RX-8 RIMS on Mazda 3 Sport

[costybox]

hi...
i have stock 16"X6.5" rims now on my Mazda 3 Sport 2005 and would like to buy a set of 18" Rims....
i received several advice from boys in the forum who told me that if i mount aftermarket wheels i should go 18X7.5" to be sure, but i have seen pics of cars on the forum which have mounted RX-8 wheels that are 18X8" wide..how is that???....i know that RX-8 rims have the ET 50 mm...is that the reason why RX-8 wheels fit 8" wide and aftermarket won't fit with the same 8" wide???
and i also know that i must be close to the factory offset which is 52.5mm to mine of 16"...
if i go aftermarket wheels of 18"X8" and an ET of 48mm, will there be a problem rubbing because is still close tot the factory's one instead of a 42-45 mm???
hope to hear your advice and make me decide what to buy..
thanks a lot

[RedRaptor]

Do a search. There are multiple threads discussing RX8 rims fitment.

Yes they fit fine. Offset is 50mm on them.

[costybox]

ok thanks....
but if i go aftermarket with 48 mm offset...will they fit??because the 48mm is closer to 50mm and 52mm...

[dj_chinaman2097]

If you get oem Rx-8 rims and tires they will fit with no rubbing issues if the car is not lowered. The high offset of the rims help.

If you get the Rx-8 rims and plan to lower the car, say 1.2" or more, then the tires would need a 40 sidewall profile, as in 225/40/R18. This will help minimize rubbing that may occasionally occur on hard turns, heavy load, at full steering wheel lock, or on bumps.

If you get the 7.5" wide aftermarket rims then a 45-48mm offset would be ok. The tires can be 215 or 225/45/R18 unlowered; if lowered 215 or 225/40/R18 would be a bit safer.

[costybox]

i would go 225/40/18 anyway, whether rx-8 rims or aftermarket....unlowered..i wouldn't like to lower it..just to increase the rim's size from 16 to 18..without any modifications to the suspension...
the offset calculator showed me from my stock 16"X6.5", ET 52.5 mm to 18X8", ET 48mm:
The clearance from stut housing to the inside of the wheel will be 15mm LESS
The outside edge of the wheel will EXTEND an extra 23mm
is there a problem with 225/40/18 unlowered???rx-8 or aftermarket rims???

[07Speedfreak]

On my 06 Sport GT I had the rx-8 wheels with 225/40/ZR18 lowered on Prokit and NEVER had any rubbing so unlowered should be even more fine.

[costybox]

ok..thanks..so now i am not worried anymore...and after i will see the wheels mounted...i will decide if i will lower it....
235/40/18 or 235/35/18 will fit on the rear???only on rear...for better look?because there's no turning...

[dj_chinaman2097]

Unlowered, 225/40/R18 on an 8" rim will be ok since the overall diameter is still very close to the 16" combo.

Several members here have the Rx-8 rims on the hatch with stock suspension and no issues, so you should be ok.

[b]

Just replied to your pm... but it looks like you have lots of feedback already! Good luck!

[04GTFX]

I cant post in the FS section yet, but I have mint RX8 rims for sale with 95% tred and in MINT shape for 1000 FIRM

[costybox]

i'm too far of you...:(..and i will do the deal with the insurance;)...so i will not have to pay for them:P..
thanks anyway....what's the price?

[RX9]

I cant post in the FS section yet, but I have mint RX8 rims for sale with 95% tred and in MINT shape for 1000 FIRM

hes in euro:chuckle