mdw33333

Stereotyping seems to be common on this forum, but I think confusion is even more common. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, of course. However, the terms "Bling" and "Ricey" get tossed around on here quite frequently, and those using the terms seem to be a bit confused as to what what they actually mean. For some, Chrome=Bling. For others, Inexpensive=Ricey.

I'm going to do my best to break this terminology down in an elementry fashion, so that it's a little more "clear" for some of you. Again, I don't claim to be the "authority" on wheels nor I am I claiming to be a dictionary. I'm simply attempting to truely define what these commonly used terms mean, and probably should mean.

Ok, I said this was going to be elementry, so here we go:

BLING:

mdw33333

NOT BLING:

mdw33333

Now, here's some insight. There are "luxury" wheels and their are "tuner/racing" wheels. Generally, luxury wheels are chrome. Generally tuner/racing wheels are not.

With me so far?

Ok now, when purchasing new wheels for a vehicle, our main objective is to make the vehicle look distinct. Let's use our RX8's as an example here. I think we all agree that it's a sports car, correct? The main objectives in designing a sports car are "performance" and "appearance." Most of us take those two things into consideration when shopping for wheels, along with our budgets.

Not that I need to, but I'll justify my choice in wheels by making it an example in this discussion. It is a moderately priced "tuner" style wheel, made by a somewhat reputable "tuner" wheel manufacturer. There's just one "twist" about this wheel... it's chrome. Now, this is a sporty wheel, not a luxury wheel. Again, there IS a difference.

For years, chrome has been found to be cosmetically, argueably, the most desired wheel finish. Not for "tuner" wheels, but for wheels in general. Now, what's wrong with broadening our horizons, and having "the best of both worlds." When prioritizing appearance first, chrome has been and will always be a good choice. Performance suffers because of its weight, but there are ALWAYS trade-offs. If you're willing to sacrifice some performance, and you choose a wheel that is exceptable in size and appearance for the 8, I see nothing wrong with that wheel being chrome. BUT, it has to be the RIGHT wheel to pull it off.

The wheels I posted above, I think, clearly show what type of wheel that would be right for the 8, what type wouldn't be so right for the 8. It's each person's choice to make, but to me it's pretty obvious.

The reason I thought it necessary to make this post is because many on this forum are saying that chrome isn't right for the 8, when in fact it's just that certain wheels just aren't right for the 8. It has more to do with the style, rather than just he finish.

If you don't like the style and shape of a wheel, that's one thing, but, to say that it's "bling" just because its chrome just doesn't make sense to me. I hope this post helped SOME of you make better judgements.

Speed-ER doc

I like the first one. Looks like a snowflake or ice crystal. Got any pics of it on an 8, or photoshop?

(not for me though, I like those black Volks)

mdw33333

You're kidding right?:D

XDEEDUBBX

BIG FAT CHROME WHEELS ARE UGLY!

Option

Heres a pic I made for you...

XDEEDUBBX

okay i just puked...

bubble

I don't care if it is bling or rice. Its stupid. There are plenty of light weight performance wheels that will fit the 8.

mdw33333

Like I said, those are "bling," and don't belong on the 8. Chrome wheels can be done, but they have to be correctly sized, and tastefully chosen for a car like the 8.

That pic looks hilarius!

NAVILESRX8

iTrader: (1)

STOCK STOCK STOCK STOCK STOCK STOCK STOCK STOCK STOCK STOCK STOCK STOCK STOCK STOCK STOCK STOCK STOCK STOCK STOCK STOCK STOCK


Really is the stock wheel that hideous that you have to replace it with cheap *** looking heavy *** wheels?

It would be tough to replace my wheels, but if I had to, I'd use the Volk TE37's in 18X9...or maybe some BBS wheel...there are so many similar ones I can't remember the exact one I liked best.

That's just me though. I'd rather save the money I'd spend on wheels, and use it for more go power or suspension....you know functional stuff......

Body kits, big speakers, bling wheels(all though I love the stock wheels in Chrome), and all that jazz just ain't me.....

mdw33333

Nothing wrong with the stock wheels, I like them alot. I considered keeping them on actually. I'm in the business, and the pricing I have access to is great, so I proceeded to buy new wheels.

epitrochoid

those bling wheels are something i'd expect to see on a primerd 95 toyota camry

mikeb

good thread
but I'm done trying to fight or explain this whole RICE or bling thing.

A lot of people on this forum aren't into fixing up the rx8 and thats fine.

