17"s to 18"s

[active3s]

Have bben contemplating on getting biggers wheels. Currently I have 17"s IKONs (DC rims 340 S Mesh) wrapped with Hankook K106 215/45/17HR. Wanted to know from 3 owners that have 18"s on their 3 on how much more stress did that add to your brakes if any and trany wise, did it make a big difference on take off....

[xg3]

you will definitely notice your car is slower and takes longer to stop...

your ride will become worse. however your car will loook better.

[Wild Weasel]

It's not just the size that matters. The weight is just as important, if not more.

An 18" wheel of the same weight will be harder to stop than a 17" wheel due to the momentum built in having the weight concentrated further from the center.

If you can get a significantly lighter 18" wheel though, then you'll be better off. It's just going to cost you a fortune. :)

Generally, the braking hit you'll take going from the average 17" wheel to an average 18" wheel shouldn't be anything you can't take care of with a better set of pads. It's when you start jumping a couple sizes that you'll start having an appreciable detrimental impact.

Props to you for taking this into consideration!

[active3s]

But will it be that much diference on the 2.3 and to include 205/40s for tires?. I figure it would be the same diameter when it comes in ratio. I do see the weight factor like you said WW

[xg3]

18" rims are heavier because of it's size unless you get lightweight ones.

[active3s]

Got cha, Thanks....

[3GFX]

Concentrate on the weight, that would be one of your key concerns for auto-x. You might want a larger contact patch with 225 series tires.

[mEtH]

no matter what it will slow you down because you are increasing the rotating inertia, more rim less tire. You will want to stick with a 225/40/18 to stay the closest to stock size specs and the larger contact patch will definately be a bonus.

[Wild Weasel]

I've seen several people mention autox in relation to this guy but the only thing I can recall from he himself is that he went out once and scored dead last. Am I missing something?

For autox, you'd be dumb to go with 18's when you can get lighter, faster 16's and pay much less for tires for them.

And for God's sake don't get 205/40/18's for the street! They're too small and will look stupid. If you've got some reason to be dicking around with your gear ratios for the track then you won't need my advice in this respect, but if you're considering them because "low profile tires are mad tyte, yo!" then put down the pipe and listen to reason. :)

[active3s]

I've seen several people mention autox in relation to this guy but the only thing I can recall from he himself is that he went out once and scored dead last. Am I missing something?

For autox, you'd be dumb to go with 18's when you can get lighter, faster 16's and pay much less for tires for them.

And for God's sake don't get 205/40/18's for the street! They're too small and will look stupid. If you've got some reason to be dicking around with your gear ratios for the track then you won't need my advice in this respect, but if you're considering them because "low profile tires are mad tyte, yo!" then put down the pipe and listen to reason. :)

Well, in regards for what to use on SOLO II, I will keep using the IKONs just for that. Yes, I am looking for 18"s for shows or cruising.
Weasel, the question still stands, where’s your 3 and yes I was last on my first track day last year. But I have been improving. There are only 11 in my class and I am 5th so far. Not bad for a rookie. Can’t wait for this season. What’s your excuse?

[3GFX]

If its for show and regular use, I wouldn't be woried about performance that much.

[Broli]

^^ word

if its for show . . .

who cares, even if they are heavy

get a nice set of rims that you like.

[Wild Weasel]

Well, in regards for what to use on SOLO II, I will keep using the IKONs just for that. Yes, I am looking for 18"s for shows or cruising.
Weasel, the question still stands, where’s your 3 and yes I was last on my first track day last year. But I have been improving. There are only 11 in my class and I am 5th so far. Not bad for a rookie. Can’t wait for this season. What’s your excuse?

I wasn't knocking you. This is exactly what I was looking for. Like I said, I don't recall reading anything beyond you going out the once and getting last.

I've only been out twice, and was around the middle of the pack both times.

http://www.wildweasel.ca/images/cars/wm3/autox/autox1.jpg

On the drag strip I run 14's on 18" wheels with all season tires.

