2010/Prokits/Yellows - 17" or 18"?

[Fuyuzora]

So I've been thinking of using the current Koni Shock Value sale as an excuse to pick up a set of Yellows for my 2010 hatch, as well as probably some Eibach prokits and a camber kit. This, in addition to the fact my current tires have 1 season left at best has gotten me thinking about wheels...

I'm debating whether I want to stick with current 17", or start an 18" setup. As I see it:

17" Setup
Probably either the MZ5 rims (current), snowflakes, or 2010GT petal design
- Cheaper rims (or use existing MZ5s)
- Cheaper tires
- Better ride comfort with the firmer shocks?
- Less visually appealing

18" Setup
Probably 2010+ MS3, 2009+ RX-8, or super-secret option C...
- Better handling characteristics
- Seems to look better with the giant 2010 wheel wells
- Baller status (lol)
- More expensive rims
- More expensive tires
- Ride quality may be too harsh when paired with yellows?

Keep in mind I am a grad student, although since I work at the same time I can afford to splurge a little... So long as I can justify it to myself. :)

Any and all opinions welcome.

[Thrizzl3]

are you only sticking to OEM rims?

[Fuyuzora]

Not necessarily, but I find I often prefer the OEM look over most aftermarket rims (hence why everything up there is OEM).

One aftermarket set I've eyed a bit are TSW's Nurburgring RFs, either in Bronze or Gunmetal. (there's a recent thread on them in this section)

[Freakzaz]

It kinda depends on what you want too, whether you want to go for performance and lower cost (17's with their lighter weight and cheaper than 18s), or if you want mainly appearance (like you said, the 2010s have huge wheel gaps but 18s fit perfectly). Also remember that OEMs are quite heavy (ex. around 22lbs for the OEM 2010 GT 17's, and even more for the OEM MS3/rx8 which are about 25-26lbs) so take those factors into consideration. Interested in what the "super secret" rims are though! :D

Btw, the TSW Nurburgring's are really nice looking rims, not too bad weight, and good price too.

[shu5892001]

I think handling would be better with 17s

[Nextmod]

I personally think 18" looks better on the new 2010 Mazda 3's

[Jackal]

Go for the 18". There are some on sale with tires in the TM3 classifieds or buy as a wheel/tire set for a good price. If you are dropping and have a 2010+ then that would look good. Baller status ftw.

[chan7]

+1 on the 18's. I'm currently on prokits and IMO 18's give a better look and fills the gap more!

[aZuMi]

went down to 17's from 18's. Handling and acceleration ftw!

[hit26k]

If its all appearance, lower the car first. You may like how the 17's look and might not want to switch to 18's. However, 18's do look better :)

[floodgatez]

went down to 17's from 18's. Handling and acceleration ftw!

+1

IMO, 17" = more comfortable ride; 18" = rougher ride. however, 18" simply looks better. i'm sure if you get the koni yellow shocks, and set the dampener to 0% stiffness, your ride would be ok. LOL but you risk your car rubbing if your rim width is > 8.5 :p i have a link to the RX8 rims. PM me if interested.

mazdathree3 brought to my attention the brand "Road Magnet". apparently it's a good set of springs. look in to it?

[stevenma188]

Donutz wrote a pretty detailed review on Road Magnet springs. They are STIFF!!!!

[floodgatez]

Donutz wrote a pretty detailed review on Road Magnet springs. They are STIFF!!!!

never mind! LOL stick with the original plan. prokits!

[SZ@Northern Performance]

So I've been thinking of using the current Koni Shock Value sale as an excuse to pick up a set of Yellows for my 2010 hatch, as well as probably some Eibach prokits and a camber kit. This, in addition to the fact my current tires have 1 season left at best has gotten me thinking about wheels...

I'm debating whether I want to stick with current 17", or start an 18" setup. As I see it:

17" Setup
Probably either the MZ5 rims (current), snowflakes, or 2010GT petal design
- Cheaper rims (or use existing MZ5s)
- Cheaper tires
- Better ride comfort with the firmer shocks?
- Less visually appealing

18" Setup
Probably 2010+ MS3, 2009+ RX-8, or super-secret option C...
- Better handling characteristics
- Seems to look better with the giant 2010 wheel wells
- Baller status (lol)
- More expensive rims
- More expensive tires
- Ride quality may be too harsh when paired with yellows?

Keep in mind I am a grad student, although since I work at the same time I can afford to splurge a little... So long as I can justify it to myself. :)

Any and all opinions welcome.


+1 for using the Koni sale as an excuse to buy the new suspension.

17" Pkg - Definitely less expensive...especially in the tire aspect....in most cases.
18" Pkg - Definitely handle better....will not cause any issues with the lowered stance...providing the offset of the rim and section width of the tire are within spec.
The ride quality will be reduced slightly and to be honest probably not that noticeable when going from the 17" to the 18" setup. I went from 16" stock to 18" and noticed a slight difference in reduced ride quality.

The 18" pkg will look 10x better and if your spending the money why not spend the few dollars extra and get the better looking and handling setup. There are ways to keep the 18" pkg affordable, the tire options these days make it easy to bring it within budget if need be.

[Fuyuzora]

Thanks for the feedback everyone! :thumbsup

The idea of going with my current 17" setup for a while until I decide what I want might be the most prudent choice... But since I'm going to be in the area next week (see mini meets section!) it's tempting to pick up some other goodies at the same time.

My favourite 18" option (Super-Secret C!) is unfortunately pretty pricey - hence why I'm still waffling over it. Won't reveal what it is until I either buy something or they become unavailable though. ;)

[ST3ALTH]

Just to give you a rough idea.....here is my car on prokits with 17" winter rims and 18" summer rims

17's
http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu220/ST3ALTH_photo/IMG_3840.jpg
http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu220/ST3ALTH_photo/PLASTI%20DIP/IMG00062-20101031-1751.jpg
http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu220/ST3ALTH_photo/PLASTI%20DIP/IMG00061-20101031-1751.jpg


18's
http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu220/ST3ALTH_photo/PhotoShoot/IMG_1663.jpg
http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu220/ST3ALTH_photo/PhotoShoot/IMG_1676.jpg

[ST3ALTH]

Personally i love the 18's, just gives the car a better stance.

[Nextmod]

Performance wise, you will probably like 17" better.

PS we have 17" RPF1's on clearance =) 15.6lbs I think