RX8 Wheels

[DynoBunny]

Will RX8 wheels fit correctly on an ms3?

 

[LaraS]

Yes, countless people have done it before.

 

[Domino81]

Aside from the fact that it looks like a mini-van because of the height of the stock suspension - that's what they look like. Neat mod.

 

[Rotus]

Aside from the fact that it looks like a mini-van because of the height of the stock suspension - that's what they look like. Neat mod.

Lowered:

 

[Domino81]

Mmmm... I can't wait to get my H&R's in.

 

[meicalnissyen]

Aside from the fact that it looks like a mini-van because of the height of the stock suspension - that's what they look like. Neat mod.

Or does it look like a de-sponsored WRC car??

 

[Domino81]

lol I'll go with that.

 

[dbtong]

Aside from the fact that it looks like a mini-van because of the height of the stock suspension - that's what they look like. Neat mod.

What size tires are you running in this picture?

 

[Domino81]

235/40/18 Continental ...somethings. Conti-Sport xtreme traction, triple extreme wicked... super ****** wicked awesome conti conts. Or... something. Bought 'em on the car. Won't be there come summer.

 

[dbtong]

Wow...the sidewall looks really short in that pic. Must be an optical illusion due to the wheel gap and tire shine.

 

[Domino81]

another view

 

[DynoBunny]

Thanks, I knew a lot of people did it but I didn't know if you needed spacers for the correct offset. Thanks!

 

[Rotus]

What's so great about the RX8 is that the offset is almost perfect for the car and you get 1" wider with a little less weight. Before I lowered, I got very slight rub with 2 in the back if I hit a big heave. I've posted about it before.

I run same size tires as domino.

 

[jsief85]

Rotus, did you mean you got a rub when 2 people in the back? If so, otherwise you got no rub with the 235s? Can anyone offer input on the handling impressions between the stock 215s and 235s?

 

[Rotus]

Here's the post I made with a pic, but that pic's link is brokeded: http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?123704851-MS3-Owners-Show-us-your-wheels!&p=4562867&viewfull=1#post4562867

Here's a new picture:

Before the change to coilovers, my tires would rub between the two red marks with 2 people in the back going over a large heave that was followed by a small dip, so a good elevation change. Now, I'm more careful, but the suspension is much stiffer so I would have to be going much faster for this situation to be duplicated. I have not rubbed in a year or so before or after the coilovers.

I don't know that I could give a good impression of the handling with tire size change because I went with a different tire, but, Seemed like I had a little better grip with Yokohama S-drive and much better grip with Sumi HTR-Z III.

 

[jsief85]

Ah, you answered my next question already regarding the stiffer suspension. That is good to know that the rub was reduced from the stiffer suspension. Did you notice any appreciable change in gas mileage with the bigger tire?

 

[Domino81]

235/40's aren't any larger, there's a larger contact patch, but the sidewall is the same. You have to go up 2 sizes in width and go down one size in aspect ratio to maintain the same overall height. I think ours are 25.6'' tall.

 

[Rotus]

I think the 235/40 is a little shorter, but just barely. If you get any change in mpg, it will be worse from increased rolling resistance from the wider contact patch.

 

[Domino81]

Yes, by like, .2 of an inch. I left that out as to not confuse. And to be honest, tire manufacturers all have their own way of measuring where there tread starts. So not all of them are the same.

 

[MikeHTally]

Nah, not me.