Hi, I was wondering what you guys (and gals) thought of these wheels photoshopped onto my car. I need a solution for the Buffalo winter which is not as bad as the reputation makes it out to be, just a few times a year that require driving on unplowed streets. The snow removal is probably the best in the country, and 99% of the time the streets are clear. But I do need some winter tires and I think the best option for me is to get new 17" tires and wheels. Tirerack.com has these Kosei K1 Racing wheels that I think look ok (silver not white) and I'll probably get the Bridgestone Blizzak LM-22's which are highly recommended by a friend of mine for excellent dry handling and low wear (because most winter driving here is still on dry pavement). Does anyone know if 215/50/17 would be appreciably better than 225/50/17. Tire Rack only lists the 225's for the 8, and narrower tires are supposedly better. Any comments are appreciated. BTW, the photoshop didn't account for a downgrade in wheel size, so those are still approximately 18's.

I've been looking at the same combo. Thanks for the picture of what it will look like on a real car. I have found that Mazda sells the tire preasure sensors ($103 locally), but I don't know if they will fit on a 17 inch rim. Does anyone here have any experience with how they are affixed to the wheel. Can they work on smaller wheels?

Kurt at the TireRack did not think that it would be needed to drop to a thinner tire and said a 205 would most likely not fit on the stock width wheel, so narrower wheels would also be in order.

Hi all:

Living in NH here and will also be driving my 8 this winter. First mod: Winter wheels and snow tires. If any of you guys get a package, please let me know as I am looking for a set as well.

Thanks!

My winter wheels and tires: Konig Holes 17" with Toyo Garit HT 215/55-17, all courtesy www.tiretrends.com . Bonus part - the wheel tire is 6 lbs lighter than the OEM 18" wheel tire - 35.2 lbs vs. 41.2 lbs!

Originally posted by Gord96BRG
My winter wheels and tires: Konig Holes 17" with Toyo Garit HT 215/55-17, all courtesy www.tiretrends.com . Bonus part - the wheel tire is 6 lbs lighter than the OEM 18" wheel tire - 35.2 lbs vs. 41.2 lbs!

Interesting. My nearby Mazda dealer here has an RX-8 on the lot on which they mounted 19" Konig Holes with Toyo Proxes FZ-4 sized at 245/35/19. This wheel/tire combo is less than 1/4" shorter than the OE 225/45/18's, and looks absolutely dynamite.

Here in Cincinnati winter is more of a nuisance with only a couple of significant snow events each year (I"ll put the hex on myself now!). If it's not too expensive I may go for the 19's, because I don't need a full snow tire. I've used Toyo FZ-4's for the last two winters on my SVT Contour. I'm also going to call the dealer and see what they did with the take-offs from that car! Maybe I can buy them for a reasonable price and get the Bridgestones siped to use in the winter.

I also need snow tires. Do they make 18" snow tires? I would rather get snow tires and not another set of rims. Possible? I know thinner is better, but I don't want to have to buy a new set of rims as well just for 2 months out of the year. Anyone know?

Yeah, they make 18" snow tires but they cost more and you have to go through the hassle (to me at least) of bringing the car in to get the tires changed twice a year. I just got my Kosei K1's and LM-22 delivered from tire rack today - they look like truck tires compared to the stock 18's. Whats cool is that they have blue anodized valves and blue lettering that should look cool on my blue 8. I won't put them on until early next week because I'm taking a long weekend to drive to DC., but I'll take some pics and post them once I get them mounted.

