Before you laugh, realize I'm new to the car culture, but I'm trying to learn! Question: what are the major considerations (besides appearance) when selecting a wheel? I read in another thread something about forged versus another manufacturing process. Is forged better? Is it possible for a wheel to be too light in terms of weight? I know not all wheels accept TPMS. Is that a big deal? It seems it would be annoying to have the sensor flashing on the dash all the time. Anything else?

 

I would carefully look at the wheel offset.

Dont know the details or the thresholds as I haven't personally started looking at wheels yet.

 

Our stock wheel size is 18"x8" with 50 mm offset. Make sure the offset is between 45 and 50 mm. Forged is stronger and lighter which you pay for. If you are not racing then the extra money spent might not be worth it. Cast wheels are just fine for everyday driving and uaually about half the cost of forged wheels. If you don't like the blinky TPMS light (doesn't bother me) then you need to make sure the wheel will work with our TPMS sensors.

 

I thought the tpms light comes on constant...didn't know it keeps blinking.

 

there is a fix for that TPMS light...and no I'm not talking about a piece of electrical tape :P

here you go: https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-do-yourself-forum-73/diy-disabling-tpms-35708/

 

wut about size.. iv seen some rx-8s running 17s and some as big as 19s.. what can this car handle? and what do most people run in size?

 

ummm do you have the 16s right now? cause the brakes on those are much smaller if I remember

as for 19s? No problem...most upgrades go straight to 19s there are some 20s around here, ask the Aussies and Kelrx8

oh and I believe there was one with 22s on there...Aussie of course...they are the only ones crazy enough to try, I salute them! :D

 

bolt circle, offset, width, diameter, weight, acceptance of TPMS, construction method (cast or forged, etc., one piece or two, etc.), construction material, finish durability and quality.

Only if it compromises durability and strength for the particular application you want it for. That's why, generally, lighter wheels are made using more advanced, more expensive techniques, as they result in more durability per unit of weight.

Usually cost, and (if you are interested in performance)... lighter and smaller diameter wheels are less a drag on engine's HP output each time you accelerate, and easier on your car's braking system every time you brake.

Smaller and lighter wheels demand less HP to rotate them and allow more HP to get to the road vs. being consumed by rotational inertia.