If you have bought Winter Rims...

[aca2983]

For snow-belt drivers who have already bought winter rims.

I'd prefer 14" rims w/185/65/14 Nokian WR tires.

If you got new rims, where did you get?

If used/salvage rims, what YEAR/MAKE/MODEL did they come from? It has been my understanding that a 14" from a "last generation" 626 should work. Correct me if I'm wrong, but please- only if you have firsthand experience with winter tires!

Floridians and Nevadians, I know you mean well, but please defer to Canadians, New Englanders, and Buffalo New Yorkers for this post. Thanks

2002 P5

 

[AlaskaP5]

Got sport Edition fox5 16" rims with studded glacier grip tires. these just rock and look great. Since I have snow tires on for over 6 months, decided to get something nice. hehe.

 

[Mike R]

IIRC, 14's won't clear the brakes. Minimum is 15"

 

[aca2983]

14"

I have gotten conflicting stories about this, thats why I'm asking for firsthand experience. Hoping to hear from others. 14" will not fit a Mazda Speed Protege, but apparently some P5 owners have used 14".

IIRC, 14's won't clear the brakes. Minimum is 15"

 

[Mike R]

That could be it. I used a set of stockers for mine. I just remeber seeing posts about them.

 

[Poseur]

I just bought a combo from tirerack. 15's. there is comflicting info... I looked at it closely, and it is REALLY tight. I'd imagine you COULD get away with 14's but there's some suspension linkages that are VERY close at that, go take a look and you'll see what I mean. I ultimately went with 15's jsut for peace of mind. I'd rather not catch rocks in there and mess things up. Not sure if this is a valid concern or not.

For tires, I used to work for the DOT and I know how horribly studs tear up roads, plus they're soon to be outlawed. Thatsaid, I'm a big blizzack fan, but there was a big rebate out, and I decided to give the michelin arctic alpin's a shot. Turned out quite good. They don't look allthat gnarly, but DAYEM they hookup. 185/65/15 oversized=good. give you a bit more clearance, a bit more sidewall, and does not have ANY issues whatsoever fitting.

As far as location... yep I'm merely from WA, but I snowboard 3 days a week all winter so that's my knowledge base.

 

[jaman]

For snow-belt drivers who have already bought winter rims.

I'd prefer 14" rims w/185/65/14 Nokian WR tires.

That's exactly the same size I bought for my P5. No issues whatsoever, well...the rear brake calipers siezed but I think that was just the typical thing from the TSB. Mazda fixed that under warranty.

The wheels I bought used for $20/wheel from a Tire&Wheel place. They were in really rough shape (mega rust), but I cleaned them up and painted them.

Hope this helps.

 

[GRMYSZN]

Win..........ter?? What's that?

 

[Action Jackson]

Pirelli 210 Snowsports 195/55/15

This was on my stock P5.

 

[garretts77]

Win..........ter?? What's that?

^^heh...

 

[IchBinEinMP5]

15" steel rims (new aftermarket), with Goodyear Eagle Ultra Grip GW3's, size 196/60HR-15...

Ultimate winter sport rims! Love them...

 

[Giallou P5]

im using my 16in factoy wheels

 

[NVanP5]

Yah, I've got the Pirelli 210 Snowsports too... I put them on the stock wheels and bought new summer wheels. Still wanted to look good for driving around Vancouver, but needed the winter tires for driving to Whistler every weekend.

Gotta say, the Pirellis handle amazingly - definitely buying these again.

 

[jaman]

After 4.5 months on the road, no noticable wear. Cheap CAD$70/each at Walmart.

 

[Wes]

205/50R16 Studded tires... cuz studded is the only way to roll in Alaska.

 

[aca2983]

tires

What are they, Goodyear?

After 4.5 months on the road, no noticable wear. Cheap CAD$70/each at Walmart.

 

[p5tom]

where u get the rims?

15" steel rims (new aftermarket), with Goodyear Eagle Ultra Grip GW3's, size 196/60HR-15...

Ultimate winter sport rims! Love them...

where u get the rims

 

[IchBinEinMP5]

Bought the rims through Wal-Mart for about $200 CAD, and the tires from the local Good year retailer. The rims work well, steel and black, while the tires are great... seriously good winter tires.

 

[aca2983]

Got Rims: Yes 14" does fit

I found a great set of 14X6 5-spoke alloys in a classified ad. A steal (probably literally..) at $100 for the set. He agreed to let me take one and check for fit (protege5).

The fit great,with plenty of room for calipers and suspension components. Better yet, they are going to LOOK fantastic. I got these FAR cheaper than places were asking for used steelies.

Now to get some 195/65/14 winter tires and I will be in business and praying for snow.

 

[sunlight_guy]

I've got 14" steelies that the dealer put on the car for me when I bought it with Michelin Ultra Grip Ice tires. They worked very well, no need for 15s.