Can we put the max tire size issue to rest?

[absolutamente]

Maybe I haven't looked hard enough, but I have not found a definitive answer to what the maximum tire width that will fit under a MS3 without rubbing is, and what wheel off-set is required to facilitate it. Can anyone help me out? I have seen quite a bit about 235 with 18 x 8 +45. Is this the magic number? I did the math and this is not what I came up with. But, often times the numbers don't tell the whole story anyway.

[aaronc7]

i am on 18 x 7.5 +45 with stock tires...lowered 1" with cobb springs and its close when turning in the front. Even before lowered it was. Is there a certain setup youre looking at? If you want a big wide tire stock offset would be ideal

[jp4130]

Maybe I haven't looked hard enough, but I have not found a definitive answer to what the maximum tire width that will fit under a MS3 without rubbing is, and what wheel off-set is required to facilitate it. Can anyone help me out? I have seen quite a bit about 235 with 18 x 8 +45. Is this the magic number? I did the math and this is not what I came up with. But, often times the numbers don't tell the whole story anyway.


This is pretty "definitve" at least for the right offset: 18/8.5 53mm

Anybody running wider wheels than this?

[Hirudin]

This is pretty "definitve" at least for the right offset: 18/8.5 53mm

Anybody running wider wheels than this?
I highly doubt it!

You're on 235/40 18s right?

[Demi]

This is pretty "definitve" at least for the right offset: 18/8.5 53mm

Anybody running wider wheels than this?

Wow thats what youre running? Does it rub?

[jp4130]

I highly doubt it!

You're on 235/40 18s right?
yes

Wow thats what youre running? Does it rub?
Not at stock ride hieght; I will find out in the spring if they rub with my coilovers installed.(canada)

[absolutamente]

Looks like you cut that one extremely close. I will be installing a set of Mazdaspeed drop springs with a camber kit rights after the snow melts. It is after this that I intend to purchase new wheels and tires. I assume I should expect the same results as have been seen with the COBB kit. Why did you go with 8.5" instead of 8"? You should be able to mount 235mm either way, right? Do you think this would provide more clearance for the tire or just cause a balloon affect?

[fourthmeal]

I think that wheel doesn't come in an 8 with the right offset. Personally, I LOVE his WEDSPORT (or are those Work?) wheels. Yes, it is extremely close, but if everything stays aligned right (no bent strut, no worn bearings) it should stay that tight without trouble. It is so close it just makes you cringe, but man the look on the outside is stellar.

[absolutamente]

Yes, I agree, the Wedsports are super bad ass. Do you think the tolerance from one wheel brand to another is close enough that I should be able to expect a similar fit with a different brand? It just seems that with the rims that close, I might go to a different brand who measures this different and yeilds a different result with the same offset and width. Maybe I'm thinking too much into it.

[fourthmeal]

IMO, the most ideal size to fit our car is 18x8, RX8 wheels. This is only by memory, but I think the offset is ~51mm, and they do fit perfectly on our car. 235/40-18's or if you want to push it, 245/40-18. I think with 245's, we are near PERFECT for circumference compared with stock, so it is the most ideal. The problem with 245's is that they may rub on the rear, so fender rolling or lip shaving may be necessary. I love wide rubber, so it may be worth it to try.

The biggest problem out there for us is the offset. Most 18x8's are made with 35-40mm offset, and a handful are 45mm. A tiny fraction of the entire population of available wheels has an offset of 48mm+ for us. Add to that trouble that Mazda has one of the largest wheel hub diameters, and a large brake package, and you have one rare set of wheel choices.

I'm still looking for the perfect wheel myself. The Wedsport is very close to what I want, but I'm still searching.

[All4BeSpinnin]

I would drop to a 17" wheel myself. If it it clears the front brakes why run something bigger and heavier. 18" just look too big on a hatchback for me. I think a 17x8 (48mm offset) with a 245/40/17 would probably work. Maybe some slight rub in the back with weight.

Then buy a pair of 16x8 for the strip and throw some drag radials on it.

[fourthmeal]

The biggest reason I wouldn't go to a 17 is due to the sidewall being much softer (relatively) compared with the same comparable 18. This car is as nimble as it is because of this, I think. Racing tires would obviously be excluded, since they are engineered to do this as-is, but street tires aren't as tough.

I'm a big fan of 18's or 19's on this car. 18's seems nearly ideal given all the variables. A 48mm offset on an 18x8 or 17x8 will likely rub on a 245, but not a 235 (without rolling fenders, naturally.) Its SO close even with a 235. A slightly higher offset should work (say 51mm+), I know it seems like so trivial, but the tolerances are very close.

