18in RX-8 wheels and Toyo Proxes4 installed... (56k hurry up n wait)

[VRMS6]

Picked up a set of 18in RX-8 wheels late last fall as seen here.....

Finally with warm weather coming around I ordered a set of 225/40Zr18 Toyo Proxes4, (sent the T1Rs I got back last winter), and they arrived friday. Had my tech mount/bal them and align the car for me yesterday. Must say they handle nicely. Love them so far..... 8)
Got around to washing the car today and took a few pics.....

closeup of front wheel......

Closeup of rear wheel.....

Gotta get the springs/shocks installed next.....

 

[solid_snake]

looks really nice
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[DE31]

i love how they look slightly stock. would give it a sleeper look and still have style.

 

[txmzdspd2gen]

Looks nice..i cant believe 18" still fits good..My 2gen if I try to put 17" the fender seems to rub but never tried it. I like the sleeper look to that car of yours.

 

[mazda6gal]

Looks great good choice!!

 

[mazda3zoom]

looks good man, now you just need to lower it. Maybe take the side moldings off too, that made a big difference with mine. Just my opinion thought.

 

[bbrich57]

Picked up a set of 18in RX-8 wheels late last fall as seen here.....

Watch out for them potholes. It looks like these would be much easier to clean around the lug nuts than the stock 17's. I wouldn't mind that at all. (cabpatch)

 

[bbrich57]

Forgive me for the threadjack here, but....
Mazda3Zoom,
I just love the look of your 4dr in that pic, Man!

 

[InFlames]

Considering they look soo similar to the stock pattern I would have gone with something entirely different, but thats just my opinion. (thumb) for a clean ride.

 

[three]

I have been wanting to do that to my 3 but idunno if it would be alrite with a 2" drop. Does anybody out there have these rims with a drop.

By the way tgm3 Nice 3 love the look.

 

[JOS3]

they look nice, but they are too similar to stock and weigh more. i would have gotten something much different that weighed less.

 

[VRMS6]

Thanks for all the compliment guys....Ultimately I want a sleeper type of look. I want the look of the 18in wheel without being too flashy. I like the RX8 wheEl style and went with it. For the casual observer it will look like any MZ3 but those that know will apreciate the look....
The side mouldings will stay. Im too paranoid about door dings....
A drop is in the works just not sure if I should go with Mazdaspeed or aftermarket...

 

[bbrich57]

...The side mouldings will stay. Im too paranoid about door dings....
A drop is in the works just not sure if I should go with Mazdaspeed or aftermarket...

I feel just the same about the side molding. It has already saved one of my doors from being dinged. Besides, as I have already said several times on this forum, I just think most "3's" look better with that horizontal break, however suble it is.
As for springs, I believe you can find AM springs much cheaper than the MZ's. And, from what I have read, the MZ's seem to have more or less the same specs as the Pro-Lines, at least as far as the drop itself is concerned. I don't have any personal experience with these, so perhaps someone who's tried various sets could offer you a more informed opinion.

 

[VRMS6]

MazdaSpeed springs are made by Eibach for Mazda if I remember correctly... Just the fact that its a Mazda brand part will give me less hassle when I go in for service/warranty repairs...