What's my excuse for what? I get to the drag strip a few times a year for fun and don't have time time to commit to a full season of autox.

That's all besides the point though. The reason I was asking is because, as I said, the comments about autox seemed to be coming from other people so I wasn't sure whether it was something you even considered when doing mods.

You'd mentioned things like getting a turbo before, and now there's this thread about getting 18's. Neither of these things would make you more competitive as a relative newcomer to SOLO II racing.

I'm just trying to gear my advice to what you want and need. Now I know. :)

[Wild Weasel]

And why do you keeping asking where my 3 is? Everyone else already knows it's coming in the spring. :)

[3GFX]

Depending on what rim you choose you are only looking at maybe 2 - 3 pounds per rim, which is offset by the larger contact patch. Even if you gain 15lbs to your car, its not that big a deal for daily driving. If it was important, you could always go on a diet :p

[Wild Weasel]

Depending on what rim you choose you are only looking at maybe 2 - 3 pounds per rim, which is offset by the larger contact patch. Even if you gain 15lbs to your car, its not that big a deal for daily driving. If it was important, you could always go on a diet :p

I think you're missing the importance of the fact that this is unsprung rotational weight. The difference those 15 lbs makes to performance can be similar to adding 100 lbs or more to the body of the car.

The impact of extra rotating mass on performance is huge.

Contact patch is irrelevant here when referring to the impact on braking performance. We're not talking about overcoming traction here. We're talking about the braking force necessary to absorb the energy of the rotating cylinder that is the wheel.

[3GFX]

Yea, unsprung weight is a killer, agreed. Shopping for good rims should always include weight, but it all depends on what you want out of them.

[active3s]

And why do you keeping asking where my 3 is? Everyone else already knows it's coming in the spring. :)

LOL, I'm sorry. but I don’t know if you noticed. But I haven’t been on this site for almost a year because of the .com to .ca change. I apologize for not knowing like everybody else. Then again I don’t remember you in this site. I only remember BROLI, 3GFX, Whitefang, whitePearl or PearlHatch , MAJIC, FLIPSPEED, BLUNTMAN, bubba1983, Xenon, SABIO. Don’t realy recall your name….But hey no harm done. I really want more out of my 3. All around 3, give it more pep for straigh aways, some other addons for looksbut easy to replace to performance specs. Like wheels. I know a turbo would not help me for autocross. Trust me, I have noticed that is the driver not the car when it comes to AUTOX.

Thanks again guys. BROLI, You asked about my website chat?

[active3s]

Depending on what rim you choose you are only looking at maybe 2 - 3 pounds per rim, which is offset by the larger contact patch. Even if you gain 15lbs to your car, its not that big a deal for daily driving. If it was important, you could always go on a diet :p

Great!!, now I am a Fat Ass,LOL :)

[3GFX]

Stop being so defensive tubby....jks


I honestly think that a pound or two a rim won't be that big a difference.

[active3s]

Stop being so defensive tubby....jks


I honestly think that a pound or two a rim won't be that big a difference.

Thanks.

[Wild Weasel]

Generally, the braking hit you'll take going from the average 17" wheel to an average 18" wheel shouldn't be anything you can't take care of with a better set of pads.

Sheesh! I really gotta work on my credibility around here... :)

[-RJ3-]

If its for show and regular use, I wouldn't be woried about performance that much.

HAHA if its for show, i'd go 19's or even 20's!!! Just put your mesh's back when the show is done... Problem solved!!! ;)

[active3s]

HMM, I will take that under consideration.....

[3GFX]

Depending on where you live you might be able to pull of 19". There is one sweet black mazda 3 with Spyn 19" rims that rolls around in Montreal, i dunno how he does it, the roads aren't spectacular over there. Here's a pic (i love the look).

http://img470.imageshack.us/img470/923/226143844fullur0.jpg (http://imageshack.us/)

[active3s]

that grill got to go!!

