The Ultimate "Will They Fit" Thread - Everything you need to know about wheels, spacers and tires for your MS
 

Alright, there's been entirely too many "will these fit" threads. I'm going to attempt to minimize these threads popping up. I know noobs will still over look it, but I'd like to consolidate the "will these fit" questions to one thread, and hopefully help the OP answer their own question by reading this thread. Everyone should feel free to discuss their impressions/experiences with their setups. How did the wheels fit? How well do the tires perform? Did you need to roll your fenders? Are you lowered? Etc. Feel free to post pics of your setup as well. It'll give people ideas of different style & color of wheels on different color rides too. The more feedback we get, the less noobs will need to search.

This should work for the Gen2 guys too. I don't think your wheel fitment is much different than the Gen1. You Genpu fags are more than welcome to make your own wheel thread tho, if you're too gay to intermingle with us.

As accepting as I am of aggressive stretching & the hellaflush scene, this is going to be the functional fitment thread, since MSF is 95+% hardcore function > form based.
I DO NOT want to see any function vs form or hellaflush bashing/arguing or any shitting on people in this thread.
Guys with stretching, aggressive offset/width wheels questions, there's already a thread for you. http://www.mazdaspeedforum.org/forum/foru...-thread-40254/. Its got lots of pics, and the guys in there will be more than happy to help you understand what you can "fit" and how much work it'll take. Myself included.

The MS3 is a bit different in what you guys can fit than my MS6, but they're not too far off. I'm hoping to get lots of traffic from both MS3 & MS6 guys to help you with your fitment questions on your respective model. Hell, even your opinions on what looks good and doesn't.

/intro. tl:dr

Stock Wheel Specs
Our bolt pattern is 5x114.3. Hub bore is 67.1mm. Since the Gen2 should fit similar to the Gen1 this applies to you guys too.
** Stock MS6 Wheels: 18x7 | +55mm offset | 23.5lbs
** Stock Gen1 MS3 Wheels: 18x7 | +52.5mm offset | ~24lbs
** Stock Gen2 MS3 Wheels: 18x7.5 | +52mm offset | 24.6lbs
Use these for reference when using the following sites.

Links from the Wheel Gods
Before you ask ANY questions...you've GOT to check these sites out. They are from the wheel gods and were extremely helpful when I was trying to figure out what wheels & tires I wanted to go with. The first one was my favorite because it gives you a primitive overlay of your current setup and potential new setup. It's also the only site that lets you compare aggressive stretches. The other two are great references as well.
WillTheyFit.com
Wheel / Tire Size Comparer
Wheel Offset Calculator

Wheel/Fitment Terminology
Offset - "The offset of a wheel is the distance from its hub mounting surface to the centerline of the wheel." - TireRack.com
Camber - "Camber is the tilting of the wheels from the vertical when viewed from the front of the vehicle." - Wheel Camber Explained
How to Read Tire Sizes
Calculating tire Dimensions
http://www.conceptonewheels.com/images/anatomy.jpg

Wheels
Generally 8-8.5" wheels are accepted as mildly aggressive and a healthy size wheel for us. Whether you want to run 17s, 18, 19s, or bigger tho is on you. 16s are the smallest you can run with the factory brakes. Right around a +35 offset is accepted as a fairly aggressive yet acceptable offset for these cars. Should sit you close to flush with the fenders without going overboard. Remember the lower the offset the further from your strut/closer to your fender the wheel will be. Higher offset draws the wheel inside the well closer to the strut. You're going to need to break out a tape measure/ruler to see how much offset & width you're willing to run.

Just for the record...zero and negative offsets are ridiculous. Even for the Aggressive Thread.

Here's an awesome thread that's loaded with links on the effects of wheel sizes. You may enjoy some of these. They may even help you decide whether or not the wheels you're looking at are the best for you. Effects of Wheel Size/Weight on Vehicle Performance

Tires
The most common tire size run on MSF is probably 225/40 or 235/40 for aftermarket wheels. Some have run as wide as 255/40 with wheels wide enough for them. For stock wheels, 225s are ok. 235s are a bit wide for the 7" wide stockers but it has been done. There's plenty of wheel width/tire width charts online for you to see if a tire size is ok for your wheel. Fender rolling will likely be necessary for anything wider than 225/40. Especially if your car is lowered at all. But remember as @driver311 points out, once you start adding power, 225s and 235s just aren't going to get you any traction. At least for you MS3 guys.

As for brands, that's a personal preference. Feel free to discuss your experiences with what you've run. How did they grip, corner? Perform in wet conditions? How long did they last? Did they rub? Etc.

Spacers
Some people simply want more of a flush look without having to buy a whole new set of wheels. Or they have a set of wheels in mind that they like, but they'll sit too close to the strut to run safely. Spacers are the answer for that. Lots of people - domestics, imports, trucks, even offroaders have taken advantage of spacers.