[jp4130]

Looks like you cut that one extremely close. I will be installing a set of Mazdaspeed drop springs with a camber kit rights after the snow melts. It is after this that I intend to purchase new wheels and tires. I assume I should expect the same results as have been seen with the COBB kit. Why did you go with 8.5" instead of 8"? You should be able to mount 235mm either way, right? Do you think this would provide more clearance for the tire or just cause a balloon affect?

I went 8.5" for the crisp feel; 235 or 245 feels better at this width. I hate the sloppy feeling that you get when your tire is to wide for the rim. 235 is the highest you can go with an 8", 245 is really pushing it.


Yes, I agree, the Wedsports are super bad ass. Do you think the tolerance from one wheel brand to another is close enough that I should be able to expect a similar fit with a different brand? It just seems that with the rims that close, I might go to a different brand who measures this different and yeilds a different result with the same offset and width. Maybe I'm thinking too much into it.

Rims are built to very precise tolerances, so in theory a certian size and offset should not be different between different brands.

[Young Roids]

DSG I think it was had 245s on their MS3(you know the one that was SUPPOSED to be AWD). I don't know how they did it like what offset they used or if they rolled the fenders.

For me personally I am thinking about doing a 235/35/19 with the enkei rpf1 at 19"x8" with a 48 offset(wheel pictured below)

[fourthmeal]

That aught to do YoungRoids! I'd love to see pics of the result.

[jp4130]

That aught to do YoungRoids! I'd love to see pics of the result.
+ 1 (thumb)
Very nice choice on wheels
I would like to know how that short sidewall feels/works.
post results.

[Young Roids]

It might be awhile before I have the money saved up for that setup, but that will be what I am gonna go with. So figure when my stck bridgestones need replacement I will get my enkeis(the car is brand new right now with 200 miles).

[fourthmeal]

For me, I have about 14k on the stock tires, and they're somewhere near 1/2 tread. Not bad, IMO, given that I tend to not be very easy on tires at all.

[aaronc7]

I am on 18x7.5" +45. You think 225/40 is the widest I can go? Lowered 1" on cobb springs too. I am on stock rubber now, I don't have a ton of room left in the wheel well but never had any rubbing, even with 4 passengers.

[pidass15]

I also have Cobb springs so lowered ~1". What is the widest tire I can run on stock rims? 225/45??

[aaronc7]

I have seen people do 235/40 on stock wheels. You should be fine with that

[SwampAss]

235/40 on 18X8 @ 48mm offset RUB on mazdaspeed springs. I can tell you first hand. I have lots of little rubber ribbons hanging off my rear tires.

[fourthmeal]

Swampass, I'm wondering if its just your type of tire, because I've been playing around with the numbers and it shouldn't happen with most tires. I noticed your tire is an A/S, with a pretty wide tread block and also pretty square with regard to the sidewall. Compared with, say, a Bridgestone Pozenza 01, you've got more tread on the outside edges (perhaps for A/S performance??)

It is so close, that perhaps tire choice plays a part here aside from tire size alone. I also wondered what would happen if you took the hubs of those wheels and had 3 to 4 mm shaved from the hub on the inside, effectively increasing the offset.

[funkyman]

235/18/40 Kumho Ecsta SPT(bump)

[fourthmeal]

Funkyman, I forgot, are those 7.5 or 8"? And, what was the offset?

[udontknowjack]

235/18/40 Kumho Ecsta SPT(bump)

40 inch rims???

or do u mean 235/40/18?

[aaronc7]

and are you dropped at all? doenst look like it but just checking

[funkyman]

45mm offset
235/40/18-7.5
No drop,no rubbing even with 5 people on board.

[aaronc7]

How close funkyman? Do you think ~1" drop would make your setup rub? we have same size and offset wheel. Thanks!

[funkyman]

1" inch drop would be the limit i think.I only had 5 people in the car once,but a 1" drop on mine would look awsome might rub occasionally with second passanger and stock set up.Again depending on how bumpy the road is.1" drop should be ok from what i can see on a flat surface with 2 passangers and no major bumps.

[aaronc7]

Hmmmmmm thanks for the info! I really want to run 235/40s

[vdawg2344]

45mm offset
235/40/18-7.5
No drop,no rubbing even with 5 people on board.

Funkyman, where did you get that wheel/tire setup and how much was it? What is the model of those wheels?

Thanks..they look sweet!

[funkyman]

Himmm I don`t really like to reveal my secrets but they are 5Zigen Gravis1 Chrome with Kumho Ecsta I paid 1600usd shipped with nitrogen and balanced on a special 4 months ago i don`t know if you can get them that cheap now but i don`t know call them and ask them.

