheels-80700.html
Might give you some ideas

[Agent57]

Thanks for the link. That's just what I was after. Lots of samples of different wheels fitted to MR2s so I can see what they would look like.

Having studied them all closely, I have now decided...... I will keep the standard wheels.