I want your opinions! (MS3 wheels)

[Biggs]

Hey guys.

I'm thinking of getting new wheels soon and I've begun to narrow my choices down, but I want your opinions. -sidenote: I'm soon going to be getting some 225/45/18 Bridg Potenza re960as tires

So, Ideally I'd love to get the Mazdaspeed wheel but its at the top of the price list at 550 USD a wheel (though my dealer is offering me 10% off)

The other ones I'm looking at are the 18x7.5 Enkei RPF1, 18x7.5 Gram Lights 57Maximum and the 18x8 TRMotorsport C2.

Now if money was not an option would you go with the Mazdaspeed wheel?(looks like the Volk Progressiv Spoke wheel IMO) or do you find the other cheaper ones better looking?

....

Have at it!

[Hank3]

The Mazdaspeed wheels are hAwt!!! They're $432 shipped a wheel from an online dealer. PM me if you want the dealership/vendor name.

[controlo]

man, $1700 for wheels is too rich for my blood.

i really want the rpf1s!

[Biggs]

damnit, you guys arent helping.. lol

I honestly can decide between the enkei and the mazdaspeed... the others were just filler...arrrgh!

:P

also, I cant do this right away... im getting the AS tires in a couple of months.. after the summer. too much time to think about it

[Nismothecat]

get the RPF1's



here is mine with 18 inch RPF1's

http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k79/nismothecat/ms3.jpg
http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k79/nismothecat/ms32.jpg[/

[Design]

IMO you can't go wrong with RX8 rims. You can pick up a brand new OEM set for about 900 shipped. Even if every MS3 had them, they'd never get played out.

[bacarl]

Hey Nismo,
Are your RPF1's 7 or 8 inches wide? What's their offset? Have you noticed any ride harshness from them?

I have a set of Rota P1s that are 18x8 and 19lbs, and the ride harshness was too great to keep them on. My theory is the added scrub radius affected things, and the decreased weight effectively removed damping from the wheel end. Since the RPF1's are even lighter I'm curious to know if they feel harsh.

Sorry for straying a little off topic, Biggs, but maybe Nismo's answer will help your decision about the RPF1's.

[Biggs]

Nice RPF1's.. Im looking to get them in silver, if I decide to get them at all

They are 18x7.5 right? +48 offset?

Oh and about the Mazdaspeed wheels.. I was really hoping to find the matte silver finish, but all I can find are the polished silver, Im not that into shiny wheels... but man its the nicest looking spoke configuration for a MS3 IMO.

[Nismothecat]

18x7.5 +48 havent had a problem with them. the car seems to lose traction more especially when hitting boost but thats about it.


i may be selling them soon. an Evo X is calling my name.

[Biggs]

what tires are you on? do you think the traction loss is because of the wheel weight reduction?

the Enkeis are like 17 lb right?

[Nismothecat]

i have stock tires on it. i only had about 1800 miles on the tires when i got the RPF1's so i just switched the tires. the loss of traction came after the wheels so im thinking thats what casued it. im sure if i put on some 225's or 235's it would be better.

[NikonSean]

I went with the Mazdaspeed wheels (got a great deal @ $399 shipped) and I really love them. The tire guy said he never balanced wheels with so little balancing weight.

Here is how they look:

http://www.ocons.org/images/20090611143158-684.jpg

http://www.ocons.org/images/20090611143208-685.jpg

Sorry, I didn't clean the car after coming back in the rain from the tire switch (put original tires on the new rims).

[controlo]

I went with the Mazdaspeed wheels (got a great deal @ $399 shipped) and I really love them. The tire guy said he never balanced wheels with so little balancing weight.

Here is how they look:

http://www.ocons.org/images/20090611143158-684.jpg

http://www.ocons.org/images/20090611143208-685.jpg

Sorry, I didn't clean the car after coming back in the rain from the tire switch (put original tires on the new rims).

those are so sick, dude! congrats.

[Hank3]

Those look great Nikon. Do the stock tires still offer any rim protection and look stretched on them? Can't tell from the angle of the pics.

[Biggs]

OMG ... DO WANT! (rockon)

399 a wheel.. that really good.

[Nismothecat]

those looks really good! good choice.

[NikonSean]

Hank,

I'm sorry I didn't see your question earlier. The stock tires don't offer much protection. I'm going to be extra careful until I get some 225/45 tires (once the originals wear out). I'm thinking PS2's since they are light, grippy and have a decent rim guard. Other suggestions welcome!!!

Sean

[HOBDisease]

Nice.