I was wondering if anyone has done research on whether or no you can cram some 20" wheels under the wells? I'm not sure if this has been posted because I tried a search and couldn't come up with anything.

Do a search for "lexani romas"

Or look in the Wheels, tires section- thread 20" rims

Yes you can fit 20" rims on the 8. I personally wouldn't do it, but it can be done. The tire size you would need would be a 245/35/20 or 255/35/20 depending on the rim width.

My advice is to go with 19's.

Thanks for the info mdw33333. After reading some of the other posts about wheel sizes, I still might decide to go with 20's. But I am still undecided. The difference in price is only a couple of bucks. No big deal. I just want to be set off from the rest of the 8's around my area.

My philosophy has always been, "go big or go home"

I'll keep all posted with pics if I decide to go with the 20's.

Thanks again bro...

Hey RX-Guru--

I'm the "Lexani - Romas" individual who's crazy/stupid enough to put on 20s. I have to say, they look SwEEt. Here's a pic. There are plenty of people who claim "unsprung weight" issues, but I honestly haven't been able to tell much of a difference.

--Landon

Go Big or Go Home. =) May we all live by this motto. :D

yea take some more pics of your 20's. I want to see what they look like from all angles.

ok then....GO HOME...you want BIG, get a SUV

^^ lol. why would u want to put twenty's on a eight? if you were planning to do that, you should have gotten a sedan or a suv. 20 just look to big on a 8. personally i would go 19's or 18's all around.

I've been selling wheels for an auto trim shop in Ohio for 10 years. I like the look of a 20" wheel on a car, but it has to be the right car. I'd go 20" on a Benz or a Lexus, but I think there a bit big for the 8.

I did 19" Motegi DPK chrome wheels on mine and it turned out great. They're 19x8 front and rear, and I used Toyo Proxes T1-S 245/35/19 tires. I couldn't be happier with the fitment and the look.

I think chrome looks good on the 8 if you pick the right wheel. I prefer the "racing style" as opposed to the "ghetto style." I was blown away by the fact that my factory center caps fit these new wheels perfectly! I was eyeballing them and it looked like they'd snap in and they did! It looks sweet. If someone didn't know better they'd think they were factory wheels.

Just some advice, before installing 20's on this car go to 1010tires.com. This site has a really informative "tire size calculator." Punch in your stock 225/45/18 tire size and then the sizes of the 20" tires I posted above. You'll see it throws off the overall height by quite a bit. Your suspension and speedo will feel the effects of such a large change in rolling diameter.

By the way I'll soon be posting pics of my wheels/tires on my 8. Haven't had good weather, and probably won't for a while.

I agree with you MDW, 20" wheels ARE more at home on big-body sedans (Lexus, Mercedes, etc.), and SUVs (escalade on dubs, duh). Let's not lose sight of why we're all here, though. :D

The RX-8 isn't best of class at straight-line performance, I'm sure no-one will disagree. So this can't be the ONLY reason we bought it. Handling, does great, but still not the best in class (probably debatable, but bear with me, I'm just proving a point).

The RX-8 is appealing because of a combination of a bunch of aspects. Engine Performance, its agressive styling, handling, and its functionality as a 4-door sports car. How much each individual weights these characteristics when they make their purchase differs a LOT.

My main reasons for MY purchase were obviously a combination of these, with a stress on the styling. This thing is WAY different from anything out there. This thing with 20" wheels I think I may have 1 of only a handful. After I complete my vision for the car (body kit to make the wheels look a bit smaller, yes I do agree they look too big right now, and fit the car better, the strakes which will compliment the chrome wheels very well, and the exhaust finishers, also very complimentary) I'm going to have something VERY different from everyone elses on this forum.

Sure, if your reasoning for purchasing the RX-8 is ONLY straight line performance (which it shouldn't have been since the 350z exists) or if its for gas mileage (you really have no business in an RX-8 if this is the case) :) , or handling, you have to weigh your options and preferences.

One of the main reasons I put 20's on my 8 is because I knew very few people would mimmick me. This is a SPORTS car, as some would say. Oh well, it won't beat the Z with or without the 20s (until I get my zoomer stage 2 mod, exhaust, intake, etc. :) ). There's obviously other reasons for the purchase....Hence, my decision to go with the 20" wheels.

I'll post some more pics. Right after.

--Landon

Originally posted by mdw33333
"ghetto style."

