I.L. Motorsport

Chaparral

Chaparral S 15 Classic Silver from R Speed with Yokohama S.drive 195/50/15

[7/14/2007] Reviewed by: Anonymous

Applicable to: '90 - '97 '99-'05 1.6 liter 1.8 liter

WHEELS Chaparral S - 15x7, 8-Spoke design, Silver with polished lip. Features Miata specific, 54.1 Hub Center Bore, proper 38 mm offset, 4 x 100 bolt pattern, OEM quality. TIRES Yokohama S.drive - 195/50/15 82V (newly introduced July 1, 2007) The S.drive ("Sport drive") radial is Yokohama's lattest Ultra High Performance Summer tire.

I’ve owned seven Miata’s over the past ten year and I continue to search for that perfect tire and wheel combination. My search is over. Stunning looks, exceptional quality, same weight and half the price of Panasports and “V” rated tires that stick like glue. Lugs and a lug wrench were included. Most people don’t realize that when they buy tires and wheels on line that they are buying a system. Wheels must work well with the Miata, tires must work well with the car and wheel and finally the precision balance you get (or the lack there of) will have a dramatic impact on ride and tire wear for the life of the tires. The dreaded “65 mph shimmy” makes balancing that much more critical. That is where Joe and his team at R Speed come in. They take the time to research and assemble the best packages, do all there own mounting and balancing in house and go to great lengths to assure the best possible balance. The set I got is no exception, smooth as glass. There is such thing as perfection.

I've driven on many different brands and style of tire. The Yokohama S.drive matches my driving style (aggressive street driving on the twisties). Firm sidewall, quick turn in, aggressive tread design, quiet ride and hopefully better than average tire life for a performance tire. The total package complements my Sunburst perfectly.

Under 5 minutes to remove


Chaparral S 15 Classic Silver from R Speed with Toyo TS1 205/50/15

[10/25/2006] Reviewed by: Ted Walton - tedwalton@hotmail.com

Applicable to: '99-'05 1.8 liter

Bought a base 99 NB in January with 14 inch wheels. Had the Chaparral 15" installed at RSpeed a few weeks later with Toyo TS1's.

While the car was at RSpeed getting, Joe suggested a set of these wheels. Ever since these wheels were installed, I get comments all of the time about how great the car looks. I've read here where the wheels are "heavy" but I didn't notice a difference in handling at all and the ride is a lot smoother.

You can't go wrong with these wheels, especially for the price and service from Joe, Hector and Sonja!

Not an installed item


Chaparrel - 15x7 Onyx

[8/15/2006] Reviewed by: Sal Latorre Jr.

Applicable to: '90 - '97 1.8 liter

The Chaparral wheels have a classic race wheel look and the craftsmanship is spot on. The set I picked up from Rspeed has a Black Onyx finish, but they have several other colors to choose from. The perfect Miata wheel.

I’ve had these wheels (along with a set of Maxxis tires) for over a month now and love them. They look great and my handling/ride quality has definitely moved up a notch. I was nervous about going from my lighter stock 14’s, but the only differences I have experienced are a smoother ride and better grip.

Joe and Hector at Rspeed are outstanding - I take my care nowhere else. They had me set up and out the door in no time. Plus I always have a million Miata related questions them and they always give me an honest answer.

Under 30 minutes to remove completely


Chaparral 15 x 7 Classic Silver Wheels

[8/6/2006] Reviewed by: Mike Motz - michael_motz@hotmail.com

Applicable to: '90 - '97 1.6 liter

Chapparel 15 x 7 wheel with Kumho Ecsta 711 tires 195/50 . Purchased from R-Speed for $625 not including shipping. Each wheel comes with center caps, chrome lug nuts, and chrome valve stem covers.

This wheel and tire combo was shipped right to my door within three business days. As these whells are specifically designed for the Miata, no spacers or adjustments are needed. An alignement is a must, especially if your are changing the size of the tires you currently use.

