I'm looking to replace the stock rims/tires but I'm wondering what the largest tire I can put up front is?

I'd like to keep 18" but go as wide as possible up front and match the rears with the same. A call to tirerack says the biggest up front is 255/40/R18 on an 18x8.5 rim. Can anyone else confirm/deny this?

I'd like to hear what other people have had success with as well.

 

You can go 18x9s. I talked with a guy at aspec and he said they have 18x9s on the Grenade RX-8. I don't remember the offset and tire size though. When I get the money, I'm going with 18x9s on all 4 corners.

 

18X9.5 45 offset with 275-35-18 Falken 615RT's fit..........

 

^what kind of dampers are you useing?

 

JIC FLTA2 coilovers....

 

 

OH GOD.. please tell me thats a photochop.

 

Of course it's real! The trucker guys got a hold of the proto-type RX-Evolve and started modding to their liking since year 2000. (check out the date on the photo)

 

If I had that 8 I would smash every dam SUV on the road and drvie with my head lights right in there face, see how they like it!
Just venting.

 

Ack! Nearly derailed here. I'd really like some more serious replies to this. Ideally speaking this is the setup I'd like to use:

Volk Racing 18x9.5 front and year with 265/40/R18's. Can this be done with an appropriate offset up front?

 

^^^read this again. I will look for the picks.

 

proof.

http://www.good-win-racing.com/mazda...ighlight=enkei

 

Yep - Brian even said this setup would fit with the complete Mazdaspeed suspension.

 

I think the Volks come in a 44 offset for most styles...that should work

 

the largest I have seen used on the front of the RX-8 so far is 18 x 10 with 285/30-18, bolt-on with no fender mods

 

Thanks for all the input guys. It looks like the Volk's I was after would be a special order since the std. offsets are too small.

I think I've settled on Brian's setup with the Enkei RP-F1's with the custom offset and some Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3 @ 275/35/18.

 

Are these back in stock?

Also consider the BFG KDW2 in the same size (I had my heart set on the Eagles also until I did a little more research.) $200 less, but comparable weight and performance (dont do the KD without the W if you live where it rains). A reasonable cost-to-benefit comparison. Dont get me wrong, the eagles are great street tires.

 

After doing research I discovered that the Eagles have about the best wet traction you can hope for. But you're right, the KDW2's are very comparable in performance in every area except road noise. Personally, I find background noises like that very fatiguing and so it is worth the extra cash to get a quieter tire.