I have yet to see any RX-8's with 20" wheels in the "Ghettoes" of Utah. :) If anyone can provide me a picture of an RX-8 parked in a trailer park under a car port with 20" rims, I'll take my wheels off and put the stock ones back on. :D (nothing against trailer parks).

I see where you're going with this, but be more descriptive, I'm always up for constructive criticism. :)

Here's another.

--Less lazy, went for a drive for better pics..

<><>

<><>

In case anyone is interested, I went with 255/35/r20s. They're big, and I would recommend the 245, since mine rub a little bit when cranked in reverse.

I put some 245/35/r20s on first, and they didn't rub....I plan on not rotating my tires burning off the existing 255s, and then moving my front 255's to the rear, buying a new set of 245's.

--Landon

those are HUGE
I like it

Thanks Mike!

Didn't expect an actual compliment on the wheels. :D

--Landon

Landon_Starr: Those looks awesome. This is what I'm talking about right there!!! Are you noticing any difference in speeo times? If so, how much?
And XeRo, I do own an SUV and I think that 20" wheels looks ridiculous on any. The point of an SUV in most peoples eyes are to haul or tow and the 4X4. I can't see a Ford commercial filling up the back of a pickup or SUV with 20" wheels. Just doesn't go together. Also if you are running with 20" in the snow or offrodaing you look pretty stupid too.

Just my thoughts. Anyone else to care to share on the ridilousness of 20's on an SUV?

Actual diameter doesn't change too much since the additional size of the wheels is offset by the smaller sidewalls (35 series vs. 45).

The difference in diameter size is .35 of an inch. 1.3%

A 255 35 R20 is .35 of an inch in diameter larger--1.3% larger
A 245 35 R20 is .07 of an inch in diameter larger--0.2% larger


w/ the 255 35 R20 -- Traveling @ 75 mph = 75.975 mph
w/ the 245 35 R20 -- Traveling @ 75 mph = 75.150 mph

(not noticeable).

Additionally, after you've traveled 100,000, your odometer will only read 98,700 miles.

--Landon

Just my thoughts. Anyone else to care to share on the ridilousness of 20's on an SUV? [/B]

Another thought, individuals are quick to say that 20" wheels don't belong on the 8 because it's not functional for a sports car.

Going along with RXGuru's comment, putting 20" chrome wheels on a 4x4 SUV or truck deteriorates the functionality of four wheelin' and usually towing capacity depending on the style of tire used. Why is it OK to compromise functionality on an SUV but not a sports car?

Interesting how people's ASSUMPTIONS are based upon social trends, rather than their own independent minds.

Interestingly similar to a sheep following the herd. :D

Landon Starr, I was not implying that your wheels were "ghetto," I was simply stating that when making a choice of wheels, it should be done so tastefully. I'm not frowning on your choice of wheels, I actually like the wheel you've chosen. I'm an authorized Lexani dealer and I sell a good number of their wheels.

I just believe that installing 20" wheels on the 8 compromises what the vehicle was built for. I base this opinion on the fact that the rolling diameter of the wheels increases by over an inch.

Everyone is entitled to do what they want with their car. In my mind, I just can't justify compromising this car's performance to add 1 inch to the wheel size. As far as SUV's are concerned, the same holds true. I see nothing wrong with upsizing just as long a the stock rolling diameter is not affected. In the case of putting 20's on the 8, it is.

My advice for RX Guru is to extensively research wheel sizing before purchasing. Simple way to get started, go to Tire Rack's web sight. They have long been the "authority" in wheel fitments. You'll see they don't even list 20" wheels as an option for this vehicle.

Also, Landon Starr may not have realized it, but, he reinforced my opinion in his statement (above) where he said: "I have yet to see any 8's with 20" wheels in (the ghettos) of Utah."

My point exactly.

I just like to bait people into stating their opinion. No harm no foul. :) I appreciate you input, MDW.

Now that you mention it, diameter can't be properly used to determine the affect on the speedo. Have to use circumference. My bad. Here's some re-configured numbers.

1. 245 45 18 diameter = 26.6811 in.
2. 245 35 20 diameter = 26.7519 in.
3. 255 35 20 diameter = 27.0275 in.

Circumference
1. 83.78 in.
2. 84.00 in.
3. 84.86 in.

Rotations Per Mile
1. 756.266
2. 754.285
3. 746.641


0.26 % difference between 1 & 2,
1.29 % difference between 1 & 3,

IF 245 45 18 = 75 MPH,
then 245 35 20 = 75.195 MPH
and 255 35 20 = 75.96 MPH

Still turned out close to the same. <shrug> I guess with the constant (pi) to calculate circumference the percentage still holds true. Speeds under 75 MPH will be affected less.