As others have said, pictures do not do justice to the finish and quality of these wheels. Absolutley beautiful, with a chrome trim ring around the diameter of the wheel. The chrome wheels are a bit more expensive, but I think chrome wheels are tacky on a Miata, so it was never an option for me. The Classic Silver hits the mark with an agressive yet somewhat understated look for the Miata. The vintage Mazda logo caps add a touch of class. These wheels are an unbeatable value, and it seems foolish to waste your money on anything else. A warning, though. If you currently use the stock wheel and tire combo (14 x 5.5) you will notice a marked decrease in ride quality, but an incredible increase in cornering ability. The Kumho tires grip very well in the dry, and are not very noisy. Being that they're practically free when you buy the combo, you can't go wrong. Here in the Northeast, the road quality will greatly effect the comfort of your ride. If you use your Miata as a daily driver two things should be considered: 1) You will feel every little bump and pothole and be prepared for an increase in rattles and shakes. I reccomend a strut tower brace to help keep things tightened up. With a 50 series tire, you ride will be quite a bit harsher. 2) Shame on you. I've enjoyed my Miata so much more as a pleasure car rather than a daily driver. Seriously consider another vehicle for your daily commute and foul weather transport. It will make your Miata experience more enjoyable Purchased from R-Speed, which means that service and reliability are first rate. In closing, if you use your Miata as a pleasure car and want to ehance its' looks and performance, these wheels are the way to go. Highly reccomended.

Under 30 minutes to remove completely


Chaparrel S 15 Vintage look rims

[4/21/2006] Reviewed by: Ken DeYoung - classici@bellsouth.net

Applicable to: '90 - '97 1.6 liter

These are really nice and light vintage look rims w/ the old Style mazda center caps. Ordered w/ Proxxis tire premounted.

I must start by saying I love these rims. I replaced the 14" BBS factory rims on my 92' Miata to get better tires than could be found locally for the 14's. The pictures R-speed showes on there web site do not do these rims any justice. Then after months of searching for a replacement as good looking as the BBSs were,I saw these installed on another Miata at our local Miata clubs meeting (thanks Dave & Ivey)and had to have as set. I rushed online and got them shipped w/ proxxis tires mounted and balanced for less than the local guys wanted for rims only around $700 as I recall, and they even came w/ new lugs. What a difference a day makes. The car now seems to have capabilities far beyound mine in its cornering. People ask about them all the time, size, tires ect. So if you opt to get them, expect questions, lots of them. No regrets at all. Oh yeah, Gotta love the retro Mazda logo on the center caps. Very nice touch.

I just contacted R-Speed about making some for my new NC car. Should be ready in three to four months. I can't wait to get them.

Under 30 minutes to remove completely


Chaparral chrome wheels with Toyo Proxes

[1/31/2006] Reviewed by: Bill Eadie - fergusue@comcast.net

Applicable to: '90 - '97 1.6 liter

Chrome 15" Chaparral rims with P195/50/15 Toyo Proxes tires.

Could not be happier with these wheels. People literarly stop and stare in parking lots. They ask me if my car is new! Are you kidding I say! it's 14 years young. These classy wheels and my awesome paint job realy fool everyone.

R Speed delivered these babies in record time and spent time explaining the different size options. Great job and kudos to Joe and Sonja.

Under 30 minutes to remove completely


Chaparral 15" Chrome Wheels

[1/25/2006] Reviewed by: Dick - Redrider969@yahoo.com

Applicable to: '90 - '97

Chaparral 15" Chrome wheels

I came into R-Speed needing a brake job, a new set of tires and with two bent rims to be straightened on my 97 M-Edition. When I saw these chrome Panasport look-alikes I fell in love, but I knew they were out of my price range. When Joseph told me the price for a set with Toyo Proxes 195/50/15s, I couldn't believe it! And when I found out the price included mounting, balancing, tire disposal fees, chrome valve stems with chrome caps AND new chrome lug nuts. I was sold. The quality of these wheels is incredible, especially for the price... perfect castings and the best chrome you'll ever see. I was expecting to spend this much for a set of tires and the rim straightening. And, keep in mind, these wheels are custom made for Miatas. No adaptors, no problems with bolt patterms or offsets... a perfect fit. Folks, I am a college professor (that mean's that I don't have a lot of money). But these wheels were too good to pass up. I did the deal, jumped in my car and left to teach a couple of classes. When I got back at around 3:30, Rusty had my tires mounted and balanced. By 4:45, Hector had completed my brake job including two new rotors and I was headed out of the shop (Pausing just long enought for Joseph to take a couple of pictures of these great chrome wheels on my dark green car (Ratz... I wish I'd washed my car before I brought it in!!). As I left, I was patting myself on the back for taking advantage of such a great deal and vowing that I would get my car washed as soon as possible so that it would be worthy of such a great set of wheels. If you have been thinking about a new set of wheels for your Miata, you can either talk to R-Speed or you can spend more money somewhere else for something that doesn't look as good. If you want to save even more, get the wheels and tires together.

