Ecomodding 2015 MX-5 Miata

[Ecky]

Originally Posted by cRiPpLe_rOoStEr

What do you mean by less aggressive? How would you expect it to affect towing capacity?

The current tires are 10mm wider than stock, and are a sticky ultra high performance summer compound - they're goopy enough that rocks and pebbles just stick into the tire, not just between tread blocks. I was thinking of dialing them back to the stock width, and maybe back to "high performance summer". They still have a lot of life left, however.

As for towing... probably not much? I was towing much heavier loads in the Insight, with 165 width RE92s.

[mpg_numbers_guy]

Originally Posted by Ecky

I have a few very small mods planned for it in the immediate future: LED turn signals, DVD player delete, a partial grille block, and when I do eventually need tires, something a little less aggressive.

How are NZ regulations for vehicle modifications?

[Ecky]

Originally Posted by mpg_numbers_guy

How are NZ regulations for vehicle modifications?

They're very explicit.

https://www.lvvta.org.nz/documents/s..._Threshold.pdf

For example:

Fitting of or modification to: LVV Certification is not required provided that: (refer to LVV Certifier if beyond threshold below):
Body kits and components (including utility canopies, plastic bumper skins and bonnet projections)
▪ the fitting system does not weaken the vehicle structure (Note 1); and
▪ no frontal impact components have been removed where the vehicle is required to comply with a frontal impact occupant protection standard (Note 3); and
▪ the kit or components do not present any forward-facing external projections that could cause injury, to the occupants or pedestrians, or present a snagging/hooking risk to a vehicle or person; and
▪ the driver’s vision has not been affected; and
▪ the performance of any lamp is not affected as a result of the kit or components.


^
Basically, they're strict on safety, and lax (or don't care at all) about emissions or power.

A vehicle needs no certification as long as it meets those standards. A one-time certification is needed if you exceed them, where a mechanic inspects it. I can, for instance, do lightweight 2 piece brake rotors without certification, but if I change the calipers for aftermarket, I need them certified - but if they're meant for the vehicle, they'll almost certainly pass.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by Ecky

As for towing... probably not much? I was towing much heavier loads in the Insight, with 165 width RE92s.

Weight capacity of the tires is just one aspect. I was wondering how a different tire would affect traction.