Mazda 3 with 17x8 .. can I lower later

[icemanrulz]

Ok first off great forum! I found it days ago and have been reading and learning.

I can't seem to find much on this size rim. The ones I like are 17x8 with a 215/45/17 tire. http://www.wheelfire.com/scontent/WheelDetails.cfm?IDNumber=bremma_silver_reg_pop_white&TireIDNumber=BCTt&SKU=1750&TireSKU=3562&VehicleMakeFinal=Mazda&VehicleYearFinal=2008&VehicleModelFinal=Mazda3&VehicleOption=i%202.0L%20Sedan

I have a stock height regular 2008 Mazda 3 sedan in graphite color. I want to get rims then once funds are avail. lower 2". Still learning about lowering...
I don't want to get into and body mods to make wheel/lowering work.

So, are these wheels too wide? My second choice is 7.5" how about them?
Open for suggestions
Thanks
Stryker

 

[Zoomzoom17]

First off I like the rim ideas. But you need to find what the offset is to find the proper tire size or if the wheel will even fit without rubbing or cornering. Let me find out and I'll get back to you in a few minutes.

 

[Zoomzoom17]

Okay. The problem with that website is it doesn't tell you the exact offset and that can be crucial in telling whether or not you can use those wheels without rubbing or being too close to the fenders.

According to my favorite wheel site 1010tires.com there are 2 different offsets for our cars with 5x114.3 bolt patterns, +20 and +40. +20 will 100% fail miserably on your car. Our stocks are +52.5. You don't want to go too far outside that range.

The minimum tire size for 17x8 would be P215/40-R17. On the minimum tire size for 8 in wide wheels (215) you will have some problems. With 17x8 it's a pretty wide rim and with +40 you won't be in the suspension at all but you will be sticking out the fenders .7" (17mm). That's kind of pushing it for our cars. You can go measure your car and see if you want to or not.

But on the topic of dropping. With that tire size you will actually have more space in your car. If you run P215/45-R17's you will have 7mm less that you had. In my opinion 2 inches is a little much for a drop. I'd say go with the 1.75 inch drop from Road Magnet. Personal opinion.

In case you want that 1010tires site: http://www.1010tires.com/wheel.asp?wheelbrand=TSW&wheelmodel=Vairano

 

[icemanrulz]

Hmm good info. I used the "selector" and they SAY they will fit. I am thinking maybe the 7 or 7.5 will be just less problematic. 1.75 sounds like a good drop.
I have 1010 saved I will give them a closer look.

I just like the "LIP" look.
Stryker

 

[Zoomzoom17]

The problem with those sites is they don't take into account the fenders/suspensions/brakes, and all that. They just take the bolt pattern and throw answers at you.

I'm going to head with 18x7.5's for me. Better fit.

There are many rims out there with lip looks. I like it too. ASA AR1'S. I like it. It's got the Machined Lip. This is another site I trust. But the prices are high.

 

[icemanrulz]

They are sweet!
I really like the TSW Vairano it is a 17x8 with HPO/MED offset.
HPO = High Positive Offset and MED well medium...
I sent an email out to see if they can provide actual numbers for the offset.
The lowering is less important than a nice wheel. Although I would like to go the 1.75 you spoke about.

These are my two upper and lower price range choices so far.

 

[Zoomzoom17]

But see the 1010tires always has the exact offset. That's why I use them. Those are nice rims.

 

[icemanrulz]

ZoomZoom
Let me ask you this: I read that 1010 does not mount and balance and all that is that true? That brings the cost way up for me. I like the Konig Feathers they have.

 

[Zoomzoom17]

ZoomZoom
Let me ask you this: I read that 1010 does not mount and balance and all that is that true? That brings the cost way up for me. I like the Konig Feathers they have.

What do you mean mount and balance?

 

[icemanrulz]

Put tires on the rim and spin balance them. A ready to go package.

 

[Zoomzoom17]

Put tires on the rim and spin balance them. A ready to go package.

I did not know that was an issue. What does that do to help?

 

[icemanrulz]

Got info.
Ok the 17x8's are +40 offset. Not sure that would allow much lowering...you think? (I am noob on this)

Konig Runaway is 17x7 with +46 offset

What I was saying above was: Does 1010 put the tires on the rims for you, I thought I read that they will not for US customers. I was hoping to be able to buy wheels with tires already mounted ready to just bolt on. I live WAY out in farm country...not much chance of getting to shop to put tires on for me.

Thanks for all your help on this by the way!