wheel size
 

I know that mazda3's can fit 17x7 wheels..
What's the widest wheel size that can fit our car?
Will 17x7.5 rims be ok or will it cause problems?

RE: wheel size
 

it should not but if you decide to lower your car be careful your tires might rub you wheel wells, but 17x7.5 is fine

RE: wheel size
 

Depends on the backspacing as well.

RE: wheel size
 

I've been told that a 7.5" rim with a 52.5mm backspace is optimal (I've had some disagree with me....)

My info is based on a fit study performed by a Mazdaspeed engineer checking to see which wheel sizes actually fit.

He also said that if you go with a rim that wide, you will probably need to roll the fender lips to avoid rubbing.

I fit a 225/45R17 on a 17x7....I really don't see you fitting a wider tire than that, so the wider wheel doesn't give you much (although the dish on the 7.5" wheels tends to be deeper, which looks cool.)

RE: wheel size
 

hey sslature. i was autocrossing two weekends ago with a man running 245mm width tires on 17'x7' wheels and said he had not rubbing issues at all. i was alittle perplexed by how he was managing to do so, and when i asked him about it he just said its based on the wheel offset. i failed to ask him, but what offset could his wheels have been? im running 215mm width tires on a 17'x7' wheel with a 40mm offset

RE: wheel size
 

My 225's rub on the front inner fenderwell, on the inside edge of the tire (about the 3 o'clock position) with a 60mm offset. (only at full lock).

I suppose you could run a 50mm offset and add 10mm to the inside and outside edges of the tire. I'd think you would need to roll the edges of the rear fender lips to clear them.

Most likely he does rub at full lock at the same spot as mine, but may not realize it. It would probably be easier to run those on a 7" wide rim rather than a 7.5" rim as it will keep the tire a little but thinner with the smaller rim.

I bet he hooks up and corners real nice....

RE: wheel size
 

on my 3 i got a set of 18 x 7.5 with a 225 40 18zr tire , and i got my ride lowered and i dont rub any where in the wells

RE: wheel size
 

Quite possible if you have the proper offset.

What offset are your wheels? (I would suspect somewhere in the 48-52mm range)

Try this, turn your steering wheel full lock left, do a complete 360 degree circle at full lock.

Take off your left front tire and see if you rub at what would be the 3 o'clock position if you are looking at the tire.

I thought I didn't rub for a while too, but I turned out to be wrong.

RE: wheel size
 

Would 215/50/17 tires be okay with the 17x7.5 rims? or should I go for a thinner wall, like a 45 wall?

RE: wheel size
 

that should be A-OK. im running the same tire size on my stock wheels. and on my aftermarket wheels i have a 45 wall. so either way you go, youll be fine.

RE: wheel size
 

alright kool! Thanks for the help lupae

RE: wheel size
 

What offset are the wheels?

RE: wheel size
 

they are 17x7.5 with a +40 offset. Will that be a problem, you think?


EDIT: I checked tire rack earlier and they are selling some 17x7.5 rims with a +40 offset that fits mazda3's. So im guessing it should be fine. If not i'll probably get wheel spacers

RE: wheel size
 

i had a set of wheel spacers on my car about a year ago, one spacer on each front wheel, and it was a big mistake. they kept causing my wheels to come loose and i could have easily lost a wheel...the lugs for the wheels couldnt screw onto the threads the whole way for tightening...id steer clear of the spacers unless they specifically for the 3, and you read good reviews about them.

RE: wheel size
 

Or get longer studs installed so that the lug nuts have the proper amount of thread engagement..