I am also going to be driving my 8 this winter. After much trial and tribulation (and making my10ae listen to me try to decide ;) ) I have decided to go with the Bridgestone Blizzack LM22s on the stock 18s. I dont really mind taking my car somewhere to get the tires swapped twice a year, and the snow removal/plowing in Boston is VERY good. The tires are going to be $215 per, prob ordering them next week. About the tire pressure sensor.... I read on another thread here (dont remember which) that tirerack only offers 1 rim that can hold the sensor, and the rim is over $300 per. Now that being said, I know Speed Racer got 17x7 with Pirelli sport winter tires. I believe the sensor will just light up all the time, but no other side affects. This is all untested of course and this winter will be a test for everyone with the winter tires. It seems like a lot people are going different routes so we should have some great results to compare for our education at the end of the winter. I will be skiing a lot in northern new england so I will make sure to post how the LM22s do in the mountains.:)

Originally posted by RPIRX-8
II dont really mind taking my car somewhere to get the tires swapped twice a year, and the snow removal/plowing in Boston is VERY good. The tires are going to be $215 per, prob ordering them next week.

Just to play devil's advocate - how much will it cost each time you change over the tires for mounting/balancing - min $15/corner, say $60 per changeover? Twice/year, that's $120/year. Also, those 18" LM-22s cost $45 each more than the 17" LM-22 from Tire Rack.

If you bought the Tire Rack 17" Kazera wheels and LM-22s, it would cost you $1267. The tires will last 4 winters, at a guess. Then you just change them out yourself twice per year, at your convenience, at no extra cost.

If you buy the 18" LM-22s, it costs you 4x215 + 4x15 mounting/balancing, so $920 up front. Next year, it's $60 in spring, so $980 for one winter's use. After the next winter, the fall and spring changeover costs another $120, so 2 winters use is $1100. After the 3rd winter, it's $1220. Hmm, getting close to the cost of buying those separate 17" wheels and 17' tires! 4th winter, you've now spent $1340 for 4 winter's use of the 18" LM-22s, and your OEM 18" wheels are scratched all to hell from having tires remounted 8 times already. If you'd bought the separate wheels/tires up front, you'd have saved $70 by the 4th winter compared to having the bigger winter tires remounted twice/year.

BUT - now, 4 winters on, it's time to replace your winter tires with a new set. If you had the 17" LM-22s, that costs $676 plus mounting/balancing. If you're buying 18s again, that costs $860 plus mounting/balancing (current prices in both cases). Now, the 17" choice has saved you $70 plus another $180, so $250, and will then save you $120/yr for the next 4 years.

So, if you plan to drive your RX-8 for 4 winters or more - it's actually cheaper to buy the separate 17" wheels with winter tires!

Regards,
Gordon

That is an interesting analysis Gordon, thanks! The major reasons for my decision are:

1. I do a lot of travelling and I know I wont have the time to swap the tires/rims myself. I would just rather take it to someone and have them do it.
2. The whole tire pressure sensor thing doesn't go over well with me. I am one of those people that likes everything fitting right and working as designed.
3. Paying someone to do it for me allows me to have someone to blame if something goes wrong. I did a lot of stuff to my previous car, voided the warranty, and got owned on trade/repairs.

So in essence, my Mazda dealer will be seeing a LOT of me over the next couple of years.

My 17x7.5 Sport Edition Fox 5 wheels with 225/50VR-17 Blizzak LM-22's are sitting in the garage (from Tire Rack). I can't wait to put them on, but first I have to get a torque wrench and a 21 mm deep socket. :) and some cold weather. It was 78 degrees in Indy today - crazy weather.

Can anyone tell me the purpose of the centering ring? How can a thin piece of plastic do anything for a wheel? Now you all know how wheel ignorant I am, but I love learning.

Steve

Originally posted by red_rx8
Can anyone tell me the purpose of the centering ring? How can a thin piece of plastic do anything for a wheel?

Some people will try to tell you that the hub centering ring is critical to proper function of your wheels - but that isn't true. All that the rings do is make it easier to properly tighten the lug nuts (so that the lugs are more easily centered in the lug holes and the tapered lug nut seats are centered. All the clamping, vertical, and lateral loads are transmitted through the lugs and the friction generated by the clamping force holding the wheel face to the hub face. There are absolutely no vertical loads carried by the hub center. So, if you leave the rings off, just make sure that you are careful when installing the wheels to get the lug nuts properly centered and tightened, and you're fine.

