I have a white2004 Mazda 6 that is completely stock at the moment. I'm looking for quick easy mods to do to get the ball rolling to make the car look a little nicer. Any suggestions?

 

Larger wheels/tires make the biggest visual impact.

 

Agreed, but w/a 4cyl,ATX be careful how large you go.
Also be aware of the wheel offset. (The regulars around here know this is my standard warning about changing wheels.)
And don"t forget to remove those side molding too. Another easy/free mod. It really smooths up the sides of the car.

 

The airbox mod is another free and easy mod. It'll give you a nice intake growl and a little big of power too....doesn't do anything for looks though. *shrugs*
Oh and a seccond on the caution about offset any lower than 48-49mm and you will rub if you lower the car or get bigger wheels

-Cameron Keffer

 

^ ^ ^ I think somebody has been listening to my warnings??? ^ ^ ^
Yes, according to our resident Ford Engineer (sstlaure,) who also happens to own a first gen 6, the OE offset is +60mm and the wheel width is 7". You can't go very much further w/a 6 series w/o rubbing issues. A 17-18"x 7-7.5"x +48mm is probably as far as you may safely go w/o wheel well mods.
And really, wider tires than that will fit on those wheel sizes are probably going to do nothing but increase rolling resistance and reduce fuel mileageon the street anyway.

 

FYI.....Biggest size/offset recommended by a Mazdaspeed engineer I used to work with was 18x7.5 w/52.5mm offset.

I've run 18x8 RX-8 wheels & 225/45ZR18 tires on my wife's car for years with no issues (04 Mazda6 Sportwagon) not sure the offset of the stock RX-8 wheels.

 

I know I would try to stay w/at least a +50mm.
And Scott, I think I found out the last time this question arose that the RX8 wheels are +52.5mm? Why such a deep positive offset on a RWD is new to me though.

 

If you want simple theres things like floor mats, seatbelt covers, int. lighting, window tint (be aware of your legal limit), head lights, fog lights (makes a big difference in look and in night time visabilitiy). I had red neon lights installed on the interior under the dash so the floor lights up red at night at the flip of a switch and makes a very nice impression ($50 in parts $75 to have it installed ish) fog lights ($200 + install $75) based on $50/hr.

 

Yes and no. I found that out through personal experience and through talking to people on 6 club. My race wheels are 17x7.5 with a 49mm offset and while they don't rub, they come pretty stinkin close. Though i have seen you say that before and argee whole heartedly.

-Cameron Keffer

 

W/a 7.5" and a +49? I would"ve thought more clearance than that.
Still, since the struts tilt inward@ the top, even if you are lowered I would think clearance would be improved, yes?
I have 17x 7"x +50"s and have plenty of clearance in the back, but I am still on stock suspension. That would only translate to a difference of +5.35mm between your wheels and mine?

Are you running 225"s or something wider?