Was looking around at http://www.finishlineperformance.com...&preadd=action and noticed that the mazdaspeed wheels aren't compatible with the TPMS. why would they not make them compatible? that's just weird.

 

Well that sux.

 

I just read from the vendor forum that the mazdaspeed wheels ARE compatible with the tire pressure sensors.. the magnesium wheels however are not.

related thread

 

1. Magnesium wheels would really only be for racing, so no TPMS.
2. Not everybody gets TPMS... infact, I think it's just in the US isn't it?

 

yes....and it's a bull$hit add-on also....it doesn't even provide real-time information like a read out of tire temp or tire pressure just a stupid light and a bunch of noise....

 

plus by adding it you just threw your nice and carefully designed/machined rims all out of balance when adding a lump to one side

 

Nothing a nice long strip of wheel weights won't take care of . Yeah, I know, more unsprung weight!

regards,
rx8cited

 

Good point! I was thinking that, but didn't articulate it.

For the first couple days, I was disapointed the Canadian RX-8s didn't get the TPMS, but once I read about all it's downsides, while not really having any upsides that I can see, I'm really happy.

 

I don't know why anyone would buy the 18x8 magnesium Mazdaspeed wheels for $1359 EACH when the SSR Competition 18x8's are $419 each and weigh .6 lbs less. They also come in a 18x8.5 that is $429 and the same weight as the Mazdaspeed (16 lbs even).

Nucleus

 

Someone who is really concerned about light weight wheels for performance reasons will skip 18s altogether, and buy 17s! Lighter, cheaper, more tire options... it's all good! :D

For example, the 17x8 SSR Comp is $359 and 14.5 lbs, over 1 lb lighter than your 18" SSR Comps!

Regards,
Gordon

 

Yes, but how much heavier are the same width/diameter tire in the 17? About 1 lb?

[edit]
OK, I'll answer my own question. I looked at the Toyo web site, and compared a 225-40-18 T1-S to a 225-45-17. No, it's not the OEM size but it is an interesting comparison. Both have an inflated diameter of 25.1 inches, yet the 17 inch tire is 1.1 lbs lighter, at 20.9 lbs vs. 22 lbs. That surprised me given that the 17 has more sidewall.

This would be an interesting fitment - 225-45-17 on the SSR comps. 14.5 + 20.9 + sensors and such = 36 lbs. Same sidewall height as the OEM fitment, so no increase in ride harshness (actually less due to lower unsprung weight), but a 2 percent or so drop in gearing (slightly better acceleration), and a lower ride height too (less mass transfer, more grip).

OK Gordon, I agree - the 17 may just give better performance all around. Who's first? :D :D

 

what is TPMS ??? sorry i don't know what is it ....

 

the Tire Pressure Monitoring System

 

do you have a link to see the SSRs, or picts?
thanks.
rudy 8

 

Go to tirerack.com

Nice looking rims in my opinion, definitely my first choice.

 

thanks magic8