Regards,
Gordon

Thanks Gordon. That makes sense to me. My centering rings were already installed by Tirerack.com. Now I have to decide whether to change the tires myself, or just let the dealer do it so if there are problems they are covered under the warranty.

Steve

Ok, just put the Kosei K1/LM-22 on and went for a quick drive. First impression is that they look pretty decent except for one thing - theres a big hole in the center like 3" diameter with no cap so the rusty hub center shows through in front and a big nut in back. Not a big deal as they are just my winter setup, but a little wierd (maybe they make center caps for these wheels somewhere - I'll have to look around a bit) Driving they feel very good - I think they're a little quieter and absorb small bumps a little smoother because of the smaller wheel and more rubber. I didn't go overboard on testing the handling just yet, but a friend of mine with an M3 swears by these tires and says they perform great. It's dark here now, so no pictures yet. I'll try to grab some tomorrow and post them.

Originally posted by pullinteef
absorb small bumps a little smoother because of the smaller wheel and more rubber.

That'll be mostly due to the much lighter wheels - the Kosei K1s are lightweight, and the OEM 18s are pretty heavy. You didn't happen to weigh the Kosei wheel/tire combo before installing them, did you? (See my post above about my wheel/tire weights).

Regards,
Gordon

I didn't weigh them, but several sources put the 17" K1's at about 16.6 Lbs. Bridgestone's website puts the 225/50/17 LM-22's at 26 Lbs for a total of 42.6 - hmm, I thought the stock combo was 41.2 according to your post. Bridgestone says the 225/45/18 RE040's are 26 Lbs. Is that right? Wouldn't that put the stock 18" wheels at 15.2 Lbs? I don't know whats going on, but it felt lighter than stock just when carrying them.

Originally posted by pullinteef
I didn't weigh them, but several sources put the 17" K1's at about 16.6 Lbs. Bridgestone's website puts the 225/50/17 LM-22's at 26 Lbs for a total of 42.6 - hmm, I thought the stock combo was 41.2 according to your post. Bridgestone says the 225/45/18 RE040's are 26 Lbs. Is that right? Wouldn't that put the stock 18" wheels at 15.2 Lbs? I don't know whats going on, but it felt lighter than stock just when carrying them.

I'm a bit sceptical about the accuracy of my scale now - someone else posted that they weighed their FRD6 wheels with the same Toyo tires I got, at 48 lbs!

I weighed my Konig wheel at 17.1 lbs when I had a single unmounted wheel to test fit, which is almost exactly what it's supposed to weigh. But when mounted, it weighed 35.2 lbs - which seems too light. At the same time, I weighed the OEM combo at 41.2, which seems light compared to what others measured. However - what's important is that the winter combo was 6 lbs lighter than OEM, and I'd bet your set is around that too, based on the similar weight of the wheel.

Regards,
Gordon

One wierd thing I've noticed is that after driving to and from work today, the tire pressure sensor did not light up at all, and I drove a good 15-20 minutes each way. Strange - is there a minimum time you have to drive w/o sensors before they go off? BTW, the system was functioning before because it lit up after some serious temp drop with the standard tires.

Here's the pics:
(Went for another good 20 min drive and still no TPMS light)

...

Love the blue accents on the wheels, hate the rust in the center.

I just got my Dunlop M3 Wintersport runflats and Kazera KZ-R's... the combo weighs 44lbs according to my scale

Haven't mounted them just yet.

Originally posted by pr0ber
I just got my Dunlop M3 Wintersport runflats and Kazera KZ-R's... the combo weighs 44lbs according to my scale

Cool! Please weigh the OEM combo when you take them off?

Thanks,
Gordon

Originally posted by pullinteef
Love the blue accents on the wheels, hate the rust in the center.

I think the Kosei's look very nice. A few dabs of black rustoleum will take care of the appearance of the hub centers IMHO.

Are those Kosei's 17x7 or 17x8, and whats the offset, please?

Thanks for the pics. Looks good on the '8.

