hey i just put some 20x8.5's on my 04 rx8, and i knew that it affected performance due to unsprung weight, but wow. the difference is incredible. im not sure how much they weigh, but do you think the loss could be made up with a few mods like cats and exhaust? and i mean like acceleration and whatnot, not handling.

 

no.

 

switching back to stock

 

no.

 

No...

 

+1 on what everyone said. The most you will get from the mods without a tune or going FI is around 15 hp if that which will not make up for the loss of acceleration and added weight when going to a bigger wheel. Stick with the 18's and if you want wider rims then select one that is lighter than stock (there are quite a few 3-5 lbs lighter than stock). This will give you better acceleration with less rotating weight.

If you care about just strictly aesthetic looks, then stick with whatever rim you feel looks good.

 

20's look cartoonish, and handle poorly on the '8 imho.

 

Lets see some pics....


And No, you should not keep them.

 

get rid of em

 

Pics?

 

damn sorry everyone i switched them first thing this morning. didnt think to take a picture, because they were incredibly heavy.
i knew unsprung weight mattered.... but wow. anyway i still have the rims, might put them on my wifes camry lol

 

i took my 8 aroundsome empty streets, and the handling was greatly affected, the gears were taller, and accel + brake time were GREATLY decreased. i think im going to just paint my rims with the rimpainter.com now... for another question... matte black or gloss black on a silver 8? lol

 

gloss black always. nothing like a nice shine imho.