**RXGURU**

FYI...I own a Tahoe and wouldn't even think of putting that shit on it...those wheels are massively UGLY!..i said put them on a SUV because that's what people like to ghetto out with...it irks me to no end to know I now own a car in which people will ghetto out...20"+ wheels are STUPID! Someone always has to come along and F&(K up the reputation of a damn GOOD CAR!!!

But hey!...if you like it GREAT!!..that's all that counts...i just think it's rediculous whatever the hell car /truck you put them on.

I still have yet to be able to interpret the term "ghettoed out".

I understand you think they are ugly, but can you be a little more articulate/eloquent in your description why?

I know there has to be valuable input beneath all the emotional and vague ranting which is XeRo, but please help me dig it out. I appreciate input, but at least be a little descriptive.

You seem to talk a lot, but you really don't SAY anything. Judging by your modifications (volk wheels, etc.) I would assume you're a performance enthusiast?? Not willing to sacrifice performance for looks, and I can GUESS that this is where the comments stem from, but I'm still a little vague...?

--Landon

XeRo

I simply stated that 20" wheels on an SUV do not belong. Reason being is that they are primarily made for hauling and four wheeling. On the other hand, with sports cars, they are meant to be showcased rather than beat on. Putting 20's would just simply enhance the effect that you have "One Bad A** 8". It is more for look, and I agree, but to put them on an SUV would just be a complete waste. I will be putting 20's on my 8, but I choose not to get chrome. That is just my opinion. But my 8 will look sharp.

Thanks Landon for backing me on my thoughts......

As for XeRo, you need to relax with the vulgarity. If you have nothing decent to say, then please keep it to yourself or say it in a tone that is respectable.

Landon_Starr
everyone has their own opinion
i personally dont think 20 are that big for a rx-8
depending on what u want to do with it.
in your case pimp.
i like the way '19 look with a staggered rear wheel
prefferably 9.5 to 10.5 :p
either way nice ride:)

man o' man....excuse the vulgarity then...as if it's not present everywhere else...

simply put...i just don't think that big of a wheel belongs on an RX-8...but like I SAID BEFORE>..it's yours and do what you want...

IMO...(and I may be the only one here) I just think (like I also have explained before when you first posted pics of your car Landon_Starr) I think 20" wheels and bigger are a waste of money and you're right I am a performance enthusiast that also believes in FORM = FUNCTION, there is no point in my mind that serves as a reasoning behind buying such a large diameter wheel...the only thing that I can think of and this is MY definition of GHETTO is; you see ghetto inhabitants driving delapidated vehicles either with primer or "candy paint" or rusted with massive BOOMING stereos that shake their trunk lids, creating aweful noise, then you look at the wheels and they have these HUGE 20" ( i actually think 20's are considered to small now) or bigger wheels that are SCREAMING, " I spent all my money on $8000 wheels, check me out as I roll by your crib...I'll Holla!"

I see some points of having wheels like that for SHOWS...i used to participate in Show-Off events and Sound Off events all around the southeast and RX-GURU and Landon_Starr if I still was in that line of work I probably would outfit a car or SUV with wheels like that BUT ONLY FOR SHOW....

But that's my opinion like I've stated...i didn't mean any disrespect in anything I've said...sometimes I come across rather harse....but hey that's my personality...

Good luck with your wheels and I know you'll like them, i'm just saying as a matter of opinion, I don't...thats all...

peace...we're all RX-8 owners.....

XeRo, I believe you've made some valid points.

I believe so, too. :) I fully agree, it's disgusting to see the primer colored vehicle worth $800 with $4000 worth of rims and a $3000 stereo system. :) I just wanted XeRo to elaborate on his point so everyone else could follow him. All too often people have excellent points, but won't articulate enough for people to understand them.

As I stated in a previous post, I knew where he was going, but I wanted everyone else to know, too. This forum serves an excellent function of providing information and valid considerations to people, but with vague, opinionated adjectives, we defeat the purpose of this forum.

Well put, XeRo. :D

Just as a background, I am into shows (just local), and the 20" wheels are serving this type of purpose. There's no better advertising for wheels than putting them on a cool car that people notice. :)

I thought about putting them on a primered out 88 accord with the resonating muffler attachment, but I decided that probably wouldn't get as much attention. :)

Thanks again for your input, XeRo!!!