Originally posted by Gord96BRG
Cool! Please weigh the OEM combo when you take them off?

Thanks,
Gordon

I will do that... might be a few weeks though untill I get around to it, or get forced to do it

Originally posted by Ned M
I think the Kosei's look very nice. A few dabs of black rustoleum will take care of the appearance of the hub centers IMHO.

Are those Kosei's 17x7 or 17x8, and whats the offset, please?

Thanks for the pics. Looks good on the '8.

They're 17x7.5 but I have no idea what the offset is. How do you measure that exactly?

Hi Everyone,

Just to let you know - I live in Winnipeg Canada ... and we already have snow!

The factory tires (potenza's) are absolutely awful in the snow ... I plan on driving my RX8 throughout the winter, and have already order 18" Bridgestone Blizzak's ... they should arrive next Friday ...

I will update on how snow driving goes once I install them ...

Originally posted by pr0ber
I just got my Dunlop M3 Wintersport runflats and Kazera KZ-R's... the combo weighs 44lbs according to my scale

Haven't mounted them just yet.

I also got the Dunlop M3 Wintersport runflats -- mine are mounted on Sport Edition Fox 2's -- all from Tirerack. Weather looks good for at least the next 10 days so I may make it to Thanksgiving without switching over.

Originally posted by pr0ber
I just got my Dunlop M3 Wintersport runflats and Kazera KZ-R's... the combo weighs 44lbs according to my scale

Haven't mounted them just yet.
I'm considering the same set-up, except with the Kazera KZ-Vs.

Since these are directional tires, how does one know which direction they are suppose to go? (sorry for the novice tire question)

Originally posted by jonalan
I'm considering the same set-up, except with the Kazera KZ-Vs.

Since these are directional tires, how does one know which direction they are suppose to go? (sorry for the novice tire question)

Well...

theres a directional arrow pointing forward,

you could always look at the tread to see which way "points" forward,

or

the tirerack makes sure that they mount the tires the right way so the logo on the wheels point forward


the choice is yours my friend :p

My winter wheel/tire package is on its way from the Tire Rack. I was originally going to go with the Dunlop M3's ,but was told they were all out and they wouldn't be getting any more in. I went with the 17x7 Kazera KZ-R's with Pirelli 225/50HR-17 Winter 210 SnowSport tires. They should be here next week and I'll try to weigh them up before I install them.

17x7 Kazera KZ-R Silver (http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/DisplayWheel.jsp?wheelMake=Kazera&wheelModel=KZ-R&wheelFinish=Silver+Painted)


Pirelli Winter 210 SnowSport's (http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Pirelli&tireModel=Winter+210+SnowSport)

Originally posted by my10ae
[B]My winter wheel/tire package is on its way from the Tire Rack. I was originally going to go with the Dunlop M3's ,but was told they were all out and they wouldn't be getting any more in.

I was told that the M3 runflats are in stock (I ordered these) but that the non-runflat M3's were out of stock and unavailable.

Originally posted by pullinteef
One wierd thing I've noticed is that after driving to and from work today, the tire pressure sensor did not light up at all, and I drove a good 15-20 minutes each way. Strange - is there a minimum time you have to drive w/o sensors before they go off? BTW, the system was functioning before because it lit up after some serious temp drop with the standard tires.
pullinteef, any update on the sensors? Has the dash light come on, any audible "beeping"?

I just put on the same wheels that canzoomer has here (Core Racing 216 7" 38mm offset):

http://www.rx8club.com/attachment.php?s=&postid=137697

I think they look pretty good, and there is a center cap so you can put some crappy lug-nuts under it. They were CHEAP! ~$150 CAD.

I went with a 225-50-17 Toyo Garit HT tire. They are GREAT!

Originally posted by Literatii
I just put on the same wheels that canzoomer has here (Core Racing 216 7" 38mm offset):


I thought the offset on the OEM wheels are 50mm. Do the 7'' wide wheels fit better w/38mm offset?

