Rx8 Wheels - Tyre Sizes

[Supradave]

I have managed to buy myself a set of RX8 alloys off of E-Bay which I intend to fit to my 1998 LS400 to sharpen up the handling a bit.

The wheels are 18" alloys 8" wide and I am unsure as to what size tyres I need to get fitted to the wheels once I put them on the LS.

Having searched the forum I came across various tyre calculators and I think the best size (to keep the speedometer reasonably accurate) is 245/45/18 however I notice several owners with 18" wheels seem to have lower profiles.

Is one of the options for me to go for a different profile on the front (i.e 225/40/18).

Although I want to sharpen up the handling a little I don't want the ride quality to be unbearable.

[MAT_8N]

you'll need spacers on the front ones at least as your calipers will hit the wheels. you'll also need new nuts as yours wont fit the wheels!

guess how i found out!

i still haven't fitted mine as i need tyres too, i was looking at 245/45, 235/45 and 265/35 as i think anything else would look too small in the arches, 225/40/18's would be too small i'd think.

Matt

[Supradave]

So what size spacers did you have to use?

Did you have to fit new bolts?

Why did you need to change the wheel nuts?

[MAT_8N]

i haven't fitted them yet but i've got some 10mm spacers which i think will do and leave enough thread left to safely fasten them on.

the lexus nuts dont fit in the hole on the mazda wheel(again i found out like you after i bought them) but i got 20 mazda ones of ebay(probably still on the same page as the wheels) for about £10. i hope they fit the studs!!

its only about another £20. i got the chrome wheels for £120. which one did you get? the alloy or chrome?

i think i'm going to go for 245/45/18's i did have a try of a 225/35/19 on mine before and it was tiny and looked crap because of the tyre.

blody bigger wheels are nightmare!

n.b. i heard its only on UK spec ls400s that have the big calipers on the front(haven't tried the rear). i think imports may have smaller calipers. but i may be corrected

[Supradave]

That's disappointing I was under the impression from other posts that the RX8 wheels would fit and I don't like using spacers.

Looks like I may have to put them back on eBay once I have picked them up and try plan B (a brand new set of wheels).

[Mat]

Hey boys,

Maybe i can help. i searched high and low for my alloys, i really wanted the RX8 a really solid alloy, but they are a discontinued wheel BALLS!!!!!!!

I put 225 50 18 on at first and scraped the arch like mad even on the front. i went through so many tyres sizes to find ones that fit in the end i put 255 40 18 on the rear and 245 40 18 on the front. the rear still scraped but i had to roll the internal lip of the arch out, now works a treat and looks hot!!!!

If you have any further questions i am more than happy to answer them

Best wishes mat

[MAT_8N]

pictures please ^_^

[Mat]

Try this;

http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s50/Lin...16022008411.jpg

http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s50/Lin...16022008410.jpg

http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s50/Lin...16022008409.jpg

Mat

[MAT_8N]

do you think 245/40's would look ok on the back?

also how did you tint your back lights and side repeaters? i see a plan!

[Mat]

do you think 245/40's would look ok on the back?

also how did you tint your back lights and side repeaters? i see a plan!

lol a plan is away forward! too be honest 245 dont look to different to 255 its just 10mm difference, i only put 255 on cos my mate ran out of 245's.

The lights were done with a tint spray, approx a tenner for spray can (1 tin is all you need).

Hope that helps

Best wishes mat

[MAT_8N]

think i'll go with 245/40's as they are a lot cheaper.

i'll have to see what mine looks like with blacked out lights?

[MAT_8N]

i've got my rx8 wheels on and they look fantastic!!

althought i'm going to put some 20mm bolt on spacers on to get them to look just right. i'm running 245/40/18's

i used 10 mm spacers on the front to clear the discs with enough thread left to be safe.

i'll post some phots when i get a chance.

all in including spacers,chrome wheels,tyres,nuts....£460......bargain.

Matt