--Landon

I think that Landon_Starr has hit on something here. Those 255 35 20's will increase my MPG from average of 18mpg to 18.25mpg. This thread now has the obligatory reference to mpg :)

Good observation, beach dog. :)

But, I bet the additional force to turn the larger wheels will make up for the gain in gas mileage. We'd have to get the physics professor(seems like it, anyway), MrWiggles to expand on the idea. :D

He had some very valuable comments on un-sprung weight ratios and how it affects performance, I'm sure he could expand on the MPG affect, too.

--Landon

If the whole wheel thing is the same, (as I am quite sure it is), it goes the same way as in building offroad vehicles. I have a tremendous amount of experience in building Jeeps and their offroad cousins and for example when I went from stock 225/75R15 to 35x12.5x16 SSR's WOW!...did I not only see a difference in MPG but in power loss...now of course that is a WAY bigger difference than we are talking here..but ....the same principle applies though...in order to regain and MPG and power to my liking...I had to swap gear ratio's which if anyone knows can be tricky when trying to match power gains to fuel consumption...either way 20" wheels I must disagree, i don't see the possibility of GAINING MPG's ...unless that is subtle sarcasm above....

With bigger wheels that weigh less than the stock wheels(which sould be somewhat easy to find), I would assume you COULD improve MPG. As you stated though, XeRo, usually bigger the wheels the worse the MPG.

Put 38" tires on a toyota pickup(6 cyl), went from about 15 mpg to 8. Ugly. Not to mention it's now gutless.

--Landon

Originally posted by XeRo
...unless that is subtle sarcasm above....

sarcasm - absolutely!

Originally posted by beachdog
...This thread now has the obligatory reference to mpg :)

I talked with RJ DeVera at the NOPI Nationals in Sept of '03 and he was saying that RO_JA is working on a more "tuner look" wheel that is 20" and the donor vehicle is an 8.

can I be the DONOR PLEASE?

no, no u cant!

Originally posted by mental pimp
no, no u cant!

you aren't even in charge of your BEDTIME you can't tell me if I'm gonna get sponsered or not

blah

lol. Good one Mike.

Dunno about the 20's, but I seen some 19's that looked pretty nice to me.

Yeah, 20's aren't for the faint of heart....:D j/k.

20s on a RX-8 look stupid to me. 18s look great with a drop, 19s the max. 20s are for show only and it's showing stupid. It ruins the looks, now like a canoe.
BUt nowadays, it's dubs or nothing. Especially for the people (all the noobs) that don't know jack shit about fitment or cars.

Ahh, yes, I see. A canoe. I definitely see where you're coming from, being we're talking about wheels, and a canoe doesn't seem to have any (last time I checked, anyway).

I mean honestly.....Try to sound at least a LITTLE bit credible if you're going to offer an opinion.

In your flaming about noobs not knowing anything about fitment, I was an MTS (Tire Manager) for Firestone for a few years, and I seem to have a pretty strong grasp on fitment and tire sizes.

p.s. I'll try to be nicer as soon as you try to be smarter.

:D j/k. Light-hearted jabs. :)

--Landon

Here's another pic I took. Shows the 20's with the appearance package, I think it ended up making the wheels look like they belong a LITTLE bit better. :)

It also gives an excellent view of the "canoe" aspects of the car. :confused: Maybe? :D

Better one of the back wheel.....

sorry but those chromies are nasty... just my opinion...i give you props for fittin on some Dubbz but those rims are very ugly!...

Guess you can't please everyone. :)

Like when my ex-girlfriend saw me naked and asked "who you going to please with that thing?" I responded "ME, bitch" & bent her over.

Maybe not exactly like that, but general idea, I think. ?? :)

heh heh.

Appreciate the feedback.

--Landon

hahahaha

HAhaHAhahahaHA... HA.. ha... HAHA

Hey Landon_Starr,

Do they make 21" wheels that would fit an 8 for maximum show effect :D? I'm wondering why stop at 20"?

rx8cited

I think the 20s look very cool, if that is what you look you are after. I think sports cars only look good with aluminum wheels, otherwise it is a bit bling, but some people like the bling factor. Those must be heavy as hell compared to the stock though, I remmember I put 19s on my '03 Tiburon and the car was soo much slower. Then I changed to 18 and that size was perfect for the Tiburon. I feel that 19" is the sweet spot for the RX-8, and anything bigger is a bit over the top, and the stock 8's are, A.) way to damn thin, and B.) 18s just look to small in those huge wheel wells.


Troy J.