I love fixing up cars--- If I had a ferrari I would fix it up and change the rims.

I don't comment on your stock cars so why do some of you talk down to people that fix theirs up

NAVILESRX8

iTrader: (1)

MikeB fixing up=Auto tranny equipped "chill ride" focused on looks and who cares if it improves performance, "I wanna look fast and be pimpin' Gimmie the ICE, body kits and dubs so I can mack....

No problem with that...really...sorry I used you as an example...If it makes you happy...go for it.

Me fixing it up=No bodykits. Very subtle apperance mods(clear corners, and factory accessories)exhaust work, suspension work, if I am going to replace wheels and tires, it's going to be for lighter wheels, and race rubber, engine mods(to make it faster, not for sounds, yo!), and most important of all.....modifying the driver(ie: track experience, and instructional class time)....

Hey...we all do our thing....:D

BaronVonBigmeat

I am not against enhancing a car's appearance, by any means. Personally, I think that a great deal of "enhancements" available are ugly tacked-on trash with no regard to how it flows with the cars lines and such. Most of the 8 is smooth flowing curves, then someone sticks on an angular, overly finned and scooped front end--no thanks.

As for the stock wheels...there's some aftermarket wheels that are worse, and some that are better (that one black/black/black 8...."wow"). I think some people just like to be different, it's not that the stock wheels are ugly.

I happen to like shiny wheels too, actually, although I won't ever have chrome on a daily driver, not around here anyhow. Pretty soon I am going to strip the factory paint and buff/polish/clearcoat the stock rims to a near-mirror shine. Hopefully it will be a nice shine without the drawbacks of chrome.

Rev It Up

One thing you can not buy is TASTE!!!!!! It looks as if there are alot of tasteless decisions being made.

mikeb

thats my point
its not just one or the other

I may get a bodykit but it will fit the car nice
I dont want dubs , I got 19's

you can make a car look nice and be fast also

it doesn't have to be so black or white

Ike

Or you could make it look like an Eclipse GT...

Sanguine_Dark

Bling or not, Rice or not....

I am a very 'mild tempered' and tolerant person when it comes to others 'sense of style' and 'taste'. Sure I see things that I don't like or downright hate on cars. I'm sure each of us has their own tastes. I'm all for 'different' because of course I want my car to be a bit 'unique'. It might be construed as tasteless by some but to others it's all the rage. Of course I remember a time when every single male my age had a mullet and wore nike high-tops and parachute pants....tasteless....MOST certainly :D but it was the thing to do and at the time it didn't seem quite as stupid as the pictures we keep hidden in boxes in the back of the garage. Point being - different strokes. Some of us are actually interested in the opinions of everyone and would rather not get flamed for puting forth a possibility. My 2 cents.....flame on

Ike

Parachute pants were at least funtional with all those pockets, and mullets kept our neck warm :p

bubble

MikeB - Do you wear parachute pants while driving your automatic RX8?

Landon_Starr

I find this thread rather contradictory. Bling, rice, whatever, they're all LOADED, opinionated words, that don't convey a proper or clear message. Anyone consistently using the terms should take up an english class, or buy a thesaurus, in order to help accomodate a proper translation of the message they're actually trying to convey. If you don't like something, comment on it, but be constructive.

Nobody likes to have a modification they spent quite a bit of thought and money on doing trashed by some opinionated, narrow-minded a$$hole with words THEY don't even know the meaning of (I say this because interpretation is subjective, it's definition is different for everyone). My understanding was that ANY chrome wheel is "BLING", since it strays from the performance aspect into the aesthetic aspect of wheels. Whatever. Doesn't really matter.

Although some may not agree with your choice, it's just that, your choice. Why waste your own time posting that something is "stupid" when you could be looking for some ideas on things you actually like. This forum is a great resource and tool to seeing what's available for the RX-8, we all have our own distinct flavors, just remember why we're all here, passion for the rotary. :D

I personally get sick of all the stereotypical verbiage used to make a derogatory comment on someone's choice of mod.

If you think it's too heavy or "luxurious" for the RX-8, say, for example, that "I think it's too heavy or luxurious for the RX-8". Seems to actually portray an idea that means something, instead of "stupid blingy thing".

--Landon

Landon_Starr

Plus, I think MikeB could give quite a few lessons on style. His 8 looks awesome. Automatic or not. Some like to be able to have a cup of coffee while they drive. :D

--Landon

WTF no turbo

Cup a coffee,talk on the phone and screw with my palm pilot.Ill buy autos after i turn 50.