The highest goodness/dollar ratio wheels ever...

[Capt Crunch]

I'm a poor graduate student who got the MS3 because I needed a fun, reliable car to replace my swapped STI. My commute is 50 miles round trip, so I am definitely not using the summer tires to their potential. I would need to replace them, and 18" tires are more expensive than 17" tires, so I sold the wheel/tire combo for $750.

I wanted a 17" cheap, lightweight wheel and I got really lucky on craigslist. If you can find a similar wheel they are spectacular for winter or track duty. 17" Mazda Millenia wheels are are 16 lbs each and I think they look great!

http://gallery.me.com/capt_crunch/100094/P1020095/web.jpg
http://gallery.me.com/capt_crunch/100094/P1020097/web.jpg

It looks factory! I also bought some slightly used Bridgestone Potenza RE92s with a thousand miles on them from a 07 WRX for a total cost (wheels + tires) of $200!

Just wanted to share... you don't have to spend $500 for track/winter wheels.

[bnoon]

Makes it look kinda plain, but I can understand being the poor student as I was one once. It's nice that they are so light though! Dang, I wonder if a set of factory Mazda 16's would clear the brakes...

[ericrapp]

16lbs is amazing for your outlay. Notice any difference in handling or mileage? If I was was driving my car in the winter I would be all over this.

[Ghost Rider]

Nice wheels, and 16lbs is pretty damn light! Now all you need is some lowering/ sport springs.

[controlo]

i'm into it man! i've been thinking about using some OEM mazda wheels for awhile. i still might get some FD wheels. i don't understand why people don't like 16s and 17s. that's what the mazda 3's come with stock... i like em!

[daonly1around]

the stock 16X8 fd wheels will clear the calipers on the ms3, atleats three people on the forums have them

[controlo]

the stock 16X8 fd wheels will clear the calipers on the ms3, atleats three people on the forums have them

i know. :)

[bnoon]

the stock 16X8 fd wheels will clear the calipers on the ms3, atleats three people on the forums have them

I'm sure several people already know this, but... What are fd wheels?

(outie)

[NCZ13]

the OEM wheels off of a FD (chassis code) rx7

93-97 were the production years for that generation

[UHATEIT]

I'm sure several people already know this, but... What are fd wheels?

(outie)

hehe, I know what the FD means, I just dont see why people cant simply call them "rx7" instead of FD, its like everyone's trying to use cool slang ;) If they had said RX7 you would know what it meant

[kneedragger241]

Shows your JDM-ness when you say FD :-p

Nice find - I'll have to see if I can find those for my winter wheels.
Hell of a lot less expensive than the 16lb Volks I just bought LOL!

[xtrememps]

saying FD denotes what type of wheels they're talking about...not just any rx-7..

[Silver Ecstasy]

I'll say only this..

I know i'm new to the import scene, but I've never seen a group of owners who'd rather make their wheels smaller rather than larger or staying the same. Again, new to imports, so maybe they do it all the time with other cars. If you can't afford the car, why sell the wheels and tires that came with the car? I wonder if SUV owners are going to start doing this to afford gas?

But I can't help but say that it takes away so much of the finesse of the car. Maybe some like that because it's more sleeper-style, but man, that looks god awful to me..

Just my .02

[mysleeper6]

hehe, I know what the FD means, I just dont see why people cant simply call them "rx7" instead of FD, its like everyone's trying to use cool slang ;) If they had said RX7 you would know what it meant

Saying FD is easier than saying third generation RX7.


I'll say only this..

I know i'm new to the import scene, but I've never seen a group of owners who'd rather make their wheels smaller rather than larger or staying the same.


There are definite performance advantages in using a smaller diameter wheel. The moment arm of a larger wheel is greater, so even when the wheels weigh the same, the smaller diameter wheel requires less torque to turn. This is why you don't see giant wheels on race cars; larger wheels are basically an appearance only mod, so many people (import and domestic) use a smaller diameter wheel for racing.

[Silver Ecstasy]

It makes perfect sense what you're saying.

My only argument is mainly that it wasn't done completely with performance in mind, as much as it seems financially-motivated. My assumption is that racing is the last on his mind since he's "poor".

I see the pro's of a lighter wheel, make some money back, and save on the reoccuring cost of maintenance with the tires. But to me, it's still ass backwards because it just takes away from the value of what the car was originally built or designed as. Especially with the MS3 being a limited availability/limited production vehicle. It's sort of a big deal imo.

My analogy for this thinking is sorta like, if you'd buy a Corvette but had a long commute and drove year round. So instead, swap to smaller diameter wheels, and all-season tires. Why even buy the car then if wheels and tires were going to dent the wallet?

Original Poster, no offense whatsoever. I'm just at a loss at the logic (UNLESS, you're auto-xing, drag racing, or otherwise using those 17's for a specific racing need, which you have stated is not part of the intentions). In a way, it's sorta like when people empty their bank accounts online with mods, then 6 months later they'll try to recoup their losses by taking another loss on a used performance product. $750 is sorta low too, when most are selling for $1000+.