'04 RX-8 Grey, Automatic with Touring--- Just waiting to be modded :cool:
'03 SAAB 9-3 2.0t - LEMON!
'03 Hyundai Tiburon - LEMON!
'97 Sebring Ragtop - Sold

Ya know, I tried to bolt on some 26" spinners, but they just wouldn't fit well enough. I kicked them real hard to try to get them in, too. :D I just couldn't turn very well....

I haven't noticed much performance sacrifice. <shrug> Still happy with performance. Plus, they look real purty when they're cleaned up. Come checkem out at the autorama in SLCs South Towne EXpo center, March 18-21st if you want a first hand look....

--Landon

You know, I didnt think the 8's brakes could be made to look so small, but dayamn!

Now ya need a big brake kit so it fills in a bit better :D

Originally posted by Landon_Starr
Guess you can't please everyone. :)

Like when my ex-girlfriend saw me naked and asked "who you going to please with that thing?" I responded "ME, bitch" & bent her over.

Maybe not exactly like that, but general idea, I think. ?? :)

heh heh.

Appreciate the feedback.

--Landon

LOL...

Originally posted by rx8cited
Hey Landon_Starr,

Do they make 21" wheels that would fit an 8 for maximum show effect :D? I'm wondering why stop at 20"?

rx8cited

The only wheels you'll find in 21" are wire spoked rims. The thought of those on an RX8 is scary.

A 21" wheel probably won't fit, either. Unless you vehicle was ONLY for showroom and pebbles weren't ever in the way of your tires and you wanted to go with a 255 30 r21, then MAYBE. But I still doubt it. 21" wheels aren't very common, either, so price is somewhat out of control, especially for tires. These 20s are a pretty tight fit as it is, I don't think I have a half inch around to spare....

--Landon

EDIT: Wow, too many typos, they were bothering me. :) getting late. You know you should go to bed when you start spelling your own name wrong. :)

mdw33333,

Thanks for the reply. Agree with you - wires spoked rims do sound scary ...... but I'm sure someone out there is into scary stuff like that :D.

rx8cited


Originally posted by mdw33333
The only wheels you'll find in 21" are wire spoked rims. The thought of those on an RX8 is scary.

Hey, if there are big enough idiots out there to put heavy 20" chrome wheels on the 8, I'm sure only a few IQ points lower and we have 21" spoked wheels!! Let's be optimistic, guys.

heh heh.

--Landon

Langdon, I give you much props for doing what u like and taking our jabs with a grain of salt.

Not sure about the wheel height, or the small sidewall height, but I LOVE that fat-tire look.

BTW Landon, have these wheels made the wheel-hop-on-hard-launch issue better, worse, or no change?

It's made it SIGNIFICANTLY better. I'm not sure why, though. :confused:

Possibly accredited to the loss of power through the heavier wheels or the higher gear ratio (indirectly due to size, no actual gear ratio changes), so I wouldn't necessarily say it's because of the width of the tires, but yeah, I haven't had much wheel hop at all since the new wheels.

I DO like the look of the wide 255s, too, though. Although the front tires rub a little when cranked, so I'm going to go with a 245 in the front on the next set of rubber. If I had 19" wheels I'm sure 255 35s would fit all around without any rubbing.

Maybe you can expand on the wheel hop issue, Omicron. ??

--Landon

One of the problems with putting more rubber on the road is that more traction isn't always a good thing. Did a lot of drag racing in the 70's in Modified Street and ProStreet classes. If you put too big or too sticky a tire, other things will break. On my drag cars it was usually a universal joint or motor mount.

I wouldn't doubt that your reduced wheel hop is mostly from the greater rotating mass, but I'd be careful if you launch hard a lot. Wearing out the tires by spinning them is cheaper that replacing driveline hardware.

Sorry moloko9, I seem to have hijacked your account. First time it's happened to me.

I'm running bridgestone re750, I don't think they're sticky enough to cause TOO many problems. :)

The tires still spin, just aren't "hopping".

In addition to your reasoning on more traction being a bad thing, a more applicable problem with more rubber on the ground is that it actually decreases acceleration. Although it lessens "burn-out time", it increases friction on a constant basis, therefore reducing acceleration. Since "burn-out time" isn't usually a consideration for most of us street driving folk, the additional friction seems to be more of a worry than drive train problems.

--Landon

Originally posted by Moloko9
Wearing out the tires by spinning them is cheaper that replacing driveline hardware.

Not if you're forking out cash for 20" 35 series z-rated tires. :) j/k.

--Landon