mikethemachinist

iTrader: (1)

So I've searched around google, the "calling all..." threads, and searched this site but have come up relatively empty handed.

My car has the stock 16s and I'm wanting to upgrade. For appearance and cost I think I want to go with a 17" setup but am having problems finding pictures.

Is this just not a popular size people go for? Would make sense since those with 18s would just get 18s and those with 16s probably typically go for 18s. But I'm thinking 17s, with a slightly more aggressive offset, and some meaty tires. Car is an auto so by no means will it ever be fast or raced, but I love the look of alot of beef on the rim

So if anyone has pics with 17 inch setups I'd really appreciate it. With specs.

New Yorker

The fashion today is to have the biggest wheels you can fit/afford. The key word being "fashion". Except for a small percentage of hardcore drivers, bigger wheels/tires are a disadvantage. They serve up a harder ride, don't absorb bumps/potholes as well, and adversely affect routine, real world handling (from having greater unsprung weight). If you don't drive with 10/10ths gusto, wringing out every last ounce of performance, the only reason to go larger is because... they're cool.

RX8Soldier

iTrader: (24)

There are plenty of members who have 17 inch rims.

Mostly for tracking/racing. Maybe limit your searches in that forum

eug

iTrader: (2)

There are also a lot of pics of 17's in the winter wheel thread since that is a popular winter tire size. Most are not the offset you're looking for, but it will give you an idea on appearances.

wrightcomputing

iTrader: (5)

I know most Autocrossers in the STX class go with the 17x9 Enkei PF01 You can go to tirerack and view the wheels on your car the link is an example. They will fit up to 265 wide comfortably.

GeorgeH

iTrader: (2)

Yes, a 17x9 wheel with 255/40-17 is a very good choice - it has an excellent price/performance ratio, and it is not "fashionably" too big. The extra width when mated with a good tire choice will give great grip, although you may notice a certain loss of subjective agility.

The rolling radius, however, is smaller than stock, and unless you lower the car you end up with gaps in the wheel wells that most people do not like, visually. Of course, you could get a taller tire if you prefer.

If you want to see some pics, google "Solo national pictures" and look for STX pics. Of course, some RX-8s used 18s at nats (I used 18s in 2011 and 17s in 2010 & 2009) but if you look at the sidewall height you should be able to figure out which is which.

monchie

Most of us have 18's, and 17's are used for winters and tracks eventually. Kinda rare to find some rx8's with 17's in it.

Arca_ex

iTrader: (10)

I only have 17" wheels now. Car came with 19's when I bought it and I'm in the process of getting rid of them.

17x9 +45 Enkei RPF1's for the track and 17x8 +38 Enkei Stock Evo 8 wheels for the street. Smaller wheels have cheaper tires and I eat through street tires due to aggressive alignment, thus 17's for street use. 18's or 19's aren't very economical and they're heavy and more of a pain to swap out all the time.

mrl84

here is a pic of my car with the 17's.


I am stock ride heigh so as others have said you can see the wheel gap. but if you are going from the 16 to a 17 you could play with the side wall height to get a look your happy with, i dont know what the specs on the 16 tires are.

also if you are looking for more pics of 17's look at pics in the compition threads a lot of people that do any racing run 17's.

TrevorsTII

iTrader: (1)

Here is a pic of mine. If you search the Will it fit thread and Aggressive Fitment threads you will find more pics.

17x9 +28 with 245/45/17 Lowered on Tanabe springs stock shocks.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/65577817@N05/6134883003/http://www.flickr.com/photos/65577817@N05/6134883003/ by http://www.flickr.com/people/65577817@N05/, on Flickr

godesshunter

my car came stock with 19s. I just ordered a set of 17x9 for autox but for now I have 17x7.5 215/45/17 to run for the winter here is a pic. Don't know the offset off hand sorry.