smallest wheel that can fit on a 3 GT sport?

[kingrukus]

Can someone please tell me what the smallest diamater wheel that can fit on an '05 Mazda 3 GT sportback? I am looking at potential 15" and 16" options in place of the OEM 17" for my girlfriend's car.

Thanks

[condor888000]

16" are the smallest you can fit.

[Noisy Crow]

16" are the smallest you can fit.

And, please note: the RIGHT 16" rim! My winter steelies clear the brake caliper by about ¼".

[ICEBOX]

Good to know cause Im going to need a set of rims or steelies for winter!

[Wild Weasel]

And, please note: the RIGHT 16" rim! My winter steelies clear the brake caliper by about ¼".

1/4" in plenty of clearance. Or are you suggesting that a different one might not fit at all?

[Noisy Crow]

1/4" in plenty of clearance. Or are you suggesting that a different one might not fit at all?

Yes, that is what I am saying. If the wheel is contured differently it might rub the caliper.

[Marsh]

1/4" is downright ample. I've had race wheels on a car where you could just get a credit card between the caliper and wheel.

BTW, the gap between wheel and brakes is sometimes referred to as "rice gap" in the motorsports community. The bigger that gap the more rice your wheels.

[kingrukus]

Anyone know the stock offset for the 3GT?

Thanks!

[condor888000]

52.5mm for all of the stock 3 rims.

[kingrukus]

Goodness, I was thinking of going aftermarket, but I think for clearance issues I will just try to source a set of OEM 16s or 17s.

[condor888000]

Not necessarily. 7" rims you need at least a 40 or higher offset, 7.5" rims you need a 42 or higher, 8" you need a minimum of 45, 48 preferred. Lots of choices that fit.

Assuming 17" rims with a mild drop that is.