Winter Wheel & Tire pics (installed)
11-20-2005, 12:18 PM
#78
Purveyor of fine bass
Dunlop WinterSport M3s on ASA JH3s (more pics here)
I purchased the tires/wheels combo from tirerack.com.
Installation notes:
You have to use thin-wall sockets. I used the Gorilla thin-wall sockets from TireRack. The lug wrench that comes with the car has too thick of a wall for the ASA JH3 wheel lug holes. It's pretty tight clearance.
When installing, keep the wheel pressed against the hub and get the first lug slightly tight. This pushes the wheel against the hub and gets it centered using the supplied centering rings (pre-installed by TireRack). If you don't tighten the first lug, then the wheel will slide down and make screwing other lugs on difficult.
I used the lugs that TireRack sent, as they were longer and fit the "deep socket" style of the ASA JH3 wheel. However, those lugs would not work well with the stock wheels as they would be too long and look bad.
I purchased the tires/wheels combo from tirerack.com.
Installation notes:
You have to use thin-wall sockets. I used the Gorilla thin-wall sockets from TireRack. The lug wrench that comes with the car has too thick of a wall for the ASA JH3 wheel lug holes. It's pretty tight clearance.
When installing, keep the wheel pressed against the hub and get the first lug slightly tight. This pushes the wheel against the hub and gets it centered using the supplied centering rings (pre-installed by TireRack). If you don't tighten the first lug, then the wheel will slide down and make screwing other lugs on difficult.
I used the lugs that TireRack sent, as they were longer and fit the "deep socket" style of the ASA JH3 wheel. However, those lugs would not work well with the stock wheels as they would be too long and look bad.
Last edited by Astral; 11-27-2005 at 09:59 PM.
11-24-2005, 09:26 PM
#80
'04 MT RX8/71 351C Mach1
Vectorwolf - I noticed in your pics that your M3s have a dot on the sidewall, just as mine do. Do you know why it is there? I seem to remember from a past life, or somewhere, that some tire manufacturers would mark 2nds or blems in some such way. I hope that is not the case with our tires! 
12-01-2005, 08:46 AM
#81
Black and B-E-A-UTIFUL!
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17x7 ADR Gun Metallic Sokudo rims with 225/50/17 Hankook Icebear rubber. Unbelievable how much quieter these tires are than my cupped and feathered stockies!
Last edited by wisconsinben; 12-01-2005 at 01:26 PM.
12-06-2005, 04:19 PM
#82
I'm not liking a lot of the rims I see.
You're more than invited to tell me to fark off, as if my opinion matters.
Has anyone just left the stock 18" rims on and done a tire swap, and if so, is there any particular risk of damage to the stock 18" rims by utilizing them in the winter?
You're more than invited to tell me to fark off, as if my opinion matters.
Has anyone just left the stock 18" rims on and done a tire swap, and if so, is there any particular risk of damage to the stock 18" rims by utilizing them in the winter?
12-06-2005, 04:34 PM
#83
Mmmmm... Rotary Donut
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Originally Posted by RotoRocket
I'm not liking a lot of the rims I see.
You're more than invited to tell me to fark off, as if my opinion matters.
Has anyone just left the stock 18" rims on and done a tire swap, and if so, is there any particular risk of damage to the stock 18" rims by utilizing them in the winter?
You're more than invited to tell me to fark off, as if my opinion matters.
Has anyone just left the stock 18" rims on and done a tire swap, and if so, is there any particular risk of damage to the stock 18" rims by utilizing them in the winter?
12-06-2005, 05:08 PM
#84
Originally Posted by G8rboy
I've been doing that for 3 winters now... the stock rims are holding up just fine (and we get a lot of salt around here). However I did it trying to save a few bucks as I bought my RX8 going into the winter of '03, and there wasn't a big selection of winter wheel/tire combos back then... but next spring I'm leaving my winter tires on my stock wheels and upgrading to new summer rubber and lightweight wheels.
I just made up my find.
Forget the 17" rims.
There's no reason to believe the winter conditions will be harder on the stock 18" alloy wheels as they would be on any other alloy wheel. All my alloy wheels have held up well in Michigan, and we get tons of salt here, too.
Thanks.
12-06-2005, 05:09 PM
#85
Originally Posted by RA-Eight
Test fitting the new winter set up. Doesn't look too bad, but will definitely miss the 18s.
12-06-2005, 05:45 PM
#86
'04 MT RX8/71 351C Mach1
Some downside to changing from summers to snows with your stock wheels.
