What bolt pattern does the RX-8 require? I have seen different patterns listed, so I figured I better find out what it means. Also, what is the width of the factory 18" rims? I'd like to get wider wheels and tires when I upgrade.

 

5 X 114.3 bolt , 18" x 8" rims

 

Stock offset is 50

 

114.3 mm is the same as 4.5"

 

Thanks. Is offset something that you get by adding spacers, or is it just an inherent feature of the wheel?

 

Offset is an integral part of the wheel....but the effective offset can be changed with spacers. My bias is that you don't want to use spacers unless you absolutely have too...and then as small as possible. There are lots of offsets available that let you do almost anything without spacers.........you just need to look carefully and ask around ( search first! ) to see what fits

 

your stock wheels has built-in offset of 50

if you're getting aftermarket wheels, you *may* need spacers to clear suspension and/or fender, it highly depends on which wheels you're getting.

 

I talked to someone at a local tire shop and they told me that an 18 x 9 wheel would give me problems (I suppose with rubbing). I want to go wider, so the next step up from stock is an 18 x 8.5. I have the stock 18" Dunlop tires now, which I have been told by several tire people, is not actually the correct size tire for the stock 18" wheel (it tapers in from the lip to the tread), so a wider, better fitting 18" tire could possibly do the trick. Has anyone put this size wheel (18 x 8.5) on the RX-8, and did it fit properly? I want to go wider, but I also want the outside of my tire to be as close to flush with the top outside edge of the fender well as possible. If anyone else has achieved this effect, I would appreciate any suggestions on wheel width, tire size and offset that was used.

 

Some on here have gone to 10" wheels with no rubbing. 18X9 should fit as long as the offset is 38-46ish..........and it depends on what tire size you put on it. most are going with 245-40-18's...up to 265-35-18's should fit OK