I've noticed a lot of RX-8 owners putting heavy chrome rims on their cars (often 19" or 20" as well). I don't see wheels like that too often on other "enthusiast" cars. Why? The RX-8 handles amazingly from the factory and it has such a light and tossable feel compared to other cars out there. The last thing it needs is to be blinged out with chrome. Yet I see 'em locally as well as on these boards.

I'm all for the "it's your car do what you want" thinking but I'm just asking a question here.

 

probably because people have different tastes and they merely bought the rx-8 for its looks and aren't necessarily concerned with its performance. I see the same thing happening to 350Z's and G35's

 

That's just it. To each their own style. Some want performance, as you seem to agree with. Others for all out show. Then some are inbetween. It's all good. Hell I've got a 70lb. sub box in my trunk. Talk about heavy.

 

my first set of rims were a few lbs heavier than stock - 19". I just wanted something different than stock. They looked cool.

after that, I bought 17 lbs rays rims - 18". This is what I have on the car now. There's definitely an improvement, though it's not something that really shows during normal street driving.

 

What is the weight of the stock 18" wheels?
Already thinking of new wheels to help with the winter/summer tire thing I will face here in Indiana in less than 2 months.

 

from what i've read, there were two companies who made the rx-8 rims. One weighed 22 lbs, the other 24 lbs. They look the same.

 

hey, mine are polished alloy ok. and i dont really mod my car for performance reasons anyway.