1. I have had Volvos in the past (for the kids to drive to school - they were built like a tank) After the first Winter's experience in Wisconsin we decided to go the snow tire route. We couldn't believe that a car designed and built in Sweeden would be bad in the snow, but it was. Blizzak snows really helped the situation. After two or three years of switching back and forth on the stock wheels, we started to get bead seal failures, especially shortly after the snows were reinstalled each winter and the weather turned cold. Many flat tires in the driveway after a cold night. In examining the tires over time, the beads tend to get damaged with the repeated mounting and dismounting each year. Yeah, if extreme care is taken in the process, this shouldn't happen. But how many places take "extreme care" in changing a tire! If you put the snows on dedicated wheels, this is not a problem.
2. With the RX-8 wheels, you run the risk of damaging the TPMS units, at a cost of over $100 ea if you can't get the guys who changed the tires to pay for it. Even if they do, more hassle. It is probably best to have Mazda do the change over for this reason.
3. Many places now are charging more and more to change over tires with larger wheels, "fancy" wheels that they know customers will scream bloody murder if there is the slightest nick on the finnish, and of course the TMPS unit situation. The guy I usually use quoted $25 to $30 per wheel! At twice a year, that pays for a set of $100 wheels real fast!
Just some of my thoughts.
Zoom, Zoom!
1. I have had Volvos in the past (for the kids to drive to school - they were built like a tank) After the first Winter's experience in Wisconsin we decided to go the snow tire route. We couldn't believe that a car designed and built in Sweeden would be bad in the snow, but it was. Blizzak snows really helped the situation. After two or three years of switching back and forth on the stock wheels, we started to get bead seal failures, especially shortly after the snows were reinstalled each winter and the weather turned cold. Many flat tires in the driveway after a cold night. In examining the tires over time, the beads tend to get damaged with the repeated mounting and dismounting each year. Yeah, if extreme care is taken in the process, this shouldn't happen. But how many places take "extreme care" in changing a tire! If you put the snows on dedicated wheels, this is not a problem.
2. With the RX-8 wheels, you run the risk of damaging the TPMS units, at a cost of over $100 ea if you can't get the guys who changed the tires to pay for it. Even if they do, more hassle. It is probably best to have Mazda do the change over for this reason.
3. Many places now are charging more and more to change over tires with larger wheels, "fancy" wheels that they know customers will scream bloody murder if there is the slightest nick on the finnish, and of course the TMPS unit situation. The guy I usually use quoted $25 to $30 per wheel! At twice a year, that pays for a set of $100 wheels real fast!
Just some of my thoughts.
Zoom, Zoom!
12-06-2005, 06:19 PM
#87
Originally Posted by glassetcher
Some downside to changing from summers to snows with your stock wheels.
1. I have had Volvos in the past (for the kids to drive to school - they were built like a tank) After the first Winter's experience in Wisconsin we decided to go the snow tire route. We couldn't believe that a car designed and built in Sweeden would be bad in the snow, but it was. Blizzak snows really helped the situation. After two or three years of switching back and forth on the stock wheels, we started to get bead seal failures, especially shortly after the snows were reinstalled each winter and the weather turned cold. Many flat tires in the driveway after a cold night. In examining the tires over time, the beads tend to get damaged with the repeated mounting and dismounting each year. Yeah, if extreme care is taken in the process, this shouldn't happen. But how many places take "extreme care" in changing a tire! If you put the snows on dedicated wheels, this is not a problem.
2. With the RX-8 wheels, you run the risk of damaging the TPMS units, at a cost of over $100 ea if you can't get the guys who changed the tires to pay for it. Even if they do, more hassle. It is probably best to have Mazda do the change over for this reason.
3. Many places now are charging more and more to change over tires with larger wheels, "fancy" wheels that they know customers will scream bloody murder if there is the slightest nick on the finnish, and of course the TMPS unit situation. The guy I usually use quoted $25 to $30 per wheel! At twice a year, that pays for a set of $100 wheels real fast!
Just some of my thoughts.
Zoom, Zoom!
1. I have had Volvos in the past (for the kids to drive to school - they were built like a tank) After the first Winter's experience in Wisconsin we decided to go the snow tire route. We couldn't believe that a car designed and built in Sweeden would be bad in the snow, but it was. Blizzak snows really helped the situation. After two or three years of switching back and forth on the stock wheels, we started to get bead seal failures, especially shortly after the snows were reinstalled each winter and the weather turned cold. Many flat tires in the driveway after a cold night. In examining the tires over time, the beads tend to get damaged with the repeated mounting and dismounting each year. Yeah, if extreme care is taken in the process, this shouldn't happen. But how many places take "extreme care" in changing a tire! If you put the snows on dedicated wheels, this is not a problem.
