Wheels/Tires for AWD Swap in 89 Mirage

[akamiller]

I'm in the middle of gathering all of the parts for the AWD swap on my 89 Mirage. My car already has the following:

• KYB AGX up front, GR2 in rear
• Tenzo R springs (highest spring rate I could find)
• Front and rear strut tower bars
• VR4 RS AWD tranny w/viscous coupler eliminator (plan to weld diff)

I'm purchasing the following from Miller Import Parts:

• 1g Rear driveshaft
• 1g Complete 4bolt LSD Rear end
• 1g 23 spline AWD Transfer Case
• 1g Front Hubs

I'm not a mechanic, but I can handle the the engine and bolt-ons. I'm working with a mechanic/fabricator friend of mine to do the swap. I need help with the suspension and wheels/tires. This car will be a streetable drag car. It is not a daily driver and will be used on the street rarely except for driving to the track or if my daily driver is in the shop for a day. The previous owner did most of the current work. The fenders have already been rolled out a bit. The current set up would cause the fender to eat into the tire when hitting any nice size bumps or dips in the road. I would like to fit 15x8/r15 with 225/50s (Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R). Is this possible or do I need to stick woth 15x7s and a smaller tire? What offset for the 15x8 or 15x7? Also, I think the car will need to be raised a little bit and I'm not sure if that is possible with my current suspension. Any input there is greatly appreciated.

I know there are a lot of posts about wheels/tires/suspension. I have read through many of them. I was hoping more for a just a straight answer of Yes that works, use X offset, and your suspension should be fine.

Link to previous owner's build with pics. http://www.mx5atlanta.com/forums/showthread.php?2079-My-Mirage-of-Dooom-(a-work-in-progress)/page1

 

[akamiller]

Maybe the above was too much to read so I will pull my questions out.

I would like to fit 15x8/r15 with 225/50s (Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R). Is this possible or do I need to stick woth 15x7s and a smaller tire? What offset for the 15x8 or 15x7? Also, I think the car will need to be raised a little bit and I'm not sure if that is possible with my current suspension. Any input there is greatly appreciated.