Altho it's not the size that I'll be competing on in the echo... I test-fit some 225/45/15 Hoosiers on 15x8's onto the car just for shits 'n giggles... and man... they FIT! Of course the car is WAY too soft presently to even attempt backing out of the driveway like this... let alone take a corner as I'd surely flip it... but there IS a lot of strut AND fender clearance on the car... I've also test-fit 3 more-realistic combos of sizes... and believe that I will end up with a 205/40/16 Falken Azenis... on a 16x7 and just need the optimal offset so as to maximize the track width.

The car needs a stiff, double-adjustable suspension and

I've picked out some spring rates to start tuning with... I'm going to try 400 and 450... but may need more in the rear. We will see.

Also presently looking for good race seats that with brackets come in at 25# as this is the minimum in the rulebook.

I may install the intake tomorrow (but have a karting banquet to attend right in the mid-day... (may have to get up early!) My belief is that after the intake... that a header and maybe a lightened crankshaft pulley will really liven this thing up. Also got some good leads on 4 places in Japan that can re-chip / flash / tune the stock ECU. Now about the whole language barrier thing..................................

On a positive note... I drove a BONE STOCK 1.6l Miata today and no question the Echo is faster stock. power:weight baby!