Braxxis

Hi, Im new to the site, and was wondering if anyone can tell me how to figure out:

What rims fit my car (without modifying anything)

and what tires fit said rims.

I was thinking of getting 18"x7.5" Enkei EM5 Rims, but cant figure out what tires need to be used (im kind of a n00b :P)

Huey52

iTrader: (2)

The stock rims are 18x8 all around and stock tires are 225x45, although many of us have 245x40's on the stock rims. Optionally 'staggered' 18x8 front and 18x9.5 rear.

Your cited Enkei's are 18x7.5, which will work.

I like the Goodyear Eagle F1's, but there are a host of excellent choices.

Take a look around Tirerack.com by entering RX-8 and your year and select a rim and tire package. It automatically selects known-good pairings that will work well.

Braxxis

Ok, Ill check that out, I was only nosin round ebay anyways for ideas on what to get. Itll be a couple months before I pull the cash together to get them.

If yall think a wider rim would be better Im all for that. Aside from the Enkei's I do like the 18"x8" Konig Again-5 Rims. Red trim on Black would match my Red Ext. Black Int. Nicely I think.

I assume Staggered means wider in the Back and Narrower in the Front. Again, IF you think thats better Im all for it, that's what I signed up for after all, advice :D

I don't know much about tires are anything (and I wasnt about to turn my Ion I had into a Rice Burner lol)

On a side note what do you think of Toyo Tires? I like the way the tread looks, it's unique to me, but again, Im no expert on anything of that nature, heck, I JUST learned how to change my own oil on this thing lol

oh and also I only have the 16" stocks on my car 225/55R16

Revvittupp

Staggered changes the balance of the car, it is for looks or HIGH power only...

225/45's would fit on the 7.5"s

or 225/45 or 245 40's would fit on the 8" rims.

I "believe" that peopel run 275 30's on the 9.5"s. don't quote me though...

Huey52

iTrader: (2)

You definitely want 18" rims Braxxis and I would stay with the 18x8 all around as 1. that's the optimal as stock-designed and 2. you can rotate your tires (can't do so with staggered - wider in rear than front).

Toyo is an excellent brand, as are Bridgestone, Dunlop, Goodyear and Michelin (in no particular order). Pirelli's are also excellent, but overpriced imho. Again, check out the reviews/ratings on Tirerack and then ask again here as you get closer to your buy.

Braxxis

well after checkin that awsome site Huey gave me, Im down to these ones:

Enkei Performance RZ-5. 18x8.5 F, 18x9.5 R or 18x8.5 all around. Gunmetal with Chrome Lip.

Enkei Performance LS-5. 18x8 F, 18x9 R or 18x8 all around. Black.

MSW Type 16. 18x8 All around. Black with Red trim.

For the tires I was thinking the Dunlop Direzza DZ101 (I live in florida so I really don't need "All season" tires lol.)

The Tire specs for all 3 of those ended up being Front: 225/45ZR18 91W, Rear: 245/40ZR18 93W

How are those looking for me then? :D

Edit to add: Oh lol , good point for rotation. So then which would be best. Let me know what you think. (loving this site by the way, this and the link :P)

heres an Pic with the car with each rim. Im leaning strongly to the top two, but torn between them.

Huey52

iTrader: (2)

Welcome to the addiction.

I think the MSW's red piping sets off your velocity red very nicely. I'm a five-spoke believer myself.

Stick with the 225x45's for stock-optimal handling (responsiveness), or 245x40 more for looks. Again, non-staggered so you can rotate.

Braxxis

haha.. thanks. :P Yea I was definately leaning to the MSW's. Im actually kind of torn between the LS-5's and them. (Even when I wasn't that into cars I've heard of Enkei so maybe that's why? /shrug lol)

But yea, I do like the red 'trim' and it's unique. You don't see many cars, at least in my direct area, that have that.

RK

iTrader: (1)

It will look better than thos pics, IMHO, as they don't do justice to your red. Plus the spokes are a little thinner which will make it a little easier to clean and the wheels are lighter than stockers. They are almost 5lbs lighter than the LS-5s which are close or over stock wheels.

Also make sure you know what offset you will be getting (looks like the MSWs are +45 and the LS-5s are +40).

pdxhak

iTrader: (2)

Before you buy anything search through this thread

https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-wheels-tires-brakes-suspension-55/will-fit-thread-133500/

And review this thread for actual pics

https://www.rx8club.com/rx-8-multimedia-photo-gallery-6/calling-all-velocity-reds-39071/

Braxxis

I think im pretty sold on the MSW's anyways lol. My brother In-Law keeps telling me to do the 19"s instead, so Im nose-in around those too.

Also where is a good place to get accessories, like spoilers, hoods, trunk, kits, exhaust etc.

Braxxis

Ok.. so its down to either:
MSW Type 16 - 18"x8" with either 225/45-18 Pirelli PZero Nero M&S or 225/45-18 XL BFGoodrich g-Force Sport
or the
MSW Type 16 - 19"x8" with 225/40-19 Kumho Ecsta SPT

I decided to look at tests results with the tires. Its hurricane season and we get a LOT of Rain, and the roads are slick enough as it is, I need all the traction I can get lol. These looked the best and most reasonably priced for handling and what not in Dry and Wet conditions.

Let me know which is better for the 18" tho, the Pirelli or the BFG

thanks for all the help and speedy responses by the way!

Huey52

iTrader: (2)

For best wet weather traction it's hard to beat the Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3. However they don't come in 225x45 so you'll have to go with 245x40 (but as I cited at the top, many of us have gone this route on stock 18x8 wheels all around AOK).

19" wheels are too much imho. You'll lose responsiveness and I just don't think they look right on this machine. But at the end of the day it's what you like that matters.