[active3s]

This is how low mine is rumming with the 17s
http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q95/Titanium30/rey4.jpg
http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q95/Titanium30/rey2.jpg
I think I will be doing some major rubbing even if I roll my fenders

[b]

Depending on where you live you might be able to pull of 19". There is one sweet black mazda 3 with Spyn 19" rims that rolls around in Montreal, i dunno how he does it, the roads aren't spectacular over there. Here's a pic (i love the look).

http://img470.imageshack.us/img470/923/226143844fullur0.jpg (http://imageshack.us/)

3GFX that looks great! Nice find.

[active3s]

This dude got 19s with Sprint Springs
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/12/web/2424000-2424999/2424954_6_full.jpg

[-RJ3-]

This dude got 19s with Sprint Springs
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/12/web/2424000-2424999/2424954_6_full.jpg


Look at how close his rear pass door is to the lip kit's edge... Im suprised how it can open!!!

But back on topic... 3s, you can get away with 19's... Its just the matter of spring selection. you have coilovers? Consider that first before spending thousands for 19s... Seeing your picture on only 17's.... Thats so dang close... Good luck!!!

[mit-gee-mui]

This dude got 19s with Sprint Springs
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/12/web/2424000-2424999/2424954_6_full.jpg


What colour is that?

Doesn't look like copper red or orange.

[active3s]

Dont know what color. His this cool dude that is trying to run his own site with custome 3s http://www.custommazda3.com/enter.html
Theres a few ther that surpised me. Most of them with 18s and above.
No coilovers yet. Do just fine withthe S-Techs. Might upgrade do if the Sway bars dont help for the rear....

[wtom]

Pretty sure that's an O-Team cousin

[astatik]

upgrading 17's to 18's is not much of a difference in terms of speed reduction... as stated before it should depend on the weight of the rims..

i have a set of 18's and to be honest when i put them on they felt even lighter than my stock 17's i felt i was going actually faster lol perhaps it was the tires too? i'm not sure hah

anyways my opinion would be go for 18's they look good on street and you won't really feel a difference when driving... if you're serious about tracking your car, get a side 16"s rims too!

on a side note, i'm selling my set of 18"s take a look if you're interested :)
http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=16607

[cyberscorpi0]

http://img470.imageshack.us/img470/923/226143844fullur0.jpg
^^^ Wow! ^^^

[Whos ur dadd]

Don't go too heavy. Losing stopping ability to look good is just plain stupid. Reeks of ricer mod stupidity to me...

[MicroDude]

That's a guy form our club.. he running 19's but he's not dropped.. i think their 19x8 with an offset of 35 or 40.. not sure

[3GFX]

Those rims are intense, it looks like he's dropped, but I guess he can't if he's running those. Am I mistaken or does he work at Spyn? (I might have misread something).

[MicroDude]

i wouldn't know haven't talked to him in a whle..

[TurboSam]

I would definitely go 18's if you want to cruise in style. As for weight wise a few pounds per wheel isn't going to make much of a difference. I doubt it would affect braking much unless you plan to race down the street and brake hard. If you plan to auto x have a second set of wheels and tires 16 inch so its lighter and if you destroy them at least it won't hurt your pocket as much. If I were to buy a set of aftermarket wheels I would go up a size so I ride in style.

[3GFX]

If I were to buy a set of aftermarket wheels I would go up a size so I ride in style.

This guy knows how to roll.

You buy for what you want/need. There are soooo many rims out there.

[Mike_T]

Crazy question, but does anyone know if those are 19x8's??


Depending on where you live you might be able to pull of 19". There is one sweet black mazda 3 with Spyn 19" rims that rolls around in Montreal, i dunno how he does it, the roads aren't spectacular over there. Here's a pic (i love the look).

http://img470.imageshack.us/img470/923/226143844fullur0.jpg (http://imageshack.us/)

[Hives]

Looks like it. U can double check on their website.
I wanted 19s before. Then I realized how shit Toronto roads are gonna be after this winter, so I went with 18s.

I wouldn't buy 17s, thats too small.