Hey gang,

Once again, I need your help? I'm torn between Mazda's OEM Dark Chrome ($1320) and WedsSport TC005 ($1556). Some things to keep in mind are:

a) I'm looking for a real CLEAN and SIMPLE look...
b) Both are TPMS compatible...
c) My car is not lowered, Phantom Blue, no appearace packages...

Thanks in advace. Any constructive input would be appreciated!

edit: To have my factory rims dipped in black chrome would cost $300/wheel. The Dark Chrome's are $330/wheel.

 

If you don't lower your car, stick with your factory wheels. The dark chrome or any aftermarket wheel for that matter will draw attention to your wheel gap and TRUST me it won't look as good as you think it will.

If you lower your car, I'd go with the Wedsport. Nice wheel.

 

Those Wedsports look bad *** on an 8..... well an 8 in need for speed hot pursuit anyway.

 

Depends on your priorities. It looks like you're going for looks and if so the dark chrome is the way to go. The TC005 isn't actually that good looking on a RX-8. On the otherhand, the TC005 is definitely the way to go if you want performance.

 

The reason aftermarket wheels draw attention to the gap is because they're generally lower offset and/or wider and so push the wheels outward. A wheel that is close to where the stock wheels end like the 8.5" 53mm offset TC005 or the 8" 50mm offset SA90 will not make the gaps any more noticeable.

 

Here are some pics of the dark chrome rims on a Phantom Blue RX8. I got this pic from from another member's site, http://www.flickr.com/photos/tostie1...7594087696832/ .

 

bump.

 

you sure those are dark chromes?.....i have a set sitting in my garage collecting dust and they look allot darker than those

 

yeah and i have a set of bright chromes on my silver 8 and they look the same as those

go with weds, its an awesome looking rim

 

davefzr has a set of the TC005s on his Velocity Red, you can search for the pictures that he's posted. I'm a HUGE fan of the TC005, but in my opinion if you're going for looks the OEM dark chrome is the way to go. The TC005's angular design doesn't blend well with the softer shape of the RX-8. I love the TC005s because of its combination of strength, lightness, stock like offset, and (relative) affordability. If you were racing your car, I'd suggest the TC005s hands down, but your priorities seems to be style and in that vein the dark chrome OEMs look absolutely gorgeous. I spent a good half hour staring at a Whitewater Pearl with dark chrome while I was waiting for my car to be prepped for delivery and it was mesmerizing.

(The Phantom Blue posted has normal chrome wheels. Those are far inferior to the dark chrome in looks.)

 

By the way, consider WedsSport SA70s. They're cheaper, but in my opinion look way better than the TC005s.

 

here is an older shot with my previous set up

 

LOL! Actually, no...I'm not sure. I knew that guy had chrome rims and posted it. I've never actually seen the Dark Chromes in person. PM'd you Chrism~!