Jimsabo. I really want to know how the 8 handles in the snow. It will be my every day car during the winter, and I live in wisconsin, so its a valid concern. Please update us asap. Its one of my buying points, and Id hate to be mean to such a beautiful car.

Originally posted by Buster77
Jimsabo. I really want to know how the 8 handles in the snow.

There's several threads where this has already been discussed - here's one: First test of RX-8 in snow - it's great! (http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=13622&highlight=great+snow) from two weeks ago.

(by the way - it's great! ;) )

Regards,
Gordon

Originally posted by Rick
I thought the offset on the OEM wheels are 50mm. Do the 7'' wide wheels fit better w/38mm offset?

It is 50mm OEM. I asked about the 38mm here:

http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=8888&perpage=15&pagenumber=12

The 8 drives great in the snow with good tires :)

Originally posted by Literatii
It is 50mm OEM. I asked about the 38mm here:

http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=8888&perpage=15&pagenumber=12

The 8 drives great in the snow with good tires :)

I understand now.:)
thanks

Originally posted by jonalan
pullinteef, any update on the sensors? Has the dash light come on, any audible "beeping"?

Yeah, the light finally came on and continues flashing. I think it comes on after about 15 minutes now, not sure why it didn't at first but now it's happened a few times. It's really not all that annoying, but some people have said a little piece of black tape covers it pretty cleanly. I only heard the beep the first time the light came on with the stock 18" wheels/tires after a temp drop caused some low tire pressure. No beeping since.

A couple of things...

I am putting Dunlop M92 225/40/18 snow's on my Rex. These will work with the sensors, and I found them brand new from a Florida dealer for $380.00/set of 4 (eBay!) I have confirmed with both the dealer and my local tire shop that these tires will work just dandy. This same local shop has already put snows on other RX8's for the dealer where I purchased my car. Seems the Mazda dealer does not yet have the equipment to do the tire changes for our rims in their shop.

Next, those of you who are thinking about replacing the wheels with a different size should be aware that as of November 1st there is a Federal Regulation concerning the tire pressure sensors. It states that if you have them you are not allowed to remove them... Not to say that it can't be done, however, there MAY be some insurance issues if the tires fail and the car suffers any damage where the sensors would have made a difference.

If you folks have heard anything on this I would like to hear more. Thanks.

Originally posted by Wasy
A couple of things...



Next, those of you who are thinking about replacing the wheels with a different size should be aware that as of November 1st there is a Federal Regulation concerning the tire pressure sensors. It states that if you have them you are not allowed to remove them... Not to say that it can't be done, however, there MAY be some insurance issues if the tires fail and the car suffers any damage where the sensors would have made a difference.

If you folks have heard anything on this I would like to hear more. Thanks.

a) The Fed's can kiss my a$$
b) There is no cop on the face of the earth that will ever know which cars come equipped with tire pressure sensors and which don't to enforce this rule
c) If you have a sudden blowout, a TPS isn't going to do squat since the tire will be gone and you'll be in a ditch before the light flicks on.


the sensors either have to get cheaper or the light to really really annoy me badly before I'll put them on my snowtire rims.

Originally posted by pr0ber
a) The Fed's can kiss my a$$
b) There is no cop on the face of the earth that will ever know which cars come equipped with tire pressure sensors and which don't to enforce this rule
c) If you have a sudden blowout, a TPS isn't going to do squat since the tire will be gone and you'll be in a ditch before the light flicks on.


the sensors either have to get cheaper or the light to really really annoy me badly before I'll put them on my snowtire rims.

An insurance inspector who is familiar with this car will notice that the original wheels have been replaced and will certainly be able to tell if the tire pressure sensors are there or not.

