*Updated pics RX8 wheels/protege5* mini photoshoot

i def need to find a set of those now after seeing your car. they fit so perfectly. but im scared to run 18s. the ride is harsh enough now:(
 
I have the same wheels and same size tires, and it's barely a noticiable ride difference. A lot of my friends didn't even notice a difference.
 
Moonman8 said:
I said it in the other thread and I'll say it again: RX-8 wheels are the sex.

What size tires do you have to run with those? 215/35/18?

Also, what offset are they?

They tuck so nicely and the drop is so perfect, the P5 should've looked like that from the get-go (but Mazda's bread and butter soccer mom customers wouldn't really appreciate a 35 series tire, lol!)

215/35 is what Im running right now and its looks good, she is so wide from the rear.

The offset if Im not mistaken is +50, I got 5mm spacers to try and compensate for how low it is in hopes that I don't rub the inner wall of my tire to death, seems to be working so far. You know its funny what you say about the soccer moms, because I bought this car originally for my wife when she was pregnant with our first son and our other car only being a 2 door would be to much to be getting kids in and out of. Well needless to say, plans have changed, there is no way not to modd this car, anyway she loves the look of the car, but hates to drive it now becuase of the harshness due to the motor mounts. She doesnt know about the TWM short shifter kit on the way :) Im sure she will love that lol ..anyway I thread jacked enough of my own thread, Now back to your regular scheduled thread:
 
InFlames said:
Damn that looks hott! What suspension are you running?

I got H&R springs on her. It's suppose to be a 1.5' drop, but when I first bought them I knew I wanted it lower so I had some friends that I know that work at a mechanic shop cut a coil off each spring which made it a 2 1/4' drop at the time. After 4 years I think im closer to 2.5' after they set real good.
 
kudakev615 said:
i def need to find a set of those now after seeing your car. they fit so perfectly. but im scared to run 18s. the ride is harsh enough now:(

As frolesswonder said, the ride is really not all that different. On my stock wheels I had 205/50/16 nitto neogen tires. When I chaged to this tire you really cant notice it all that much, unless you really really pay attention.
 
StealthWyvern said:
To bad they dont makes those rims in 16 and 17 inch. I woudl be all over then for a set of 17s, but I dont like the thought of having rubberband tires!


pretty sure the mazda3 wheels are the same and they come in both 16" and 17"... i think the offset is a bit more with the 3 52mm not 50 but they are all in all pretty much the same rim just a bit smaller.
 
OK. so for those that are wondering, I was rubbing like crazy, not because of the wheels, but becuase my suspension was not done right. My stock shocks/struts were shot, which in turn let my car eat the sidewall of my tire everytime I hit a bump. Yea not good at all. So I finally got up off my lazy a$$ and got the Tokico (mazdaspeed) shock/strut kit. That worked out perfect, I couldnt be happier. The stance is still aggresive and no rubbing at all. I just drove from Kansas to Orlando today 8/28-8/29 which is like a 20+ hr drive and I didnt have any problems at all. This is with a full load at that. 2 full suitcases of clothes, 2 kids, and 2 adults, plus a bunch of extra stuff, and the ride couldnt have been better. Anyway, I'll post pics soon of the way she sits now.
 
Are you getting a knocking sound on the inside tire when you corner hard? That's what I was getting until I installed 3mm spacers...and then of course I was rubbing on the fender. The NEPOC guys helped me roll the fenders with a heatgun and rubber mallet and now all is good!
 
chuyler1 said:
Are you getting a knocking sound on the inside tire when you corner hard? That's what I was getting until I installed 3mm spacers...and then of course I was rubbing on the fender. The NEPOC guys helped me roll the fenders with a heatgun and rubber mallet and now all is good!


no, I put the 5mm spacers from the get go but I was eating my tire sidewall with the fender everytime I hit a bump just like you I assume. I ended up putting the mazdapspeed tokico's on it and cambered the rear a lil bit, so now its all good. Couldn't be happier with the results.
 
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man those shocks were easy as hell to install. unlike everything else we did to the car. well im glad to see you made it down to FL ok
 
Chilledboost said:
man those shocks were easy as hell to install. unlike everything else we did to the car. well im glad to see you made it down to FL ok


thanks man, I owe you so much, i couldnt even begin to repay you. Yup, I made it to FL with out a single problem, the ride was smooth as hell. Thanks again man, I really appreciate everything you have done for me.
 
some quick pics of how she sits now...sorry the car is dirty but it has been raining everyday here in olrando. Anyway, again just some quick pics of the tokico's and her stance now.
 

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Mazdaspeed2oo35 said:
I just Think these are the best looking rims for any Mazdaspeed Protege, or any P5 or regular Protege 5 lugs..

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damn thats a good lookin setup you got there. the 8 wheels ohh so clean on the car. keep it up mang
 
nice to see they look amazing on the speedProtege Mazda3 AND the P5! :) I was gonna go with these on my 3, but ended up sticking with stock 17's and saving the money for suspension (but they look awesome, maybe next spring......:)) Anyways looks great!!
 
Wonder what they look like on a stocker? My best friend put some awful bbs wheels on his 8 and said I could have his stock wheels!!! I too have a Midnight Blue P5.
 
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