It's been done 10,000 times before, so I don't see why not.
Keep in mind though that they are heavier than the OE wheels, no matter what size you happen have and you will feel it in the suspension and especially the steering.

 

Yeah. If you're going to swap wheels, always go lighter, IMO.

 

[quote=virgin1;90401]
It's been done 10,000 times before, so I don't see why not.
Keep in mind though that they are heavier than the OE wheels, no matter what size you happen have and you will feel it in the suspension and especially the steering.

[/quote

What about the EOM Replica Rims? are those any different or better than original?

 

EOM replica rims? Did you mean OEM "replacement" wheels?
If so, I highly doubt it. Replacement factory wheels are usually made to the same specs as the OE wheels were.
In '05 the factory 17" wheels weigh in @ 19.4-19.6 lbs ea. The RX8 OE's are said to weigh in between 23-24 lbs ea. It may not seem like a lot but even those that have done the swap and like it have admitted to slower, heavier steering response.
If you add heavier tires as well (going from 17's to 18's that is liable to happen anyway) that difference can easily double or triple. Add to all that the extra weight now hung on the suspension and you have a cruiser not a sporty car. It's all in what you're after and willing to pay for it.
Something to keep in mind if performance is your goal.

 

MSR 113 rims 17x7 205/50/17 (93y, I think) I live in missouri potholes also comparable to grand canyon. I have a set of capitol UPH sport a/s great handling and tread wear so far.. whatever you do and i can not stress this enough do NOT go with Hankook ventus (405k's) HORRIBLE tire, hideous tread wear, horrible sidewall strength. Basically, Blowout city.

 

LOL ken i like the picture of you in your car with a smoke in your mouth haha.. but anyway to answer your question.. dont go any bigger then 18"s because they will rub. and if you lower your car that creates more problems. go anywhere from 16"s to 18"s nothing bigger.

 

Newb (to the Mazda 3) hereand I apologize for any form of hijacking here.....

I have a 2009 3 hatch Touring with 7500 miles.
I am looking for aftermarket wheels and intend to keep my stock tires.

Will a 17 x 7.5 wheel with 5 x 114.3 BP and a backspacing of 6.25" work? It has a 50mm offset, so that should be good.

I have looked a bit and cannot find the backspacing for the stock wheel I have now. Anyone care to share the info?

TIA

 

I don't see any problem w/that wheels size. There are many using wheels that big and bigger. Backspacing only become an issue when using REALLY wide wheels. Then you might also run into a fender rubbing situation and need to roll the fenders as well. But the size you are looking at is perfectly fine as is.
Since the OE is +52.5mm, the +50mm is perfect for an AM wheel.