[milo8]

I have a 2015 Mazda3 Hatch with the standard 16" hubcaps(TIRE SIZE P205/60R16). I want to upgrade to 17" Rims below:


17 5x114.3 5x100 Matte Black Effect Wheels Fits Lexus G35 Impreza WRX 5 Lug Rims | eBay

WHEELS SPECIFICATION

Brand: Effect Wheels
Model: Defuse
Size: 17"x7"
Offset: +40mm
Bolt Pattern: Universal 5x100 / 5x114.3
Finished: Matte Black
Center Bore: 73.1mm
Material: Alloy

I used the link below to calculate the tire size and I came up with 215/55R/17. Can anyone please confirm that this is the correct size?

Tire Tech Information - Calculating Approximate Tire Dimensions

 

[arathol]

The width is ok for those rims but stick to a 50 series tire. Its closer to OEM diameter and your speedo will be more accurate.
Just so you know, those are heavy cheepo one-size-fits-all cast wheels. Not really ideal, more for show than go. Won't last more than one or two good potholes.........

 

[Stelth3]

Those wheels are a little too busy, for our Mazdas. 215/50/17, 225/50/17, 235/45/17 seems to be the choice of tire size by some members here. I run 225/50/17 for winters and 235/40/18 in summer.

 

[ELegend3]

For 17x7, I'd go with 225/50/17. But as others mentioned, I think you can find better looking wheels. Get something that you love, not that you like

 

[arathol]

Those wheels are a little too busy, for our Mazdas. 215/50/17, 225/50/17, 235/45/17 seems to be the choice of tire size by some members here. I run 225/50/17 for winters and 235/40/18 in summer.

Correct tire size is dependent on actual rim width. For a 7" rim, 195s are best if you are looking for absolute top performance such as AutoX or other timed events. 205s are a better compromise for a daily driver. Since they are a bit wider on the rim, they have a bit more flex and provide some protection for the rim if you get too close to a curb.

 

[milo8]

Ok, so judging from the responses. I think I'll get different rims. Where is a good place to buy? What is a reputable brand?

 

[arathol]

Ok, so judging from the responses. I think I'll get different rims. Where is a good place to buy? What is a reputable brand?

Those are questions that will get you get you a hundred different answers from a hundred different people.
What is your budget? There are many different brand names to choose from. There are also a few different construction methods. Tire Rack is a god place to start looking. They also have a pretty good resource center with information and explanations.
You really want to look for a rim that is at least pressure cast with flow formed barrel. These are not really expensive and pretty strong.
As to names, Enkei, OZ, Konig and Advanti come to mind.
If you want to widen your range of possibilities, keep in mind that rims from a NC Miata might fit. Goodwin Racing has some nice Konig wheels for not a lot of money.

 

[ELegend3]

Correct tire size is dependent on actual rim width. For a 7" rim, 195s are best if you are looking for absolute top performance such as AutoX or other timed events. 205s are a better compromise for a daily driver. Since they are a bit wider on the rim, they have a bit more flex and provide some protection for the rim if you get too close to a curb.

All true... but I don't think he's planning on auto cross racing with those rims; hence I was suggesting for wider/extra protection....We wouldn't want to see those puppies get scratched up now In all seriousness though, 215/50/17 would be great for daily driving, which is 25.5 in diameter.

 

[milo8]

Those are questions that will get you get you a hundred different answers from a hundred different people.
What is your budget? There are many different brand names to choose from. There are also a few different construction methods. Tire Rack is a god place to start looking. They also have a pretty good resource center with information and explanations.
You really want to look for a rim that is at least pressure cast with flow formed barrel. These are not really expensive and pretty strong.
As to names, Enkei, OZ, Konig and Advanti come to mind.
If you want to widen your range of possibilities, keep in mind that rims from a NC Miata might fit. Goodwin Racing has some nice Konig wheels for not a lot of money.

Budget $400-$600

 

[milo8]

All true... but I don't think he's planning on auto cross racing with those rims; hence I was suggesting for wider/extra protection....We wouldn't want to see those puppies get scratched up now In all seriousness though, 215/50/17 would be great for daily driving, which is 25.5 in diameter.

No racing, I just want to get rid of these hubcaps...

 

[arathol]

All true... but I don't think he's planning on auto cross racing with those rims; hence I was suggesting for wider/extra protection....We wouldn't want to see those puppies get scratched up now In all seriousness though, 215/50/17 would be great for daily driving, which is 25.5 in diameter.

Actually, 215 is a bit wide on a 7" rim. It will make the steering response a bit slow as the sidewalls will have a lot of flex. 205 is good for a daily driver. 205/50/17 tires are somewhere around 25.1 depending on the tire. Pretty close to OEM size. I have 205s on 15x7s on the MX5. They are just a tiny bit wide, just enough so that they get out past the edge of the rim. 215 would be too wide I think.

No racing, I just want to get rid of these hubcaps...
Budget $400-$600

Decent rims will probably set you back 160-180 a pop. 17x8 +45 Konig Hypergrams are on sale right now at Goodwin Racing, 165 each.
Next question has to be this - summer tires or all season? The BF Goodrich G-Force Sport Comp 2 is a really good tire for not a lot of money. Are you putting snow tires on the steelies for the winter season?
Just because you are not racing does not mean you should not put decent tires and rims on your car for the summer.

