I always thought the '05 Shinka wheels were different:
"Among the exclusive exterior enhancements are… dark-silver gloss aluminum wheels." (Mazda press release)

I'd like to order a replacement wheel today. But I've called three different parts departments and they all say the Shinka wheels are the SAME as the wheels on any stock RX-8. Is this true?

Thanks for the info!

 

No it's not true. You are right....they are wrong. '05 Shinka wheels are darker than '05 standard RX-8 wheels.

 

That's what I thought. Wonder why they're not listed in any Mazda parts list, though. How can I order one if Mazda says they don't exist? (This is like that movie where Jodie Foster can't find her daughter on the plane and everyone says they never saw her and that she's not on the passenger list.)

 

http://www.finishlineperformance.com...n&key=RX8W1000

 

its just a polished version of normal 18inch OEM rims.

 

They are not polished. They use a special paint to give it that unique look.

My dealer ruined all four of my Shinka's wheels when they were getting it ready for delivery. They ordered replacements from Mazda, so they are available.

 

I always thought it had this pearly sheen finish to it, that matches the shinka accents like the headlights and tailights, etc.

 

I saw that on their website—the wheel is even pictured on a Shinka—but you'll notice they have only two RX-8 wheels—that one, and the shiny "dark chrome" wheel. If that is, in fact, a Shinka wheel (as pictured), doesn't it strike you as odd that the regular, non-Shinka wheel is not available? So I emailed and they replied that "Shinka wheels are no different than standard".

UPDATE: I emailed Tommy again—he says there's 12 part numbers for the OEM wheel, and that if I send him my VIN it'll be right. (Maybe they just need to change the photo to a standard, non-Shinka wheel—that's what's threw me off.)

 

They're special edition wheels yet they cost like $40 less

 

Yes, it did strike me odd and threw me off as well. But I knew you'd get to the bottom of it.

OK, so what's the '05 Shinka wheel part number?? Enquiring minds want to know (just in case!).

 

I have a shinka and yes it is the same 18 inch wheel as the sport wheel

 

This is why I'm so confused. I'd love to get a definitive, non-ambiguous answer on this. So… is the Shinka wheel the same as non-Shinka wheels—or not?

Just to make sure I'm being clear, I'll put it another way—if I replace one of the wheels on my '05 Shinka with an 18" wheel from a non-Shinka '05 RX-8, will all four wheels match??? (And when I say "match," I mean will they all be the same style and finish)?

 

the wheel style is the same, the finish is different.

 

The 06 Shinka definitely has a different finish, it looks more like metal than silver paint and is slightly darker than the stock silver. They look really nice on the Galaxy Gray Shinka at my dealer, I wouldn't mind seeing them on my Ti. It is also NOT the dark chrome wheel. There are three different finishes.

 

I personally am very confused about this. Each source has a different answer. When I got my rims repaired, because when I got my new tires the shop damaged them, the people repairing my rims couldn't match the paint. So, I would think that there is a difference in finish. However, talking to the dealership, I was told there is no difference as well.

 

There are three 8's in the parking lot here and my 06 shinka has darker wheels compared to the other two. Same wheel but different finish.

 

It's very simple: on the '05, at least, the Shinka wheel is exactly the same as the regular 18" RX-8 wheel—except for the finish, which is darker.

If you order a replacement wheel (from Rosenthal Mazda, for example), you don't have to worry about whether you'll get the correct wheel—when you give them your VIN, they will automatically send you the Shinka wheel if you have a Shinka. Because their database knows which cars are Shinkas by VIN.

Now, if you get the wheel refinished/repainted somewhere, you have to make sure they understand that the Shinka wheel is NOT the same finish as the regular RX-8 wheel. But any reputable wheel refinishing place should be able to find out what the darker, Shinka finish is (by calling a Mazda dealership, or calling Mazda, or checking their wheel finish database, etc.), and match it.

 

They are darker gray but in same style.

 

In case you didn't know by now, try not to take anything the dealership tells you at face value. They generally know far less than people that have been on this board for a while.

 

They are darker than the wheels on non-shinka 8s. I drive a shinka and know several other ppl with rx8s and my rims are definitely slightly darker.

 

I have 05 shinka, the wheels arent darker, its more like its has that *cleaner* and *more glossy, shinny* feeling than the regular wheels, the regular wheels are not that glossy.

The 05 shinka wheels got some extra layer of glossy paint on them.

 

i drive an 06 galaxy gray shinka, my roomate now drives a 04 nordic green GT. we park side by side. even after cleaning and waxing his, my wheels are noticably glossier(possibly due to age) and slightly darker in color.

 

I to have 06 Gal.Gray Shinka and I can not tell the differance.