So I have a modified Lightning that gets no traction in first gear. I want to buy 2 wheels for DOT drag tires. What size wheels and what size tires? Thanks in advance.

 

Factory 2000 Lightning wheels were 18" X 9.5". 135MM bolt pattern. Could have M12 Or M14 lug stud holes. I'd buy some aftermarket wheels close to that. Tires? Depends. Right now is it going through the traps right in the middle of the engine's power band? If not adjust that a tad by buying tires with a little more or less "rolling distance". AKA O.D. www.miata.net has a real good tire size comparison tool. You can plug in your current tire size and plug in different sizes of the tires you want to buy and it will tell you the difference in width,height,rolling distance,etc. This is industry averages not particular brands.

 

Stock sizes are 18x9.5