What will this mean? We will have to wait until there is a first occurrence but make no mistake the regulation went into effect on 11/01/03... kissed a$$ or not!;)

Has anyone considered what other existing Mazda products or other vehicles would have the same bolt pattern and a satisfactory offset / clearance? I'm thinking that the Mazda 6, Protege, and for God's sake even the Probe GT wheels may work on this car for the winter if you're looking to just get a junk set and throw some winter tires on them. I'm not convinced I want to spend $140 (at the low end of the scale) a wheel for some wheels that I

A) don't really like and am just buying for the sake of winter wheels and
B) won't be using for more than 4 months...

It would definately turn out to be much more cost effective to pick up a set of used / turned in wheels that are already in existance for like $25 a wheel and save yourself hundreds...

Just a thought I was kicking around... Unfortunately I don't have the time / resources to research what makes / models will fit.

Myah

A bunch of us have looked - the big problem is the size of the front brakes. Here in Canada, no one could find a 16" wheel that would fit (all Canadian RX-8s have the Sport suspension and the large brakes), and even some 17s don't fit. Rumour has it that there are some 16s that might fit, but we didn't have time to wait to check those out! (Our first snow was 3 weeks ago...).

Regards,
Gordon

You have just summed up the situation we are all in...

1) We NEED snow tires if you live where snow and ice happen.

2) They cost a small fortune and,

3) There are not many options to choose from.

Add to this the issue with the tire pressure sensors and the cost of a viable solution. I still say you should all check out the Dunlop 225/40/18's available from a Florida dealer on eBay for only $380.00 for a set of four that will fit on your existing wheels. Mine are in transit for delivery on Friday. I personally have no other relationship with this company. If interested take a look at:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=33745&item=2444028561

while they are still available.

That's my 2 cents and research done...;)

Originally posted by Wasy
You. I still say you should all check out the Dunlop 225/40/18's available from a Florida dealer on eBay for only $380.00 for a set of four that will fit on your existing wheels.
That's my 2 cents and research done...;)

That is a good price. Just remember the 225/40/18's are nearly 1/2" shorter in the sidewall, and nearly an inch shorter in diameter than the stock tires, so there will be speedo error, a greater risk of pothole damage, and the extra wheelwell space will look like a&&.

These tires are now on my car and there is no discernable difference as far as looks are concerned between the 225/45/18's and the, now, 225/40/18 Dunlop M2 snow tires. Yes, the wheels will spin 829 times per mile rather than the 800 times for the 225/45/18's. For the 3-4 months that these tires will be on my car I can live with that. I am not convinced there is a pothole deterence difference between the 45's and the 40's, but I'll let you know at the end of the season.

Bottom line for me....... The 225/40/18's are brand new, work, and at $380.00 for the set of 4 represent a bargain over the $1500.00+ Blizzaks offerred by the dealer. Maybe the fit isn't perfect, but the only ones who will notice are those reading this forum who happen to spot me on the street of central Massachusetts. And even then I don't think you could tell! I personally feel much better about the impending snow in this region which, last year, began on Thanksgiving day and did not melt until sometime the following April.

I now have brand new snow tires from a reliable tire manufacturer at a reasonable price that allow me to continue using the existing RX8 wheels and tire pressure sensors. ;)

the winter tires for that price..... anyone that is thinking about not getting it is crazy. 400 bucks for 1000 worth, you can just get the tires and sell it again. I bet you would make money just liek that =)

Originally posted by pr0ber
I just got my Dunlop M3 Wintersport runflats and Kazera KZ-R's... the combo weighs 44lbs according to my scale

Haven't mounted them just yet.


I just installed my sn0wtires last week... the M3's rock on dry pavement so far


I weighed the stock tire/wheel on the same bathroom scale - they came up as being 48lbs :eek: :eek: :eek:

... no wonder my car feels a bit more spunky :p

I also put on the Dunlop Wintersport M3's (17's with Sport edition Fox 2's from tirerack) -- very pleased! Got first snow last night and they did great today -- this car will really handle well in the snow.
http://www.tconl.com/~jwest/RXsnowtires1.JPG

Originally posted by RXhusker
Got first snow last night and they did great today -- this car will really handle well in the snow.
Great to hear it! I've got the same tires, and we're expecting snow tonight.