Not everyone is as lucky as me... I live 30 minutes from R-Speed. No one else touches my Miata. These folks know what they are doing and they know the market. Whenever I need anything I go to them first. And, on the very rare occasions when they don't have what I want or know of a better product available somewhere else, they tell me where to go to get it. Wonderful people with integrity who know everything worth knowing about Miatas, unbeatable service, and great prices... no wonder many of their customers drive hundreds of miles to do business with R-Speed! For those of you too far away or too busy to drive to Atlanta you're still in luck... you can take advantage of R-Speed's great products and service via mail. Thanks Joseph, thanks Hector, thanks Rusty.

Under 30 minutes to remove completely


Silver Chaparral Wheels for R Speed

[11/30/2005] Reviewed by: Eric Amador

Applicable to: '90 - '97 '99 + 1.6 liter 1.8 liter

Silver Chaparrals with Goodyear Eagle F1 GC-D3 (195/55s) from R Speed.

I am delighted with these wheels. They positively glow, they're so beautifully polished and finished. A perfect complement to my car.

I have had Panasports before. As between the two, the Chaparrals are the way to go. They are half the price, the same weight, much better finish, and their center caps don't fall off. Furthermore, they include lovely vintage center caps.

Under 30 minutes to remove completely


R Speed 15" x 7" Chaparral silver wheels with Toyo T1R tires

[9/19/2005] Reviewed by: Manuel Patino - manuel@manuelpatino.com

Applicable to: '90 - '97

15" x 7" Panasport style wheels, satin silver finish with Toyo T1R 195/50-15 tires

These wheels are terrific looking and the fit is perfect. I;m extremely happy with them so far. The only problem I see is that these are so sharp and so inexpensive that soon my car will not be unique ;) . Joe at R Speed is a great guy to do business with and the guys in the shop do a fantastic job! Rusty is a very fast and skilled tech. He can mount and balance those tires perfectly and with great care in minutes! Also, the price just cannot be beat. I've seen a set of tires alone cost nearly as much as this entire combo.

For a classic look and great performance for a fraction of the cost of other options, you cannot beat these wheels/tires. Also, RSpeed is tops in customer service as well as price.

Under 30 minutes to remove completely


Chaparral S 15 Classic Silver

[8/8/2005] Reviewed by: Randy - solomiata@aol.com

Applicable to: '90 - '97 '99 + 1.6 liter 1.8 liter

Chaparral S 15 Classic Silver wheels. 15x7 w/38mm offset.

Classic MiniLite/Panasport look for 1/2 the price. They aren't the lightest or the widest but they are THE perfect wheel for the M1. What more could you ask for? Got them mounted by R-Speed with 195/50 in the front and 205/50 in the rear. http://www.rspeed.net/images/product/Miata_Wheel.jpg

Under 30 minutes to remove completely


Chaparral S 15 Classic Silver from R Speed with Toyo TS1 205/50/15

[5/8/2005] Reviewed by: Mark - Luvbugii@aol.com

Applicable to: '90 - '97 '99 +

This product is absolutely fantastic! The picture doesn't even justify how great these wheels look in person. The finish on the wheels are impressive, perhaps arguably better than that of the Panasport! I would seriously recommend these wheels to anyone who desires to have a classic/retro look on their Miata with out spending a lot of money. I would also recommend Rspeed.net to everyone for Miata parts, Sonja and Joe have always been helpful and their service has always been fast, accurate and superb! Kudos to Rspeed for making these wheels and for their service. Mark

Under 5 minutes to remove


R Speed's Chaparral 15" rims (black)

[4/17/2005] Reviewed by: John Wages - miotus@backroads.net

Applicable to: '90 - '97 '99 + 1.6 liter 1.8 liter

R Speed's Chaparral 15" X 7" rims (Minilite-derivative design) in gloss black powdercoat and polished lip

I purchased these rims and Toyo Proxes T1 S 195/50/15 tires, arrived mounted and balanced on rims with a full set of 16 chromed lug nuts. The casting and powdercoating is beautiful and flawless. The gloss black would show any flaw on the metal finish and any problems in the powdercoating, but there was nothing I could find. It was perfectly smooth and shiny, with no noticable imperfections. Actually, it is quite remarkable, especially compared to many of the other "minilite"-esque wheels I have seen over the years. I would HIGHLY recommend these to anyone looking at "Minilite"-style rims for a Miata. They are even higher quality than the Panasports, but at a much lower price. Even if I managed (somehow) to destroy all four rims, I would buy them again tomorrow.

