RxGuru

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.

silvercloud

Do a search for "lexani romas"

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

mdw33333

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.

RxGuru

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...

Landon_Starr

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

Landon_Starr

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

hasg

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

XeRo

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

TopBarX

^^ 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.

mdw33333

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.

Landon_Starr

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

Landon_Starr

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.

Landon_Starr

Here's another.

Landon_Starr

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

Landon_Starr

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Landon_Starr

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Landon_Starr

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

mikeb

those are HUGE
I like it

Landon_Starr

Thanks Mike!

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

--Landon

RxGuru

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?

Landon_Starr

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

Landon_Starr

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

mdw33333

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.

Landon_Starr

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.

XeRo

**RXGURU**

FYI...I own a Tahoe and wouldn't even think of putting that **** 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.