Need some advice on getting summer rims/tires.

[lilgreek]

Hey guys,

I am starting to use my OEM 17's for winter now and will be looking for new summer rims/tires. I am thinking of getting 17's again but I really want to bump up to 18's. My question mainly is this, if I bump up to 18's do I have to lower the car to make it look good? I dont want to get into modding my car, I just want to get some nice rims.

Also what would be the ideal size tire and rim if I where to get 18's and not lower my car?

Thanx in advance guys.

[MPS]

you may want to try Mazdaspeed rims
i know some 1 posted a pic before on a Mazda 3

[lilgreek]

would I have to lower my car in order? I dont want to get 18's andthen have them rub or have the car jacked up. I just want it too look good.

[MPS]

you dont need to lower
just get the rite size tires and ur good

[lilgreek]

what about 18x8 with +40 offset and 5x114.3 with tires 235/40/18? I am going to pickup a set of konig hot swap rims and brand new tires off a dude today. I wanna know if these will look good on my ride if I dont lower it.

[dentinger]

235 is a bit wide. i believe the widest we can go is 225.

also, i slight drop wouldnt make the car look better.
such as a prokit or Htech springs. or if your worried about the warranty, get the Mazdaspeed springs

[lilgreek]

its not soo much the warranty but I just dont want to lower my car...I feel if I do one thing to the car, I have to do another, then another, then another just so it doesnt look weird. I want to be as simple as posseble.

Whats the specs on the mazdaspeed 3 rims?

[RedRaptor]

235 is a bit wide. i believe the widest we can go is 225.

also, i slight drop wouldnt make the car look better.
such as a prokit or Htech springs. or if your worried about the warranty, get the Mazdaspeed springs


Wrong.

235 works just fine. Its not about the widest "we" can go. Its about how wide his rims are. He said his rims are 8" wide so thats more than enough for a 235 tire.

You'll be fine with 235/40/18. I'm planning to get 235/40/18 this summer as well for my RX8 Shinka rims.

As for the drop, I'm an anti-drop type of guy myself so I would recommend putting the rims on your car and deciding yourself if you want a drop. Most members here will tell you to drop it though.

Warranty wise, if you lower your car and let's say your struts blow, the dealer won't warranty them. But you won't void the warranty for the entire car...just the parts that your aftermarket mods affect.

[lilgreek]

ok thanx alot guys....I think I might pick them up..

[flylice13]

Wrong.

235 works just fine. Its not about the widest "we" can go. Its about how wide his rims are. He said his rims are 8" wide so thats more than enough for a 235 tire.

it's also about the offset too. something with too high of an offset will rub with rims that wide and 235 tires.


what about 18x8 with +40 offset and 5x114.3 with tires 235/40/18? I am going to pickup a set of konig hot swap rims and brand new tires off a dude today. I wanna know if these will look good on my ride if I dont lower it.

18x8, you should go with +35 offset instead of +40

[lilgreek]

Hey guys...

Just a little update. I didnt end up picking up the rims..I looked at them more and more and I just think they wont look good with the three so I passed. I think I am gonna go for some multi-spoke rims or even the mazdaspeed 3 rims.

[mEtH]

WOW this thread is way off course!!!!

18x8 with a 40 offset WILL NOT WORK!!!!
and going lower will just make things worse...

Our cars require higher offsets! If you try running 18x8 with a 40 offet and 235/40/18 tires your gonna stick out like a go-kart.

VERY glad to hear you did not purchase that setup!!!!!!

[Skarbro]

As for the drop, I'm an anti-drop type of guy myself so I would recommend putting the rims on your car and deciding yourself if you want a drop. Most members here will tell you to drop it though.

Warranty wise, if you lower your car and let's say your struts blow, the dealer won't warranty them. But you won't void the warranty for the entire car...just the parts that your aftermarket mods affect.
Not to mention that the insurance company will likely drop you and/or deny claims if they find out you've lowered your car.

[blk_muzda]

For 18x8
+45 go with 215
+48 go with 225
I think any offset lower you run the chance of rubbing

[lilgreek]

Thanx guys...

Just out of curiousity. What do you think of the Mazda CX9 rims. I saw them today and thought they looked nice. I looked at the specs on the mazda website and they said they are either 20's or 18's. I didnt go too close so I couldnt tell what size they where. If anybody has a pic of the 18's, can you post it please.

Thanx alot.

[SP33D 3]

some guy in the states put the hotswaps on his speed, thats the only reason i didnt get them... they actually look pretty good on his

[RX9]

im planning to get 18*7.5 on 225/40/18 for summer, 235 sounds too wide for 3.
CX9 rims should be heavier than cars, b/c its SUV rim, lighter is better.

[lilgreek]

yeah thats true... They will be too heavy...Oh well, I really like the multi-spoke look so Ima go for those in 18's. Will see when spring arrives :)

[Ex-Rolla]

its not soo much the warranty but I just dont want to lower my car...I feel if I do one thing to the car, I have to do another, then another, then another just so it doesnt look weird. I want to be as simple as posseble.

Whats the specs on the mazdaspeed 3 rims?


trust me... you're gonna end up doing that anyway... That's what i kept saying to myself lol...

[aewon]

you will likely rub with 235.
18x7.5 is best rim size.
225/40/18 is the best tire size.
you want 45-52 for offset size.

[lilgreek]

thanx guys...thats exactly what I needed aewon :)

[lilgreek]

Hey guys..

What do you think about the new Mitsubishi lancers rims. The 10 spoke? Would they fit?

Wheel is 18x7
Offset is 46mm
Lug pattern is 5x114.3
Tire size is 215/45/18

Let me know.

Thanx

[FLIPDADY]

The new Lancer rims look fugly even on the Lancer. Not to mention that they probably weigh a ton as well.

A good set of 17"s with decent rubber will be a good fit for your 3. Especially if you want to be able to drive on our city streets.