After lusting for years and years for real minilites, or at least a set of Panasports, I was put off by the continually escalating prices and degerating nature of the castings. I saw the prototypes during a recent visit to R Speed for service (I drive three hours for Hector's expert touch on my car's guts) and was blown away by the sheer quality of the silver powdercoated ones. I asked about the projected price and was skeptical such quality could be had for this price. YET, they managed it! I was initially concerned about the potential weight (but it was no more than Panasports) and offset (38 mm), but Joe assured me that this was appropriate for the wider width of a 7" rim. I have found no handling problems. As with all else that R Speed carries, they did their homework here and have produced/found a wonderful product! Now, by old set of Toyos needed replacement and I saw the black set for sell and jumped on it. This color combo is dead on authentic for 1960s race and street wheels. Indeed, it may be seen on many Team Lotus race cars and other Brit classics. The end result on my Lotus-wannabe Miata is perfect and gorgeous. It is at once authentic in style, more "mean" looking, and graceful, a very rare combination. The wheels look great in mirror finish black (a hard feat), as well as chrome (also hard)and silver. These are the perfect "retro" touch for a Miata, and at exceptional quality and value.

Under 30 minutes to remove completely


RSpeed Chaparral Vintage Chorme Wheels

[4/4/2005] Reviewed by: Chris Lowrie - christopherlowrie@hotmail.com

Applicable to: '90 - '97 '99 +

RSpeed Chaparral Vintage Chrome Wheels 15x7

These wheels were delived to me here in MA from RSpeed in just 2 1/2 days - super quick shipping and were superbly packed. When I opened the boxes I could hardly believe my eyes - these wheels are DROP DEAD GORGEOUS! The look like gleaming dripping liquid chrome - as from a scene in one of Arnold Swartzeneger's movies! Their mini-lite style has a timeless classic look. Outstanding perfect quality and finish - absolutely flawless and the retro style M on the center caps adds a real touch of class. They came with beautiful chrome lug nuts and fit perfectly. I got them with the Toyo T1-s 205/50/15 tires and they look KILLER on my 1990 Mariner Blue. Highly recommended for anyone who wants to make their Miata look like a million bucks for a super great price. RSpeed also has these in a really nice silver finish with a pllished rim too, for those who don't want to need sunglasses when looking at their wheels - but I LOVE these sweet puppies in the Chrome!

Under 5 minutes to remove


Chaparral S 15 Rims from RSpeed

[4/1/2005] Reviewed by: Mike Prettyman - mpretty73@hotmail.com

Applicable to: '90 - '97 1.6 liter

Chaparral S15 wheels are minilite/panasport replicas without the sticker shock.

I replaced my 16in Kosei K1s wheel with a classic more "upscale" type of wheel befitting of my vintage. After replacing my boy racer wheels with the Chaparral S15s, permagrin has returned to my face. My car turns and rides better and the the look is classic and more refined.

I highly recommend these wheels for the discerning miataphile who wants a quality vintage wheel without the gutkicking price.

Under 5 minutes to remove


Chaparral 15x7 wheels by Rspeed

[3/15/2005] Reviewed by: Ed Kachnoskie

Applicable to: '90 - '97 1.8 liter

All chrome wheels 15x7

IT'S ALL ABOUT THE LOOK! I ordered these wheels on Monday they arrived at my house on Wednesday, now that's fast. I scheduled a set of Toyo Proxes 4 tires 205/50/15 to be put on Friday. When I took the first wheel out of the box at the shop the guy calls over two of his co-workers and they begin to drool over these babies. The workmenship is excellent no piting whatsoever and were installed without a hitch. Joe at rspeed was great to work with and the price for this quality of a wheel is simply amazing. I'm a pretty vain guy so the weight wasn't an issue I was going for the look. And what about the look? "PRICELESS"

Not an installed item


Chaparral Alloy Wheels from R Speed

[3/7/2005] Reviewed by: Peter Corkran - pcorkran @gordontafe.edu.au

Applicable to: '90 - '97

Minilte type 15x7 38mm offset Alloy wheels (Silver with polished lip)

I have always wanted miinlite type wheels and in 15 inch, but cost has precluded,Panasport, Whatanabe and Compomotives. I have had 14 Black Racing wheels on my 96 Neo green Le.(Minilite type) Purchased these wheels form R Speed and they are BEAUTIFUL!!!!! Great finish, supplied with nuts,proper centre bore size ,just make the car look amazing. Being in australia it is alwats a bit of a gamble with OS products( hell of a way to send them back if not satisfied!) but R Speeds service was great. For all those who have hankered after these type of wheels at a reasonable price your prayers have just been answered! Fairly heavy at around 17 lbs,but a visual knockout!

Not an installed item


Back to Product Reviews 29 November, 2012


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