Using pre facelift rear wheels instead of facelift fronts

js1mr2 · August 30, 2015, 17:18

Has anyone tried using the pre-facelift rear wheels (205/50/15) on the front of a facelift MR2 instead of the stock fronts (185/55/15)?

With the wider 215s at the rear and LSD I've found that my facelift MR2 has a nice balance on the road but understeers when pushed on the track, particularly if the tarmac is damp or greasy, despite experimenting with front camber and ride height. I can't afford a separate set of track tyres and wheels but thought a solution may be some slightly wider front wheels and tyres and liked the idea having front wheels that matched the look of the rears. Has anyone tried this before or has any thoughts?

Cheers Jeremy

MilesH · August 30, 2015, 18:21

Yes and does exactly as you hope. It gives you slightly better grip on the front.

Not sure on your current geo but if you add a bit of toe out on the front as well (1mm overall should do it) it should give you a good turn.

doodlepugg · August 31, 2015, 08:04

This is something I'd like to play with, being that I've only ever had FR's I like a sharp turn it and balanced slightly toward oversteer. I guess with the MR2 you have to be careful not to induce the dreaded snap oversteer, though. These cars do have a LOT of rear end traction.

Anonymous · August 31, 2015, 08:35

I fitted wider front tyres and the understeer totally disappeared, it's a lovely balance even when pushed hard.

The only problem I've found is on track in the wet, no rear grip at all!

markiii · August 31, 2015, 22:10

Yep did exactly that with no issues

js1mr2 · August 31, 2015, 22:11

Quote from: "Meeerrrk"I fitted wider front tyres and the understeer totally disappeared, it's a lovely balance even when pushed hard.

The only problem I've found is on track in the wet, no rear grip at all!

I was expecting to experience the same after watching your vids of Brands when I went there in January but just had lots of frustrating understeer in slow and medium speed corners. What size wheels and tyres are you running?

Anonymous · August 31, 2015, 22:15

I'm running 225/45/16 rear and 205/45/16 fronts to keep the stagger, it worked for me.

js1mr2 · November 20, 2015, 20:51

I'm planning to fit my 205/50/15 PFL rear wheels on the front of my mr2 this weekend, is it safe to use the standard front wheel nuts or do I need to buy 'rear' PFL wheel nuts does anyone know?

CrazySX · November 21, 2015, 09:41

Quote from: "js1mr2"I'm planning to fit my 205/50/15 PFL rear wheels on the front of my mr2 this weekend, is it safe to use the standard front wheel nuts or do I need to buy 'rear' PFL wheel nuts does anyone know?

Don't see the wheel nuts being an issue. They are the same.

js1mr2 · November 21, 2015, 14:37

I though the PFL rear wheel nuts are different to the front wheel nuts?

TiM3 · November 22, 2015, 08:41

Yes mine are different too, rears are a bit longer. Without checking it might be because the rear studs are a little longer hence the nuts need more thread to accommodate.

I'd just trial fit a wheel with the front nuts and as long as they are tightening the wheel up before the stud bottoms out in the nut then you should be fine.