Fast FC04 Flow - Formed Wheels & Michelin Pilot Sport AS4's on a GJ Mazda 6

[Lazy2.5]

Fitted:17x8 ET45 (Mazda 6 offset is ET45 or ET50 for the 19's or 17's respectively.)
Michelin Pilot Sport AS4 in size 235/50ZR17

Almost 10lb lighter per wheel than OEM 17's and a stiffer, XL sidewall makes a tremendous difference.

The change in offset has completely changed the steering feel. It feels more on center, heavier, weighs up more firmly when turning in, etc.

The ride, handling, steering feel and cornering has completely transformed. The ride is still fairly comfortable, but corners flat and sharp.

@N7turbo
@AL Cx5

 

[N7turbo]

That is a good wheel design.

 

[Lazy2.5]

That is a good wheel design.

Visually, I quite like the design of this wheel and the way it suits the vehicle. It is not my first choice aesthetically, but the colour absolutely is (Relative to the paint). I am not complaining, considering all the wheel/tire specs are within the OEM range. I'd like a "turbine" wheel style for this car as my first choice.

Based on the change in steering feel due to the offset, I personally stand by my statement of keeping within the range of OEM offset for this vehicle (ET45-50) I actually would have liked to split the difference at around 47-48mm, but I am happy with the noticeably heavier turn-in feel at ET45.

Regarding the visual look/stance of this wheel setup on the car, This is the furthest I personally would want the wheels/tires to stick out. Slightly more tucked in would be nice - but it is within OEM spec, feel great, no complaints at all.

I am happy with the decision to move from 7.5"/225 section over to 8"/235. It really helped improve that stability and composure I was looking for during more spirited cornering.

The Fast wheels ride great, and the Michelin tires are simply amazing.

For Mazda's chassis, I would stick to 50/55 aspect ratio, but you can certainly go smaller without any issues if you drive on smooth roads. I do not. the 50aspect ratio with the reinforced XL load rated sidewall on these Pilot AS4's give the vehicle that perfect trade-off between ride comfort and cornering stiffness I was looking for - Biased towards stiffness, but still compliant.

 

[N7turbo]

Let us know how those tires ride as they wear. I've read several reports that they get pretty stiff.