[Kain]

Does this really come as a surprise to you in this crappy economy with foreclosures and bankruptcies that people don't factor in related costs into their budget aside from purchase price? I lost track of how many early Evo owners sold their cars within a year or two because they didn't realize how expensive the maintenance costs were. Well no shit, it's an econobox with upgraded everything, of course it's going to be expensive.

Whether it's cars, houses, clothes, whatever, people live beyond their means.

But in the case of the OP, maybe he loves everything about his car except the fact that the wheels are 18". I know if I had my way, I would've opted for 17" or even 16" stockers if the choice was there.

[bnoon]

A nice lightweight option would have been nice in 17's or 16's. I think I would have opted for them too as it's much easier to find performance tires in those sizes and for MUCH cheaper than compared 18" sizes. I know my snow tires are going to be 16's and are going to cost about 1/4-1/3 what 18" snows would run me. Found some 16's on clearance for $66 each on tire rack...

[kickniteasy]

Yeah, he said he was selling them because he was thinking ahead to when he has to replace the tires....18" tires being more expensive with less options. He's not living beyond his means per ce, just wanting to be able save some cash in the future and he happened to come across a great deal in the process....wheels and tires for $200, I'd take it.

[clos561]

(butthump)get 13lb fd's

[Capt Crunch]

It makes perfect sense what you're saying.

My only argument is mainly that it wasn't done completely with performance in mind, as much as it seems financially-motivated. My assumption is that racing is the last on his mind since he's "poor".

I see the pro's of a lighter wheel, make some money back, and save on the reoccuring cost of maintenance with the tires. But to me, it's still ass backwards because it just takes away from the value of what the car was originally built or designed as. Especially with the MS3 being a limited availability/limited production vehicle. It's sort of a big deal imo.

My analogy for this thinking is sorta like, if you'd buy a Corvette but had a long commute and drove year round. So instead, swap to smaller diameter wheels, and all-season tires. Why even buy the car then if wheels and tires were going to dent the wallet?

Original Poster, no offense whatsoever. I'm just at a loss at the logic (UNLESS, you're auto-xing, drag racing, or otherwise using those 17's for a specific racing need, which you have stated is not part of the intentions). In a way, it's sorta like when people empty their bank accounts online with mods, then 6 months later they'll try to recoup their losses by taking another loss on a used performance product. $750 is sorta low too, when most are selling for $1000+.

$1000+! Damn. Still, I'm happy with the trade, I used the extra money to buy my wife a nice dress and build an HTPC. Both of which gives me much more pleasure than the 18" wheels.

My old car was a motor/tranny swapped STI. I had 18" Volks and Falken Azenis 615s. It made a little bit of sense because I went to the track occasionally, but it was still a huge waste of money. This car will never see the track, and it sees a twisty road 1% of the time. I could keep the 18" wheels and put some sticky rubber on them, but then I'd just be wasting them on open highway at 70 mph.

So why did I get the MS3? Because I like to fly around entrance ramps and then floor it. This isn't using the MS3 to it's full potential, I know, but I bought the car for the following reasons in descending order:

1 - price
2 - warranty, practicality, reliability
3 - straight line speed
4 - interior quality
5 - competence in the corners

This isn't meant as a dig, but I don't think the MS3 is an awesome car. It's the best in it's class by a fair margin IMO, but it's no Corvette, M3, GT-R, etc. The MS3, like my old STI but more so, is a hopped up econobox. It's got an extra 100 hp, some upgraded suspension bits, and an LSD. It's not meant to be a giant killer, it's a daily driver that is faster than the rest. For me, it doesn't "deserve" big wheels and sticky rubber like an M3 does.

I guess at this point in my life my car is more utilitarian than a source of enjoyment. I can definitely relate to those that dump money into their MS3s though, because I spent 5 figures on my STI and enjoyed every minute of it.

[Silver Ecstasy]

I don't rank the MS3 as highly as a M3 or Vette, however, it does deserve the recognition it gets. For a fairly low price, you get a lot, and it's built in Japan and imported in. That alone, holds its weight and value further than a majority of domestic $25k cars. 5 to 10 years from now, the MS3 will be cherished and missed just like the RX-7 and MX-6.

It's only my opinion. In regards to your personal situation, I definitely think it makes sense, but I would kept the wheels in the event you want to put the car back to stock and enjoy it later on, rather than trying to find a set of OEM stockers that are hardly new.

I think the MS3 looks sorta funny with smaller wheels. Sorta like a normal MZ3, or just weird looking in general. But again, it's just an opinion of mine.

[john blutarski]

hehe, I know what the FD means, I just dont see why people cant simply call them "rx7" instead of FD, its like everyone's trying to use cool slang ;) If they had said RX7 you would know what it meant

Its easier to say FD than 3rd generation RX-7. If you've been into RX-7's long enough you can't help but refer to them by chassis code.