For our cars, you want to get hubcentric spacers. This simply means the spacer centers itself on the hub rather than by the studs. Our hub bore is 67.1mm. There's 2 types of spacers to consider now. Both can be seen in the following pic.
http://www.gktech.com.au/images/spcr-51141.jpg

The thinner ones on the bottom are basic spacers - no studs in them. They can be purchased in virtually any width. You typically don't need to install extended spacers for anything 5mm or less. Some say up to 8mm is fine, but imho that's pushing it. You want your lugnut to be firmly secure on your stud, and with an 8mm spacer, you may not get enough threading. For anything larger than 5mm (10-15m are common, up to 25mm or thicker) you will need to install extended studs.

The ones on the top have studs built in them. These are typically 15mm or wider. This allows you to run a wide spacer without needing to install extended studs. You bolt this spacer on your hub, then trim your factory studs down with an angle grinder or some cut off tool. The studs can't stick out any further than the spacer or your wheel will not sit properly.

Post up your pics with wheels and specs listed, lowered or not, if you rub and if you rolled fenders or not.

Edit: If you find any information you'd like added to the OP, or find any misinformation or grammatical errors be sure to "mention" me with said information. To mention me simply type @RhoadBlock.

To start off, here's some pics of how spacers look.

Gen 1 MS3 Stock Wheels vs Stock + 15mm spacers | Eibach Pro-Kit - pics courtesy of @builthatch
Before
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w...s/IMG_1183.jpg

After
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w...s/IMG_1720.jpg



MS6 Stock Wheels vs. Stock + 15mm spacers | H&R Springs - pics courtesy of @superskaterxes
Before
http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q...1/DSC01451.jpg

After
http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q...1/DSC01458.jpg



MS6 18x8 +48 vs 18x8 +33 (effectively w/ 15mm spacer) - 235/40/18 tires | BC Coilovers (unfinished height adjustment lol)
Before
http://i488.photobucket.com/albums/r...k/IMG_0597.jpg

After
http://i488.photobucket.com/albums/r...k/IMG_0595.jpg

typo: "As accepting as I am accepting as I am for the "
possible typo: "The MS6 is a bit different in what you guys can fit than my MS6" did you mean 'the ms3'?

also, if possible and i know it's a bit off topic, but maybe put the weight of the stock wheels up there for each platform/generation. Again, not really into the Will it Fit realm, but just a thought.

Great start...and THANK YOU!

Good catch. I can only catch so many typos in my quick scan edit before I hit post lol.

I'll add the wheels weights. They apply since everyone is always concerned with weights for new wheels anyway. I need someone to give them to me tho. I don't know them off the top of my head anymore.

im currently running 17x9 TRMotorsport C3 as a track wheel, with Nitto NT05 255-40-17 tires, soon to be switching over to a Hankook .RS3.

Theres a few NT05 threads floating around with my impressions.

Damnit, those were in stickies I unstuck...

^ lmao I know. I just tried to search for them too and can't find the damn thread again haha.

GenPu is here:
http://www.mazdaspeedforum.org/forum/foru...-weight-52826/

i thought Gen1 wheels were 18x8?

Here's @jroc's setup with a few pics for reference. Snagged this from another thread you posted in.

Everyone else is on their own now.

These are setups Ive used and my thoughts.

My race wheels are 18x9 35 offset, front works with all the way up to 275/35/18 with the only mods needed to run being taking out inner fenders liners or doing some trimming. I took them our for races. Takes 5 minutes. Rear fit with 40 offset also but in order to get the tire to not rub with a 245/35/18 I had to roll the fenders and run -2.0 degrees of camber. A 45offset would have been more ideal.

For the street Ive ran 18x8.5 45 offset with 5mm spacers and 255/35/18 all the way around. Rolled fenders and -2.0 camber was needed to clear. Fits great and looks hella tough.

New street setup is 17x9 45 offset with 5mm spacers in front only and 255/40/17 rs-3 tires. Rolled fenders and -2.0 camber will probably be needed as well.

I see so many people running 225-235 tires on these cars and then crying about traction. Of course you have no traction on skinny ass hard compound tires. These cars have the potential to run 255-275s in the front and 245-255 in the rear, if you get your wheel selection right. These cars make alot of torque with big displacement 4 cyl. and boost. If you take the time to find the right setup you can have a car that not only makes the power but puts it down.

18s look great on this car and thats what most will run. Get the right offset and go with a wider tire. 245/35/18 or 255/35/18 will allow you to go low, while delivering a much needed contact patch and in a softer compound will really put a smile on your face. This isnt a honda, and 225s just arent gonna work. I hope this tread and this comment helps in your decision making process. Save a few more bucks and do it right the first time. Good luck and happy modding. LOL

THANK YOU SOOO MUCH FOR THIS!!!!!

I have absolutely no idea what the fuck is going on when it comes to wheels, and when I get to the point of upgrading I didn't wanna make a noob thread. Now I wont have to.

Pics?


