Volk TE37 Or?

[Zhyn]

So I'm pretty close to deciding on rims.
I've narrowed it down to the Volk TE37's (http://www.speedalliance.com/images/Volk_Racing/TE37White.jpg) 18x8.5 or 18x9 in White.

I'm liking the simple/light design and I think they would look good on my white 08 hatchback.

Any last opinions on my choice (I'm still uncertain as this is my first rim purchase).

I am up in northern Alberta so I'm not sure where to begin shopping.
Suggestions welcomed~

[FLIPDADY]

Good choice of rims but.......they are way too wide for your 3. If you are planning on lowering your car you can forget about 18 x 8.5. Try to stick with an 18 X 8 with a offset of at least +48 or +50.

[Kevin@nextmod]

If you do decide you want wide rims you still can but you'll need probably 2degree negative camber in the front and back

[Zhyn]

Was already looking at the Racing Beat springs if I did need to lower to make my car look good with the rims.
I don't think I can go any lower, I'm way up north in Alberta. Lots of snow in the winter here.

So just to clarify, would I not be able to lower at all with the 18x8.5s?
Cause I heard some people saying with 18"s, the car will look funny if I don't lower it?

[Kevin@nextmod]

your car won't be able to run 18x8.5 if you dont have lots of negative camber...

[dentinger]

well depending on the offset, and tire, he could be able to pull it off...
if you stretch the tires, you wont have to worry about rubbing as much.....

[Zhyn]

Oops, didn't mean to not respond to your post Pearly.
I'm new to cars, but I did look into camber a bit. I want my tire to be straight :)
I'd look into getting some kinda camber kits if needed.

[Kevin@nextmod]

If you want your wheels to be straight then you can't run 18x8.5 period.

[Zhyn]

Offtopic: I searched but I couldn't find any info on when I will be able to edit my posts?

Ontopic: I'm pretty sure I'm going to be rolling my fenders, I believe that opens up more options for me.

[Zhyn]

I'll have to do more research on camber, I'm not entirely sure what effects it has on the car (uneven tire wear?). I just assumed any camber, negatve or postive was bad.

[dentinger]

Offtopic: I searched but I couldn't find any info on when I will be able to edit my posts?

after you reach 50 posts.



Ontopic: I'm pretty sure I'm going to be rolling my fenders, I believe that opens up more options for me.
correct. less chance of rubbing. but you can only roll the rears.


I'll have to do more research on camber, I'm not entirely sure what effects it has on the car (uneven tire wear?). I just assumed any camber, negatve or postive was bad.

again, correct. however, the mazda3 comes stock with about 1* of negative camber out back. but you will notice unever tire wear. negative camber = inner tire wear, positive camber = outer tire wear.

[Kevin@nextmod]

negative camber will give you better handling around corners but it'll eat up your tires faster.

[Zhyn]

Hmm, I've already noticed the negative camber since I bought my car. I don't know if I want it to get any worse...
What's the point of camber kits was to correct your -/+ camber?

[Kevin@nextmod]

^^ you are correct.

[dentinger]

also, i was checking online, the Te37's come in 18x7.5 et48, which is a much better size for a mazda3.

and holy hell. $800 each?! i bought 4 rims for less than that! haha

[Zhyn]

If you want your wheels to be straight then you can't run 18x8.5 period.

You got me mixed up :P
Are you saying a camber kit won't help with a 18x8.5 rim?

dentinger: I'm kinda set on a 8"+ rim. I got the idea from this thread (http://www.mazda3forums.com/index.php?topic=141255.0) and other pictures with aggressive set ups.

I appreciate all the help and feedback guys! I'm learning as fast as I can.

[royroy]

You got me mixed up :P
Are you saying a camber kit won't help with a 18x8.5 rim?

dentinger: I'm kinda set on a 8"+ rim. I got the idea from this thread (http://www.mazda3forums.com/index.php?topic=141255.0) and other pictures with aggressive set ups.

I appreciate all the help and feedback guys! I'm learning as fast as I can.

u will rub with 18X8.5..
going 18X8 is much safer to begin with... and besides, it is not just about the diameter.. u can have an agressive look with a narrow width depending on ur offset!

[Zhyn]

Well I found someone that can get the TE37s for me, but it's going to be about 3 months.
Summer will be over by the time I get them :(
Anyone know of any other wheels that are light and are of similar design?