Need help with new Wheels and Rubber

[Fathom18]

Hello guys/gals. I am new to buying rims and tires for my Mazda 3.

I own a 2006 Mazda3 S 4 door, copper red. I am looking to get some new rims and tires. I have a couple that I am looking at, please let me know if this is good enough.

Currently I am looking at 17" s. I think that 18" would be to big. I like the gun metal color, and hyper dark color, except hyper dark is only available in 18"

RIMS
Exel TZ-10
http://www.wheelmax.com/product.asp?ProdId=11835

Exel SPEED
http://www.wheelmax.com/product.asp?ProdId=11859

TIRES
Toyo PX4
http://www.wheelmax.com/product.asp?ProdId=14537

Falken 452
http://www.wheelmax.com/product.asp?ProdId=11986

I am looking to spend around 1000-1200 for a set of rims and tyres. Any advice is appreciated. Any suggestions on different rims and tyres is appreciated.

 

[Fathom18]

Anyone?

 

[bonards29]

tz-10 with toyo tires. i have toyo tires too 205/40/17. check edgeracing.com i got a good deal with them

 

[Sacrilicious]

i think i like the look of the tz-10 better as well. as for the tires, both are quite good, from what i have heard, so you can't really lose...

 

[sl0wthe0ry]

i honestly would not put either on MY car....but to each his own


if i were to pick one, I'd go with the SPEED.


I wouldn't change up the tire size that dramatically,

go either with a 205/50 or a 214/45 series in a 17

18's wouldn't look to bad either IMO

 

[Fathom18]

Slowtheory, I'm looking to spend 1000-1200, got any suggestions since you do not like the 2 I looked at? I do not mind any info you might have, like I said im new at this.

 

[sl0wthe0ry]

Yeah I hear ya, tough budget to work with.

You've already checked tire rack right?

Another option is, check out Wheel Pro's, they do/did carry some Quantum Tek (QT) wheels that have some pretty slick designs.

Lemme know if you don't have any luck at all.

I know where you can get some really NICE inexpensive tires too.

(used to be a salesman for Tires Plus)

 

[Fathom18]

What tire size should I get? I think I will get the Exel Speeds in either 17" or 18"

 

[Fathom18]

I found these Koing Feather 17"

http://www.discounttiredirect.com/d...6&wd=17&pc=75347&rw=7.5&bp=5-114.3&vid=008498

Are these better than what I previously picked out? What kind of tires should I get?

 

[staples187]

What color is your car so we can get an idea of what color of rim would look best?

 

[Fathom18]

Oh sorry, I have a Copper Red Mica Mazda3 S 4 Door.

I think I found the wheels I really like, good brand from what I hear, good construction, and lightweight.

I found them at http://www.edgeracing.com/wheels/5zigen/

They are the 1st and 5th ones down the list.

5zigen Fn01r-c (matt Black)
Fn01r-c (anodized Silver)

I know I want a 17" but I don't understand what the other measurements mean.

Also I need help with the tires, I live in Arizona so no need for winter tires. I prefer performance, but also like a smooth ride.

Thanks for any assistance, this is an awesome community.

 

[sl0wthe0ry]

For your price range, i'd stay with a 17"

When you go to 18's you're talking alot more for tires.

215-45r17 would be a good size to go with

 

[major error]

I know I want a 17" but I don't understand what the other measurements mean.

Also I need help with the tires, I live in Arizona so no need for winter tires. I prefer performance, but also like a smooth ride.

Thanks for any assistance, this is an awesome community.

The second number in the wheel size is overall rim width (17x7) in inches. It affects what range of tire section widths (205/50-17) can fit on a given wheel. Most tire manufacturers list recommended rim dimensions for their products, and http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html is a useful tool for figuring out how tire changes will affect speed/odometer readings

Offset (ET on edgeracing) is how far the hub mounting surface is from the centerline of the wheel. Negative means closer to the car/inner edge for the deep-dish look. Positive means closer to the outside edge for a flat look. Stock 3 wheels use a +52.5mm offset

Bolt pattern (PCD on edgeracing) is pretty self-explanatory. The 3 uses 5x114.3mm (5x4.5") lug pattern.

see also: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wheel_sizing

 

[Fathom18]

Thanks for the advice guys, going to buy the 5Zigen Wheels, and toyo proxy 4 215/40/17 tires.