RXHusker, Do you have the 6 speed or the sport package? Curiously, tire rack no longer lists any 17" wheels unless you choose the automatic. I'm looking to order a set of SE Fox 5's for this winter, but first I need confirmation that they will fit over the bigger brakes on the 6 speed or the sport package.

Thanks

Sorry, I just noted that RXHusker didn't say he had 17" wheels at all. I'm looking for any evidence that Sport Edition Fox 5's in 17x7.5 size will clear the larger brakes on the 6-speed or the sport package. Anyone tried this? If not, any other inexpensive 17's that will clear?

Sorry, I just noted that RXHusker didn't say he had 17" wheels at all. I'm looking for any evidence that Sport Edition Fox 5's in 17x7.5 size will clear the larger brakes on the 6-speed or the sport package. Anyone tried this? If not, any other inexpensive 17's that will clear?

RXHusker, Do you have the 6 speed or the sport package? Curiously, tire rack no longer lists any 17" wheels unless you choose the automatic. I'm looking to order a set of SE Fox 5's for this winter, but first I need confirmation that they will fit over the bigger brakes on the 6 speed or the sport package.

Thanks

.......Curiously, tire rack no longer lists any 17" wheels unless you choose the automatic. .......

That's odd. Many used 17" wheels on their MTs last winter. I'd suggest calling Tire Rack: 888-541-1777.

rx8cited

I used 17" wheels last year, but I do not remember the make or model. TireRack recomended them and they fit well. I also got the Blizzak LM22 tires which were the best winter tires I have had. With them on the car handled snow as well as my wifes Subaru AWD wagon with older Nokia snows.

edit: Yes I have the 6speed.

does anyone know or has anyone used the 17" wheels from an '04 Mazda 3 as their winter rims for an RX8? Are the tire sensors the exact same for the 3 and RX8?

Listen guys i'm a broke ass with no money. Winters comming up and i'm in nj so its not that bad. i'm still gonna get tires and a set of wheels tho.
What do you guys suggest i should get? I dont no anything about tires or wheels so sry if this sounds kinda stupid to you. I wanna get the cheapest wheels and tires so i can last the 2 months in the snow then again for the next couple of years.

Listen guys i'm a broke ass with no money. Winters comming up and i'm in nj so its not that bad. i'm still gonna get tires and a set of wheels tho.
What do you guys suggest i should get? I dont no anything about tires or wheels so sry if this sounds kinda stupid to you. I wanna get the cheapest wheels and tires so i can last the 2 months in the snow then again for the next couple of years.

Not that it does, but it CAN snow in Jersey from late Nov to early April. Just today I got my winter tires/rims from Tire rack. The tires are a new brand but the tread looks good and the rim fits fine (sorry for the bad photo), for $950 I am happy

225/50QR17 Dunlop Graspic DS-2
ASA JS1 Rims 17 X 7
All for $950 inc shipping.

Not that it does, but it CAN snow in Jersey from late Nov to early April. Just today I got my winter tires/rims from Tire rack. The tires are a new brand but the tread looks good and the rim fits fine (sorry for the bad photo), for $950 I am happy

225/50QR17 Dunlop Graspic DS-2
ASA JS1 Rims 17 X 7
All for $950 inc shipping.

Did they offer the TPMS unit with that rim? I want a tire package in a 215/55 R17
for my RX-8.

I didn't bother to ask, I will just tape over the light. I always check things like air preasure anyway so TPMS is not a help to me. Others have said Tire Rack charges about $100 per tire for TPMS.

Listen guys i'm a broke ass with no money. Winters comming up and i'm in nj so its not that bad. i'm still gonna get tires and a set of wheels tho.
What do you guys suggest i should get? I dont no anything about tires or wheels so sry if this sounds kinda stupid to you. I wanna get the cheapest wheels and tires so i can last the 2 months in the snow then again for the next couple of years.

Skimping on wheels is a disaster waiting to happen. Don't go cheap!