2. With the RX-8 wheels, you run the risk of damaging the TPMS units, at a cost of over $100 ea if you can't get the guys who changed the tires to pay for it. Even if they do, more hassle. It is probably best to have Mazda do the change over for this reason.
3. Many places now are charging more and more to change over tires with larger wheels, "fancy" wheels that they know customers will scream bloody murder if there is the slightest nick on the finnish, and of course the TMPS unit situation. The guy I usually use quoted $25 to $30 per wheel! At twice a year, that pays for a set of $100 wheels real fast!
Just some of my thoughts.
Zoom, Zoom!
Those are very good points.
Maybe I'll default to my pre-default position, again.
12-06-2005, 07:36 PM
#88
'O' - 'H' !!! ...
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Yeah, I agree with glassetcher. Nobody gets the 17" wheels for aesthetics. It's for convenience, and in the long run it's actually a cheaper solution than mounting/dismounting tires on the stock wheels twice a year. I'm sorry you don't like what you see in this thread, but IMO you're in the minority. I actually like the way my winter wheels and tires look, and I like most of what I've seen from others. Granted, the stock 18's do look the best.
12-06-2005, 07:57 PM
#89
'04 MT RX8/71 351C Mach1
Agreed! In the perfect world, I'd have my snows on my stock wheels, or something even better looking. But in the real world (and budget) I ended up with the combination I posted above in this thread. Althought I didn't like the wheels at first, they are starting to grow on me. Kind of the "dark side" for the winter
BTW - RX8 Buckeye - It sounds like we have a couple of things in common - Ohio roots, Guitar, and of course the RX-8!!!
BTW - RX8 Buckeye - It sounds like we have a couple of things in common - Ohio roots, Guitar, and of course the RX-8!!!
Last edited by glassetcher; 12-06-2005 at 08:12 PM.
12-06-2005, 07:59 PM
#90
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Hey gang....I'm a fairly new RX-8 owner having taken delivery in October of this year. With my past high performance cars that came with summer only tires I have either bought a second set of rims and mounted snows and then swapped back and forth in the spring/fall or I have just swapped out the tires. Either way it is a guess on when to make the swap and worries you might get caught with your pants down (wrong tires for the wrong weather). This time around I almost immediately purchased and installed a set of ultra high performance all-season tires (W rated). I lost some ultimate grip in the dry but gained a slightly quieter ride and a bit more compliance. Plus I won't have to switch back/forth as I have in the past. So far I could not be happier. Last week we received close to 20in of snow and a little freezing rain and I did not have any trouble making my way around on infrequently plowed and snow packed roads. Ground clearance appears to be my only limitation. Yesterday I had a business meeting and traveled across town and without thinking when I parked I picked a spot away from other cars but noticed after I stopped realized the nose of the car was noticeably downward from the tail. I figured I was going to have a tough time backing up on the shiny snowpacked lot but after the meeting using cautious throttle and clutch engagement I backed right out. So....ultra high performance all season maybe an option for some of you.
12-09-2005, 09:09 AM
#91
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Originally Posted by 65Soda
Hey gang....I'm a fairly new RX-8 owner having taken delivery in October of this year. With my past high performance cars that came with summer only tires I have either bought a second set of rims and mounted snows and then swapped back and forth in the spring/fall or I have just swapped out the tires. Either way it is a guess on when to make the swap and worries you might get caught with your pants down (wrong tires for the wrong weather). This time around I almost immediately purchased and installed a set of ultra high performance all-season tires (W rated). I lost some ultimate grip in the dry but gained a slightly quieter ride and a bit more compliance. Plus I won't have to switch back/forth as I have in the past. So far I could not be happier. Last week we received close to 20in of snow and a little freezing rain and I did not have any trouble making my way around on infrequently plowed and snow packed roads. Ground clearance appears to be my only limitation. Yesterday I had a business meeting and traveled across town and without thinking when I parked I picked a spot away from other cars but noticed after I stopped realized the nose of the car was noticeably downward from the tail. I figured I was going to have a tough time backing up on the shiny snowpacked lot but after the meeting using cautious throttle and clutch engagement I backed right out. So....ultra high performance all season maybe an option for some of you.