Wheelstudio.com

[absolutamente]

Swampass, I'm wondering if its just your type of tire, because I've been playing around with the numbers and it shouldn't happen with most tires. I noticed your tire is an A/S, with a pretty wide tread block and also pretty square with regard to the sidewall. Compared with, say, a Bridgestone Pozenza 01, you've got more tread on the outside edges (perhaps for A/S performance??)

It is so close, that perhaps tire choice plays a part here aside from tire size alone. I also wondered what would happen if you took the hubs of those wheels and had 3 to 4 mm shaved from the hub on the inside, effectively increasing the offset.

I like the sound of that idea. I am not completely dead set on 235 width tires (it sounds like this will be somewhat of a crap shoot with a lowered vehicle). The wheels I am looking to buy are Tenzo R dc5's which, in an 18" size, only come in 8" width with a 45mm offset. I will probably settle on 225 width tires (if I get really dissapointed with the traction, I am sure some R compount will more than make up for the 10mm of missing width), but I wonder if they will still rub with this offset using mazdaspeed springs. However, now that you mention milling the hubs, this could be my out if I run into troubles. What do you think? Also, I have heard rumors that Sport Compact Car may be planning a MS3 project car. I almost want to just wait to see what they do.

[fourthmeal]

As there are a lot of variables in milling a hubcenter, but it sounds feasible with an extremely competent machinist. I am not one of those guys, though.

That is the same wheel I was looking at too, but the offset shut it down for me. The trick will be to find the same style of wheel in a 7.5" or a high-offset 8".

[absolutamente]

As there are a lot of variables in milling a hubcenter, but it sounds feasible with an extremely competent machinist. I am not one of those guys, though.

That is the same wheel I was looking at too, but the offset shut it down for me. The trick will be to find the same style of wheel in a 7.5" or a high-offset 8".

Yeah, variables like brake caliper clearance... Good call. I wonder where I can find information on how much clearance is there stock (meaning more or less than 3 mm)

[Young Roids]

I thought that milling the hub weakened it making it unsafe.

[fourthmeal]

I imagine 5mm wouldn't cause any change, but I think it would depend on the wheel. You're also machining a flat, non-structural part of the wheel. I think if you messed with spokes to clear the caliper..that may be a cause for concern. But its been done before, you know!

[funkyman]

Offset difference shouldn`t exceed 7mm.Preferably no less than 45mm.It appears that the car can handel accomodate a 8-18" with 245/40`s which i think would be the best look and fitment for this beast.However the weight of the entire package maybe of concern.You are definately affecting the ride comfort and feel of the steering.If you guys are all about show car looks and pimping then go with 8.5 19" chromes 5 spoke 45mm 245/30/18(eekdance)(attn)(breakn)(nana)(blowup)(alright)

[fourthmeal]

Funkyman, its been proven that a 45mm offset on an 8" will rub, unfortunately. A 48mm rubs too! About 51mm just barely clears at 235/40-18. Its SOOO Close.

A 7.5" will do 45mm.

Now, take a look at the 18x8.5 Wedsports there, those fit but you've gotta use 235/40-18. The very slight difference between a 245/40-18 and the previous is just enough to rub.

[aaronc7]

I've decided when the time comes I'm going to go all out and get 235/40/18s on my 18x7.5 +45 wheels lowered 1" on cobb springs....Probably won't be till spring/summer though (when stockers run out) I'll let you guys know how it goes.

[jp4130]

.If you guys are all about show car looks and pimping then go with 8.5 19" chromes 5 spoke 45mm

I agree with you about nineteens. However 8.5 is not about "show", its all about (drive2).


Now, take a look at the 18x8.5 Wedsports there, those fit but you've gotta use 235/40-18. The very slight difference between a 245/40-18 and the previous is just enough to rub.

Hey man I have yet to prove one way or the other, next set of tires is going to be 245; I still have tons of room,(uhm) right? I wish I had odered 245, that gaps huge.:)

[fourthmeal]

I meant rubbing on the outside, not that super-tight clearance on the inside. That will more be tire-dependent. Some tires have large rim protection beads, some don't. This will be more important then the tire size for you. But a 245 (which I hope DOES fit) may rub on the back end. A fender roll may be necessary.


I agree with you about nineteens. However 8.5 is not about "show", its all about (drive2).



Hey man I have yet to prove one way or the other, next set of tires is going to be 245; I still have tons of room,(uhm) right? I wish I had odered 245, that gaps huge.:)

[funkyman]

Himmm I don`t really like to reveal my secrets but they are 5Zigen Gravis1 Chrome with Kumho Ecsta I paid 1600usd shipped with nitrogen and balanced on a special 4 months ago i don`t know if you can get them that cheap now but i don`t know call them and ask them.