 

[milo8]

Actually, 215 is a bit wide on a 7" rim. It will make the steering response a bit slow as the sidewalls will have a lot of flex. 205 is good for a daily driver. 205/50/17 tires are somewhere around 25.1 depending on the tire. Pretty close to OEM size. I have 205s on 15x7s on the MX5. They are just a tiny bit wide, just enough so that they get out past the edge of the rim. 215 would be too wide I think.

Decent rims will probably set you back 160-180 a pop. 17x8 +45 Konig Hypergrams are on sale right now at Goodwin Racing, 165 each.
Next question has to be this - summer tires or all season? The BF Goodrich G-Force Sport Comp 2 is a really good tire for not a lot of money. Are you putting snow tires on the steelies for the winter season?
Just because you are not racing does not mean you should not put decent tires and rims on your car for the summer.

I found these:

1 New 17X7 40 Offset 5x110/5x115 KONIG Lace Black Wheel/Rim | eBay

They are only $109 each. Are they decent? I like rims that have alot of spokes, preferably black but not a requirement. I was planning on getting all season continental tires. I just want one set of good all around tires.

 

[arathol]

I found these:

1 New 17X7 40 Offset 5x110/5x115 KONIG Lace Black Wheel/Rim | eBay

They are only $109 each. Are they decent? I like rims that have alot of spokes, preferably black but not a requirement. I was planning on getting all season continental tires. I just want one set of good all around tires.

Konig makes good rims, but not all are created equal. Those are from Konigs low end line, gravity cast, not flow formed. Remember, you get what you pay for. The flow formed Konigs are pretty good, the cast rims have been known to crack at the spokes. One other thing to watch for is the lug patterns. These have two sets, for two different sizes. Another sign of a cheap one-size-fits-all design. It also can be a weak point in the construction. Less material between the holes can result in cracking through the bolt circle.

 

[milo8]

Konig makes good rims, but not all are created equal. Those are from Konigs low end line, gravity cast, not flow formed. Remember, you get what you pay for. The flow formed Konigs are pretty good, the cast rims have been known to crack at the spokes. One other thing to watch for is the lug patterns. These have two sets, for two different sizes. Another sign of a cheap one-size-fits-all design. It also can be a weak point in the construction. Less material between the holes can result in cracking through the bolt circle.

I see.. Is there an option that looks similar to the design of that one but are flow formed?

 

[arathol]

I see.. Is there an option that looks similar to the design of that one but are flow formed?

I suppose if you look around enough you could find something close. Keep in mind that a set of good rims is not going to be cheap, $700+.
If you want to chance an Ebay purchase, there is a set of Traklite Gears 17x7.5 ET45 on right now under $700 with free shipping. Good rims, very light, very strong. Not black, dark gray though. I find black rims show everything, gunmetal/dark gray looks clean all the time.
These are what is going on my car in the spring.:smile2:

Before you buy anything, make sure the tires you want are available in the right size for the rims you want. Some tire sizes are a bit limited in selection.

I was planning on getting all season continental tires. I just want one set of good all around tires.

You might want to keep your old wheels on for the winter. If you are in PA, thats the heart of salt country. Salt and aluminum rims don't mix well, and low profile tires, all season or not, are not exactly snow tires.:smile2:

 

[milo8]

I suppose if you look around enough you could find something close. Keep in mind that a set of good rims is not going to be cheap, $700+.
If you want to chance an Ebay purchase, there is a set of Traklite Gears 17x7.5 ET45 on right now under $700 with free shipping. Good rims, very light, very strong. Not black, dark gray though. I find black rims show everything, gunmetal/dark gray looks clean all the time.
These are what is going on my car in the spring.:smile2:

Before you buy anything, make sure the tires you want are available in the right size for the rims you want. Some tire sizes are a bit limited in selection.



You might want to keep your old wheels on for the winter. If you are in PA, thats the heart of salt country. Salt and aluminum rims don't mix well, and low profile tires, all season or not, are not exactly snow tires.:smile2:

Thanks for the suggestions! Yeah, buy them now and install in the spring. I was looking for a black Friday deal.

 

[milo8]

I suppose if you look around enough you could find something close. Keep in mind that a set of good rims is not going to be cheap, $700+.
If you want to chance an Ebay purchase, there is a set of Traklite Gears 17x7.5 ET45 on right now under $700 with free shipping. Good rims, very light, very strong. Not black, dark gray though. I find black rims show everything, gunmetal/dark gray looks clean all the time.
These are what is going on my car in the spring.:smile2:

Before you buy anything, make sure the tires you want are available in the right size for the rims you want. Some tire sizes are a bit limited in selection.



You might want to keep your old wheels on for the winter. If you are in PA, thats the heart of salt country. Salt and aluminum rims don't mix well, and low profile tires, all season or not, are not exactly snow tires.:smile2:

I ended up getting the Traklite Gears 17x7.5 from ebay. He gave me a great price, $600.