So whats the truth about bigger rims

Basically , i want to put on the RX-8 18 rims and this question can affect any buddy putting bigger rims on. I have a mazda 6i and I want bigger rims, does this affect your cars performance,braking,bumps on the road, are brakes and susupsion alright to handle bigger wheels and tires? I heard that you need holes in the brakes so your pads don't wear out quicker on larger rims. I really don't wanna spend the money if problems are going happen with car because of the bigger tires and wheels? Please elaborate on this people:huh

[wanna6bad]

The only thing I can think that you may be talking about is:
Weight of rims

Most 18" are right around maybe a little heavier than stock.

There is a thread on the forum that goes over this whole subject. Try doing a search and you should find it. If not I'm pretty sure someone will chime in with the thread link.

[KPz315]

Here's the down and dirty on larger wheels...

I dont know much about wheels but i learn from my mistakes, and here is what i have learned.

There are a number of things that are affected when bigger rims are put onto a vehicle. Since the vehicles suspension was designed for a certain size rim, going bigger puts a little more strain on all the components of the suspension. Over time, a larger wheel may slowly wear down ball joints, tie rod ends, wheel bearings, and even the drive axles. I strongly emphasize the words OVER TIME...this is not going to be something that will occur overnight, and maybe not even over a couple of years.

Another thing that you must take into consideration is the size and weight of the wheel. A larger wheel will be heavier than the OEM rims, which in turn takes more of your pad to stop them, so you will go through more pads than you would usually eat up.

And Finally, you have to consider the tires. Normally, when you use a larger wheel you go with smaller tires to compensate for the extra room that is taken up. A thinner tire will allow you to feel more bumps and the ride will not be as smooth.

So, if you want to go bigger, take into consideration these downsides...but between me and you... The look of larger aftermarket wheels compensates for all of this!!


Kyle A.K.A. KPz

:seeya

[Diesel151Z]

Yeah, that is pretty much the basics of it, although going from stock to 18's (providing you have stock 17's) wont be much of a change, especially since you could prolly find 18's that weigh less than stock anyways. The main time people have problems with rims is when they go from 17's to like 24's on an SUV, but keep the rotors/pads the same, and then can't figure out why their pads lasted for 500 miles...:)

[Stretch]

Here ya are:

http://www.mazda6tech.com/index.php?option...id=16&Itemid=32

You definately don't want to drill holes in your brakes with bigger tires... or ever. :P

In any event, going to RX-8 rims is probably not a large enough change from stock to deteriorate the ride, braking, and acceleration too much, and due to the wider wheel the handling should improve. You can get that same handling improvement on a smaller diameter wheel without sacrificing braking and acceleration if you go smaller.

So, I'd still recommend 16's or 17's. All depends on what is most important to you.

thanks I can't decide if I wanna do the 18s or just stick with stock 17s because they look pretty good i have the stock 16 on my 6