Need help in upgrading stock wheels!
#21
01-17-2008 | 01:59 PM
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From: Manor, TX (Outside of Austin)
RE: Need help in upgrading stock wheels!
To continue: Also, the examples of the differentsized OE tires for the Mazda3 are valid but only ti a point imo. The MS3 is a completely different animal with different suspension settings, gearing and power availability, so it should not beincluded.
The 3 other sizes you mention are for the N/A 3's. Comparing them by R/M, the difference (in theory again) is less between the 15" & the 16" (+3.34R/M) or the 15" and the 17" (-2.99R/M.) More between the 16 & 17" tires sizes, -6.33R/M, or a difference of +0.5mph@ an indicated 65mph (actual speed= 65.5mph,) between the 16" and the 17". That's not a lot, and as you point out might be the difference between one tire and another.
I use the R/M measurement because it is a constant. When comparing indicated speed (65mph) to actual ground speed (65.5mph) that is not. The difference would be greater (80 vs. 80.61mph) the faster you travel and consequently less (35 vs 35.27mph) when going slower. It's a percentage vs a constant. See?
#22
01-17-2008 | 02:01 PM
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 171
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RE: Need help in upgrading stock wheels!
215/45x17's would be a littler shorter, improving (howeverslightly) your gearing. (+8.83 revs/mile.)
225/45x17's would be just a tad bigger, improving mileage(in theory) but reducing low end torque. However, the difference is less using the 225's, and a .8" increase in
225/45x17's would be just a tad bigger, improving mileage(in theory) but reducing low end torque. However, the difference is less using the 225's, and a .8" increase in
I have 205/50/17 isnt that the stock size from mazda? seems like 45's would make the wheel slightly shorter then stock.
? I didnt think you could fit 225's without rubbing.
when these where out I would like to go a little fatter. should i go 225/45/17 or 215/50/17
#23
01-17-2008 | 02:35 PM
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RE: Need help in upgrading stock wheels!
Right on boys... lots of good info here! Thanks for all the replies... I will comment back in this topic if I have more questions or have narrowed it down...
Lupae, nice ride... the wheels match the car great.
Lupae, nice ride... the wheels match the car great.
#24
01-17-2008 | 02:35 PM
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Posts: 8,666
From: Manor, TX (Outside of Austin)
RE: Need help in upgrading stock wheels!
EC!! Long time, Man!!
Yes, but the sidewall is a percentage measurement of the width (205/50%x17".) Increase the width and increase the side wall height too. A 205/50 has a sidewall heigth of 102.5mm/side. A 225/45 has a 45% aspect ratio for a sidewall heigth of 101.25mm. See? It's actually a lil' shorter, but only by 1.25MM. Almost no difference.
I ran 215/50's on the stock 6.5"x 17"er's, but they are a little taller. I had to add 1.6% to the traveled miles to adjust for actual miles traveled.
I know many that run 215/45's too, but they will be shorter.. a lot shorter, but better for low-end gearing.
225/45's are the closest to the OE diameter/revs/mile in a plus-zero size. Just a bit shorter (-0.40055%,) so your speedo will read just slightly high, but the diff is only 0.26mph @ 65, or 64.74 actual speed.
You'll need 7" or 7.5" heels though.
#25
01-17-2008 | 02:38 PM
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From: Manor, TX (Outside of Austin)
RE: Need help in upgrading stock wheels!
ORIGINAL: sizzlin07
Right on boys... lots of good info here! Thanks for all the replies... I will comment back in this topic if I have more questions or have narrowed it down...
Lupae, nice ride... the wheels match the car great.
Right on boys... lots of good info here! Thanks for all the replies... I will comment back in this topic if I have more questions or have narrowed it down...
Lupae, nice ride... the wheels match the car great.
I also agree w/his color suggestions for a silver car. Gunmetal would be my choice I'm sure, but bronze or even black w/a lip would work well too.
#26
01-18-2008 | 02:32 PM
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 171
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RE: Need help in upgrading stock wheels!
225/45's are the closest to the OE diameter/revs/mile in a plus-zero size. Just a bit shorter (-0.40055%,) so your speedo will read just slightly high, but the diff is only 0.26mph @ 65, or 64.74 actual speed.
You'll need 7" or 7.5" heels though.
You'll need 7" or 7.5" heels though.
Cool. I will have to check and see what size my rims are? they are aftermarket, but i got the tire wheel package at tirerack. Dont want smaller tires 215/45 then, hopfully my wheel can take 225/45's thanks.
ps been out of town for 3 weeks and just to busy to really reply here.
Nice to know I'm missed..
later
#27
01-18-2008 | 06:40 PM
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Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 8,666
From: Manor, TX (Outside of Austin)
RE: Need help in upgrading stock wheels!
I doubt thatAM 16-17-18" wheels wouldbe less than 7" wide. That's perfect for 225's. 7" is the recommended minimum. 8's would be too wide for the tire (and w/o some ridiculous offset for the car too really.)
And, of course you were missed. Do you think you were forgotten??
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