12-09-2005, 11:11 AM
#92
mis-shift_DOH
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I don't remember seeing anyone with my winter rims, 17" Motegi RT-5 (White) on Toyo Garits. I'm starting to like my winter rims more than the stockies, the white fits my WB well
Last edited by LiTTleRX-8; 12-09-2005 at 11:19 AM.
12-09-2005, 11:35 AM
#93
Goh Mifune
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Nice look, LittleRX8, especially on a snow covered driveway!
I had a scare last night. The snow was falling so fast that the problem wasn't the traction --my 17" Pirelli Winter 210 SnowSport's are very good -- but the depth of the snow on the street... I was definitely plowing here and there and ended up relieved to get home but at the bottom of my driveway because the snow was too deep. After getting the driveway shoveled, I just couldn' t get any traction... took about 40 minutes of shoveling and back and forth rocking before I inched into the garage. The front air scoop was full of snow. The traction control was a big help -- otherwise I don't think I could have even "inched" up the driveway.
I don't think I'd be comfortable with all-weather tires given the consequences to my baby of sliding into a ditch... I've had other scares here and there, and when the car is "out of control" on snow or ice and traveling at any speed, it's terrifying.
I had a scare last night. The snow was falling so fast that the problem wasn't the traction --my 17" Pirelli Winter 210 SnowSport's are very good -- but the depth of the snow on the street... I was definitely plowing here and there and ended up relieved to get home but at the bottom of my driveway because the snow was too deep. After getting the driveway shoveled, I just couldn' t get any traction... took about 40 minutes of shoveling and back and forth rocking before I inched into the garage. The front air scoop was full of snow. The traction control was a big help -- otherwise I don't think I could have even "inched" up the driveway.
I don't think I'd be comfortable with all-weather tires given the consequences to my baby of sliding into a ditch... I've had other scares here and there, and when the car is "out of control" on snow or ice and traveling at any speed, it's terrifying.
Last edited by MEGAREDS; 12-09-2005 at 11:42 AM.
12-09-2005, 12:13 PM
#94
LittleRX-8 - Nice!
I like that look.
Okay, to everyone:
1) Can I go with a 225/55/17 Snow Tire? I have found much better prices on these online than 215/50/17 or 225/50/17.
2) I shouldn't have any fitment problems with any 17" tire as long as my rims are 17"x7" or 17"x17.5" with the proper bolt pattern, right?
Thanks.
I like that look.
Okay, to everyone:
1) Can I go with a 225/55/17 Snow Tire? I have found much better prices on these online than 215/50/17 or 225/50/17.
2) I shouldn't have any fitment problems with any 17" tire as long as my rims are 17"x7" or 17"x17.5" with the proper bolt pattern, right?
Thanks.
Last edited by RotoRocket; 12-09-2005 at 01:03 PM.
12-09-2005, 12:57 PM
#96
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Originally Posted by MEGAREDS
Nice look, LittleRX8, especially on a snow covered driveway!
I was definitely plowing here and there and ended up relieved to get home but at the bottom of my driveway because the snow was too deep. After getting the driveway shoveled, I just couldn' t get any traction... took about 40 minutes of shoveling and back and forth rocking before I inched into the garage. The front air scoop was full of snow. The traction control was a big help -- otherwise I don't think I could have even "inched" up the driveway.
I don't think I'd be comfortable with all-weather tires given the consequences to my baby of sliding into a ditch... I've had other scares here and there, and when the car is "out of control" on snow or ice and traveling at any speed, it's terrifying.
I was definitely plowing here and there and ended up relieved to get home but at the bottom of my driveway because the snow was too deep. After getting the driveway shoveled, I just couldn' t get any traction... took about 40 minutes of shoveling and back and forth rocking before I inched into the garage. The front air scoop was full of snow. The traction control was a big help -- otherwise I don't think I could have even "inched" up the driveway.
I don't think I'd be comfortable with all-weather tires given the consequences to my baby of sliding into a ditch... I've had other scares here and there, and when the car is "out of control" on snow or ice and traveling at any speed, it's terrifying.
Last edited by LiTTleRX-8; 12-09-2005 at 01:03 PM.
12-16-2005, 09:09 PM
#98
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Originally Posted by renesis17
Does anyone know how to turn off the tps alarm? I didn't bother with the extra $100 per wheel sensor for my winter tires
12-16-2005, 09:14 PM
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you're kidding right?....
there has to be some "clutch in, turn once to acc, then off, then back, while in rev, holding your nuts...." combination that will turn the thing off...
there has to be some "clutch in, turn once to acc, then off, then back, while in rev, holding your nuts...." combination that will turn the thing off...