[Silver Ecstasy]

So will any 16" Mazda wheel fit? I found these, didn't think they'd be bad at all.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/16-MAZDA-FACTORY-OEM-WHEELS-626-5-6-323-RX8_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ66482QQihZ012QQitem Z220259304560QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW

[controlo]

So will any 16" Mazda wheel fit? I found these, didn't think they'd be bad at all.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/16-MAZDA-FACTORY-OEM-WHEELS-626-5-6-323-RX8_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ66482QQihZ012QQitem Z220259304560QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW

yes. i was looking at those too. i think they're off of a miata...

[mx-p5]

I think it looks super sleeper! You like having a fast hatch that doesn't attract unneeded attention.

Props to ya on this!!

And 16lbs is a good deal!

[nate0123]

I'll say only this..

I know i'm new to the import scene, but I've never seen a group of owners who'd rather make their wheels smaller rather than larger or staying the same. Again, new to imports, so maybe they do it all the time with other cars. guess you haven't spent any time on miata or mr2 spyder forums

yes. i was looking at those too. i think they're off of a miata...
those are off a base RX-8

http://images.cars.com/main/DMI/3542/LP1795A.jpg

[Silver Ecstasy]

guess you haven't spent any time on miata or mr2 spyder forums


You're right, I haven't. But then again, those cars are TINY. There isn't much wrong with having a small car with small rims. Having a larger car with smaller rims looks awkward to me.

Don't people typically put 13" wheels on those older 80's Corollas?

So what's the rule of thumb when it comes to looking for a compatible wheel for your ms3? Anything Mazda OEM will fit?

[controlo]

guess you haven't spent any time on miata or mr2 spyder forums

those are off a base RX-8

http://images.cars.com/main/DMI/3542/LP1795A.jpg

wtf. haha. i've NEVER seen an rx-8 with those wheels. that's crazy. thanks for that info. :)

[Capt Crunch]

I think it looks super sleeper! You like having a fast hatch that doesn't attract unneeded attention.

Props to ya on this!!

And 16lbs is a good deal!

That's pretty much it. My old car attracted tons of attention, both good and bad.

http://web.mac.com/capt_crunch/iWeb/Site/wrxnew_files/PICT0105.jpg

It was sweet.

Right now though that's not what I want. I love the hatch practicality and I really don't mind that my car looks vanilla. In fact it's kinda cool when you ruin the day of a 335i with temp tags!

Silver Ecstasy - I can see where you're coming from.

[CTt3P5]

You're right, I haven't. But then again, those cars are TINY. There isn't much wrong with having a small car with small rims. Having a larger car with smaller rims looks awkward to me.

Don't people typically put 13" wheels on those older 80's Corollas?

So what's the rule of thumb when it comes to looking for a compatible wheel for your ms3? Anything Mazda OEM will fit?

AFAIK, in order to clear the brakes the FD wheels are the only 16" Mazda wheel that will fit. Guess that is why you see the majoirty of MS3 owners downsizing to 17's for winter set-ups.

[Silver Ecstasy]

AFAIK, in order to clear the brakes the FD wheels are the only 16" Mazda wheel that will fit. Guess that is why you see the majoirty of MS3 owners downsizing to 17's for winter set-ups.

Damnit...well that means I gotta start searching the junk yards for some FD rims hehe. And we clarified earlier that FD is a good representation of RX-7's, right?

[ZooMIN3]

nice!

they don't look too shabby either.... although the gap is like WHOA... but its nice, i'd rock it!

so you must've gotten rid of the rex? i must've missed while reading along from the first post.. it looks sick...for a minute i thought it was wingless...then i saw the wing...i like the wingless look....sexy.. you must miss the BROOM BROOM BROOM BROOM BROOM of the exhaust though....i'll slow down, and turn my music down just to hear it broom broom broom on by...lol

[UHATEIT]

OUCH whats up with the dent in the driver side rear fender/bumper wheel well area??? someone swipe you while parked? I have the same dmg just a huge white scrape as opposed to a dent

[Capt Crunch]

nice!

they don't look too shabby either.... although the gap is like WHOA... but its nice, i'd rock it!

so you must've gotten rid of the rex? i must've missed while reading along from the first post.. it looks sick...for a minute i thought it was wingless...then i saw the wing...i like the wingless look....sexy.. you must miss the BROOM BROOM BROOM BROOM BROOM of the exhaust though....i'll slow down, and turn my music down just to hear it broom broom broom on by...lol

Yeah, I loved the exhaust. I thought it sounded better than just about any other car out there. Another thing was my fuel cut was 8400 rpm. The JDM motors are a lot smoother than the USDM ones and at 8400 rpm they sound awesome.


OUCH whats up with the dent in the driver side rear fender/bumper wheel well area??? someone swipe you while parked? I have the same dmg just a huge white scrape as opposed to a dent

Yeah, someone swiped me. Pissed me off. My deductible is $500 so I said screw it because it's not rusting.