upgrading from 16 inch to 18 inch wheel

G-Gray dude · 02-22-2008, 09:34 PM

from what i read somewhere here around the forum that if you have auto rx-8 with 16 inch wheel you can't upgrade it to bigger wheel like say 18 inch and bigger. I think you need to get a performance package with DSC, xenon, LSD etc that costs additional $2,000 first. Is that true after all?. I am confused right now cuz i am trying to upgrade my stock 16 inch wheel to bigger wheel.

This ad is not displayed to registered and logged-in members.
Register your free account today and become a member on RX8Club.com!

Easy_E1 · 02-22-2008, 10:43 PM

You can put any wheel you want to on the car. Anyone that fits.
I use to have a Base model AT with 16's. Traded it for the Gray one I have now. The wheels were the first to go. I got a set of 18 x 7.5 and put some 245/40-18's on there and had no issues.

HiTMaNN · 02-23-2008, 12:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by G-Gray dude

from what i read somewhere here around the forum that if you have auto rx-8 with 16 inch wheel you can't upgrade it to bigger wheel like say 18 inch and bigger. I think you need to get a performance package with DSC, xenon, LSD etc that costs additional $2,000 first. Is that true after all?. I am confused right now cuz i am trying to upgrade my stock 16 inch wheel to bigger wheel.

Why would options such as Xenon and DSC not allow you to add bigger wheels :/

sosonic · 02-23-2008, 12:48 AM

I would just go for 17s only, but that is just my opinion

Atilla · 02-23-2008, 12:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HiTMaNN

Why would options such as Xenon and DSC not allow you to add bigger wheels :/

i was thinking the exact same thing -

upgrade man! - i'm lookin' to get 18 x 9's

TrochoidMagic · 02-23-2008, 01:31 AM

i'm positive the restrictions are for the other way around.
base pkg should have sslightly smaller rotors and calipers so everything should clear...oem wise.

but say a GT pkg trying to squeeeze on a 16inch... never happen, you only hear in fairytale.

at any rate...17 can barely clear my brakes. and many upgrade to wider or bigger.
or both...only do they go with a smaller diameter for some performance reasons.

jacquesboy · 02-23-2008, 02:19 AM

Have an 07 white pearl with the performance package. The brakes are larger than stock but stock still should accomidate 18's

sldrmr21 · 03-09-2008, 09:06 PM

I've done this. Switched the 16's for the 18's right? I did it for mine, '06 sport model so I'm guessing that it should be fine for your's. But beware the ridiculous amount Mazda will ask from you. I think they sell their wheels for 600$ a wheel.

Dive Bum · 03-11-2008, 08:35 AM

No doubt, buying any parts straight from Mazda is expensive. You might want to check out the RX- Parts For Sale/Wanted section of the board. People are always upgrading their stock OEM 18". Make sure that you get the TPMS with the 18s as the one on the 16 will not work on it.