Wheelstudio.com


Sorry correction i got them from ewheelz in California
E-Wheelz.com
M.V.A Tire, Inc.
10707 Valley Mall Street
El Monte, California 91731
United States
Phone: 626-579-1182
Fax: 626-579-6454
document.writeln('Email: '+parent.parent.extra.core.contact+'
'); Email: info@e-wheelz.com (info@e-wheelz.com)
http://e-wheelz.com/enter.html (http://e-wheelz.com/enter.html)
Std. Phone: 626-579-1182
Hours: Mon-Fri 8:00 am- 6:00 pm (Pacific) Saturday


http://ewheelz.com/aaa/enter.html?target=gram_lights_specials.html

[JayCal]

17x7 with 48mm to 50mm offset and 225/45-17 tires seems to be the widest you can go with guarenteed no clearance problems, even if you lower the car. It also has the same diameter as the OEM tires. This is so much wider than the OEM setup that I don't know why anyone would want to try and go wider.

[builthatch]

guys, FWIW...

Eibach has spacers in ass'd sizes available.

http://eibach.com/cgi-bin/htmlos.exe/0192.3.3124477675700029711

[driver311]

those are what I used to clear my 15s for slicks. i think im using 1.5inch

[fourthmeal]

17x7 with 48mm to 50mm offset and 225/45-17 tires seems to be the widest you can go with guarenteed no clearance problems, even if you lower the car. It also has the same diameter as the OEM tires. This is so much wider than the OEM setup that I don't know why anyone would want to try and go wider.

???

I'm lost on so many levels with this statement.

The car comes stock with 18x7 wheels, 215/45-18 tires. What is it that you were meaning to say?

[funkyman]

Refering to the title of this thread,obvoiusly not!!!!!Hehehehehehe(alright)

[Young Roids]

How about a Volk RE30 at 18x8.5 with a 52mm offset? Could be the ultimate wheel. Anyone brave enought to try it? Because I don't know if I am.

[jalaan1]

brave enough isn't the question....... rich enough?!

[Young Roids]

Yea rich enough you could drop around 700 on just one to test fit. If it doesn't work you could have a $700 doorstop.

[Sacrilicious]

Yea rich enough you could drop around 700 on just one to test fit. If it doesn't work you could have a $700 doorstop.

...and if it DOES work, you could have a $2100 bill in addition to the $700 to get a full set! ^^;

[Young Roids]

It's a lose lose scenario but it's so sexy.

[Sacrilicious]

this is why i've abandoned the big-wheel idear and switched to my 16" FD wheels! xD i know the handling won't be AS nice, but quite honestly, after i put in cobb sways with my 245mm tires, i think i'll deal just fine! ;)

[udontknowjack]

How about a Volk RE30 at 18x8.5 with a 52mm offset? Could be the ultimate wheel. Anyone brave enought to try it? Because I don't know if I am.

somebody here alrite have 18x8.5 wedsport !? jp4130

http://www.msprotege.com/forum/showthread.php?p=3587583

[Young Roids]

YEa he has the wedsports in an 8.5 width but it was so close that the 8.5 Volks could easily not fit.

[jp4130]

How about a Volk RE30 at 18x8.5 with a 52mm offset? Could be the ultimate wheel. Anyone brave enought to try it? Because I don't know if I am.

Ya I was "brave enough"lol. I took measurements and crossed my fingers.
Now you can order wheels this wide knowing they will fit. My wheels are 53mm. stock is 52.5mm. 52 or 53 are the ideal offset for this car. a half mm from stock is negligable.


somebody here alrite have 18x8.5 wedsport !? jp4130

http://www.msprotege.com/forum/showthread.php?p=3587583
Thanks for clearing that up.

YEa he has the wedsports in an 8.5 width but it was so close that the 8.5 Volks could easily not fit.

That one mm will give you a hair more space away from the strut.
Absolutly perfect wheels for the speed. Get them or wheel in that exact size.
That is the best setup imo.

[Young Roids]

But there could be a difference between the two manufacturers in the lip width. I know the wedsports work but I would still be scared to try the volks even though technically ther should be 1mm more clearance.

[jp4130]

But there could be a difference between the two manufacturers in the lip width. I know the wedsports work but I would still be scared to try the volks even though technically ther should be 1mm more clearance.

The lip of the rim would have to be outragously thick; I doubt that will be the case with such a light rim.
Don't be scared.lol

[Young Roids]

The lip of the rim would have to be outragously thick; I doubt that will be the case with such a light rim.
Don't be scared.lol

I really would like to try it out. Price MAY keep me from doing that but it would be SO hot to have them volks in an 8.5 width.

[jp4130]

There has to be more than two rims with size right?

[Young Roids]

Well I WISH that my favorite rim the enkei rpf1 had a good offset for it's 18x8.5 but no luck. I love the volks though but the price is really hard for me to justify.