---
I am here: http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=44.738526,-93.125995
-Jake

16" steelies will fit on the MS3. For the winter I run 16x6.5 et42 steelies with 205/60R-16 tires.

ill have some more pics with the rs3 setup (and without the tiger stripe vinyl) in about a week and a half as i have a track weekend next weekend.

ill also take some side shot/ inner and outer clearance pics as well with as fresh as can be tires when i get the chance

i am running the overdone, but great looking, evo X wheels. 18x8.5 (+38) with a 5mm spacer in the rear +33 and a 3mm spacer in the front +35mm, with 235/40 on bc coils set at 17 in the front and 20 in the rear. rear fenders rolled flat with a small pull and rear bumper tabs dremeled. RARELY rubs with two people in the car. rubs over big bumps with four people. i LOVE how it handles the corners.

You thought wrong.

They are indeed 18"x7".

I'm glad I still have @Nliiitend1 fender roller. Gonna roll the fenders on the Mazda5 tonight.

17x9.5 et 44 to 50 I would say are the best rims for this car.
For tires I would go 265 wide if the selection in 17" for this width was better.

This is my set up.
17x9.5 et44 with 5mm spacers in the front. 12mm spacers still fits.
255x40x17 RS3

http://i1211.photobucket.com/albums/...11224-1413.jpg

well thank you for correcting me

enkeis?

Nt03+m

http://i1211.photobucket.com/albums/...11215-1956.jpg

fyi i was on H&R springs at the time

I am looking at getting the XXR 527's in 18x8.75 with either a +20 or +35 offset. I would like to run a wider tire than what I have now (215/40/r18). I am willing to have the fenders rolled but i would prefer not to. Will these fit well and if so which offset should I choose?

Edit: Also I am lowered some on the corksport lowering springs.

you should run a 235. otherwise you are going to be stretched a decent amount. and i would go with the higher offset and you will still need a roll and pull. maybe even camber. i also would not doing this without being on COs.

If you ran without the spacers do you think you'd still need to run with negative camber? I'd love to run 245s or 255s but I would rather just roll fenders than use spacers or mess with camber.

Thanks for the informative post - it's convinced me to go beyond 225s and to do it right the first time.

Had to run spacers to clear the coilovers. They are a must. A 235 would have cleared no problem.

Very nice dude. Jealous. My new wheels and tires will be here tuesday. Ill post pics of them installed with the new "vinyl work". I went with the same exact tire for the street as you. 255/40/17 rs3. couldnt beat the 130 price a tire and I need sticky rubber very bad. LOL How bad does your setup rub in the rear? I assume thats why you are any lower? Looks soo good either way man. Much props.

Great sticky much needed

Fuck Im having the hardest time getting my 255/40/17 rs3 to not hit my coilover perch. i might have to grind it down. I tried a 5mm spacer first then a 1/4 and still hits. I have a 8mm being made and Ill kill someone if it doesnt fit. I think 10mm is gonna be to much. That puts it at a 35mm offset and Ill have to run mad camber to clear. Right now I have it set at 2.2 and hoping thats enough with the 8mm. Damn I should have went with the 245/40/17. Same contact patch 9.1 but almost a half inch less section width. They would have been spot on with 5mm spacers. Damn.

Where are you getting rs3's at $130 a tire?

Sent from my Epic Win Avatar

17s are pretty cheap, man:

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....um=54WR7Z222XL

Me to! Courtesy of a '11 Lancer :)

Sent from AT&T Inspire 4G using Tapatalk.

So I have 18X8 OZ ultraleggas with a ET48, what's the widest I can run? I really want 245 or 255's but not sure if they will fit in there. I am at stock height now for winter but have Cobb 1" lowering springs, and koni yellow struts. My 225/40's just don't cut it!

Sent from AT&T Inspire 4G using Tapatalk.

I've been thinking of going 255/35-18 on 18x8.5 ET 40 with no drop in ride height (because daily driver, high curbs, etc). Other than a roll/some camber, any potential issues with this setup?

Roll the rear and you should be perfect. I ran this setup for last 6months so I should know. LOL

Ps. Why no drop. Atleast do a 1in drop like some eibach pro kit. Car will look much better. Shit even just the front lol

I already have to back in to the driveway as it is, if I pull in forward, I have to cut an extreme angle (basically park directly next to the curb then turn in immediately) or it tries to rip the front of my car off.

Backing in barely clears the rear.

Sorry I am late with my reply,

I don't rub in the rear at all. I tell you what esse, had to roll those fuckers a ton. Unfortunately it's also noticeable since the fenders started to bulge at the edge. But fuck it. Because race car. Oh and I also had to cut some of the lip of the rear bumper. That's not noticeable however.

That's one of the problems with coil overs. They need a lot more clearance in the front due to the perch.

I can run these tires on the 9.5" width rims with ET44 with a 12mm spacer = ET32 and still clear the fenders in the front. And this with only -1.8 camber. I think you'll be fine with 10mm spacers and -2.2 camber!

The rear is my only issue now. I did some pulling of fender like you did and rolled it as far as I could. I might need to do some trimming like you did.