Anyone have aftermarket wheels to display?

[sbmrinaldi]

I would love to find a nice aftermarket wheel for the CX-9, but just can't seem to find anything I really like. Anyone have pics of some installed? I know once my Bridgestones wear out I am getting the next tires a size wider than OEM. They just fit the car much better.

[CX9 SportOwner]

What do you want?

Diameter, offset, width, finish, style.

I like the 10 wide spoke design of the factory wheels, but have been looking for something similar but wider, less offset, and shinier.

[ceric]

I think on tirerack.com you are able to pull CX9 up and fit any wheels they carry on the CX9 and visualize the look. It beats imagination, I suppose.

[CX9 SportOwner]

It's hard to find clean wheels anymore. Even some really nice ones always seem to have those ugly fake rivets or dimples. Or, they are simply ugly wheels. The CX9 is a clean looking car, and I wanted to keep that for the wheels.

For matching the same size, I was leaning towards the Verde Shiv (18x7.5 38mm offset). For a wider wheel and less offset, the A.Z.A. Z6 would be it (18x8.5 35mm offset). Both under $200

Here are the 4 I liked most in my extensive search. Left to right:

...Verde V52 Shiv...../.....Alba Dash...../.....A.Z.A. Z 06...../.....Bentchi B15

[vikefan7]

Other than looks what do you gain by going to an aftermarket rim? Are they lighter?

[sbmrinaldi]

I was thinking something a bit wider, similar design as stock but with maybe a deep dish style wheel. I agree that the CX9 needs a multi spoke wheel. I have seen some pics with just a 5 spoke rim, but just doesn't look right on the CX9.

I have tried Discount Tire and Tire Rack but they still don't do the same justice as seeing with a real picture as opposed to imposed images.

=CX9 SportOwner;4522548]What do you want?

Diameter, offset, width, finish, style.

I like the 10 wide spoke design of the factory wheels, but have been looking for something similar but wider, less offset, and shinier.[/QUOTE]

[CX9 SportOwner]

Possibly lighter, but I was really looking for something shiny, rather than painted, and keep my stocks for snow tires.

The Verdes are about 1/4" less offset, so you get 1/2" more overall width.

The AZAs, which I am leaning towards would be 1 1/2" wider overall, bringing the sidewall out flush with the fender molding for a more aggressive look, and better cornering.

Sbmrinaldi, how do you like the ones I posted?

.

[sbmrinaldi]

I agree they at least need to be wider. My winter setup comes flush with the fender and it looks much beefier. Put the stockers back on and was a bit disappointed at the looks. This coud be simply resolved by just replacing the stock rubber when needed with a wider tire.

[benben01]

If you want to drop the big bucks, you can get some Volks (rays engineering). They come in 20s in 5x114 in 9-11" width and weigh around 20-22 pounds each.

[CX9 SportOwner]

The AZA Z6 is 18x8.5, 35mm offset, and cost $162 Each. That's for the 18s.

[ceric]

My ex-BMW came with 24-spoke wheels. Man, it took time to clean them!!!
Agree. 5-spoke seem "weak" for such a large wheel. There should be a good trade-off in between. The OE ones look good to me, Not sure about weight, though. Lighter wheels definitely will save you a little fuel to spin them. Also, please watch out for load index of the wheels.

[wontonjon]

My ex-BMW came with 24-spoke wheels. Man, it took time to clean them!!!
Agree. 5-spoke seem "weak" for such a large wheel. There should be a good trade-off in between. The OE ones look good to me, Not sure about weight, though. Lighter wheels definitely will save you a little fuel to spin them. Also, please watch out for load index of the wheels.

though my bmw didn't have 24 spokes, it was a 5 spoke with a split b/w each of the 5 spokes, just thin enough that i couldn't squeeze but my pinky finger in each one...i finally gave up and went for the "powder coated" look on my rims :)

what would the load index need to be on our cars anyway if interested in new rims?

[wontonjon]

Possibly lighter, but I was really looking for something shiny, rather than painted, and keep my stocks for snow tires.

The Verdes are about 1/4" less offset, so you get 1/2" more overall width.

The AZAs, which I am leaning towards would be 1 1/2" wider overall, bringing the sidewall out flush with the fender molding for a more aggressive look, and better cornering.

Sbmrinaldi, how do you like the ones I posted?

.

i'm not digging the shiny - i kinda like the more "matted" and less shiny look - i figured you for a "less shiny look" kind of person as well given your outdoor rec activities - i can't picture you tearing up the backcountry, kayak atop, with shiny rims!?!?! (dunno)

[CX9 SportOwner]

Shiny, not polished or chrome.

The AZAs I am looking at have a hyperlight finish. It's not chrome, or polished. It's more a clear coat over the natural alloy.

Besides, we don't tear up the backcountry in the car. It just gets us to the starting point better than others like the Element, Aztek, Pacifica, etc., or benben's lowered CX9. Or any regular car.

[wontonjon]

i'm looking forward to getting some time off and good weather to drive it into the mountains for a weekend...unfortunately, the weather is not cooperating in colorado at this time - looks to be a gray, foggy, rainy memorial weekend...

that and i have a crapload of things to do...

[benben01]

Shiny, not polished or chrome.
Besides, we don't tear up the backcountry in the car. It just gets us to the starting point better than others like the Element, Aztek, Pacifica, etc., or benben's lowered CX9. Or any regular car.


Sporty, you had to throw me into the mix.... :rolleyes:

[CX9 SportOwner]

You know you're the one I want to bug.