1st Generation Specific (1979-1985) 1979-1985 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections

Replace rims & tires from 13 to 15?

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Old 06-24-03, 12:46 PM
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Question Replace rims & tires from 13 to 15?

If I replace the stock 185 x 70 x 13 to 195/205 x 50 x 15

- Does the feel of the car change drastically?
- Will the car ride much stiffer?
- Is it worth it to go from the 13 to 15?
- Any other comments?

Thanks
Old 06-24-03, 12:49 PM
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it will probably look better- just make sure that the spacing is right so that they don't rub on your struts.
Old 06-24-03, 12:50 PM
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if you can get the wheels with teh proper offset/bolt pattern the upgrade will be worth every single f*#$kn penny...

beyond a doubt.

the wider tread will increase traction
the narrower profile will increase steering response, and a 50 series tire is no so think that it will increase the harshness of the ride to an uncomfortabel point.

hope that helps.
Old 06-24-03, 03:18 PM
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You may want to make sure that the 15" wheels and Tires are the same over all hight as the 185 70 13 tires. that way nothing will be off, like the Spedometer and the odometer.

Un less you dont care then you can put on what ever the Fu%& you want.

I am looking at 15" wheels also.

With the proper off set.

Any way good luck
Old 06-24-03, 03:31 PM
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Old 06-24-03, 03:31 PM
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My wheels are 15". 195 x ? x 15. They are the 4 x 110 pattern, which is near impossible to find.

They are made by MotoFORM, but I dont know if they are still available anywhere.
Old 06-24-03, 03:45 PM
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Cody,

Did it make a big difference in ride when you went to the 15? Does your RX-7 ride harsh with the 15's?

Are they 195 x 50 x 15 ??
Old 06-24-03, 04:01 PM
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If you want ride quality, shouldn't u look into tires suited better for driving rather than sportyness? Does the WHEEL affect ride that much? I figure it's mainly the tires... 190/50 are wide, short, and stiff so it will transfer much of the road surface and noise into your car...
Old 06-24-03, 04:03 PM
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Old 06-24-03, 04:07 PM
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you will also find that the steering is heavier and that the car tends to "track" (follow) any changes in road surface more than it did before.

The combination of worn steering box and wide tyres can get some getting used to !
Old 06-24-03, 04:17 PM
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Originally posted by anthrax
What is me doin wrong?
Old 06-24-03, 05:01 PM
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I have 205/50/15 tires on 15x7 wheels. I use this combo on my daily driver. It did not make the ride that much harsher. I am also running max perf tires, with very stiff sidewalls.

As far as affecting the handeling..... lets jhust put it this way, when I turn the wheel, the car turns!! very sharp steering response.

I think 15's are worth every penny.
Old 06-25-03, 01:36 PM
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Originally posted by 851stgen12a
I have 205/50/15 tires on 15x7 wheels. I use this combo on my daily driver. It did not make the ride that much harsher. I am also running max perf tires, with very stiff sidewalls.

As far as affecting the handeling..... lets jhust put it this way, when I turn the wheel, the car turns!! very sharp steering response.

I think 15's are worth every penny.
Where did you get your 15 rims? I can't find any 15 in the 4 x 110.

Can you post a picture also?

Thanks
Old 06-25-03, 04:40 PM
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www.tirerack.com
Dont have the pick, but they are there 15x7.
Old 06-25-03, 09:39 PM
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205/50 15 will be the size you want in a 15 in it will be the same size around as your 185/70 13s but way better, wider, low side wall, less flex, major step up in handeling. on my car the front are 225/50 15 and the rear are 245/50 15s wheels are not obtainable 8.5 x 15
Old 06-25-03, 09:49 PM
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I have 205-50-15 on my GSLSE. I admit that the SE is a little different, but not much in ride height if measured from hub center to top of fender. SO you car should come out similiar. I love the feel of my car, and it sticks much better Here is a pic of my car with 15x7" rims:
15x7" rims

and here is a pic of the same car with 205-45-16" rims and 16x7" rims:

16x7" rims

In both pictures the rear wheel is sitting in a little hole in the pavement, so it looks s little funny. But you can get the picture.
Old 06-26-03, 08:05 AM
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Question

I was told that going from my 185 x 70 x 13 - I should go to 195 x 50 x 15. Can I go to the 205 x 50 x 15 with out any modifications to the wheel well??

I have an 85 GS.
Old 06-26-03, 11:16 AM
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Yes-you can go to a 205-50-15 without modifications. My 85 GSL has 15" BBS rims (4x110mm) with Kumho Supras, Tokicko springs and struts (lowers approx 1") and I have no issues. You will experience some degredation of straight line tracking but cornering and adhesion (depending on tire) should improve considerably. The only problem you might encounter is if your car is lowered and struts allow excessive play, but that problem would persist even with stock rims and 185-70-13 tires.
Old 06-26-03, 11:23 AM
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you should be able to. has your car been lowered? 205 50 15 is the +2 fit on your car, tires are the same hight as your 185 70 13s. wheel size/ back spacing is important
Old 06-26-03, 11:31 AM
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Here's a photo- posted a little while back. I've logged about 300 miles on them so far..

https://www.rx7club.com/forum/showth...hreadid=194085
Old 06-26-03, 11:38 AM
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Originally posted by Tom
Here's a photo- posted a little while back. I've logged about 300 miles on them so far..

https://www.rx7club.com/forum/showth...hreadid=194085
Nice Rims! Where did you get them? I would like a set for my RX-7 GS. What do they cost?

Thanks
Old 06-26-03, 11:57 AM
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I found them by luck- A guy posted 1 message on this board for the rims. He found them in a junkyard on an old Rx-7. I purchased them for $45 a piece for the rims but one had to be repaired-the guy I bought them from tried to 'make one of them fit' on his VW GTI..Cost about $75 to repair that damage.
BBS made several style rims for 4 x 110mm when the 1st gens were still rolling out of production and continued several years later.. Riken made similar wheels, some in 13" and 15" I believe.
Old 06-26-03, 02:19 PM
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nice... i am going to pick up my new pair of Einkie mesh style wheels this week, and wanted to know what they would look like. those look great on your car. i think that i am going to polish mine silver though. they look about the same as the ones you have.

CAN'T WAIT.... i will post pics as well, when i get them mounted. and i will also post how much i am getting them for (after i have them in my posesion!)
jeff
Old 06-26-03, 07:54 PM
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i believe the offset is 20mm. if you goto www.jdwheels.com you will find a decent looking set of 5-spoke wheels made specifically for the rx7 and it says "4x110 +20 for RX7." and there is also a pic of them on a rex.
Old 06-27-03, 01:34 AM
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I just got my 15" Enkei mesh style wheels today!!! i just got home tonight, but i will mount them and try to get some pics up tomorrow!!! hell yeah! oh, btw, i got a car with them. an SA... 1980. straight body, but blown motor. anyone looking for non running SA? it has reapolstered seats, an alarm, and H4 headlights that i am gonna keep, but the rest will probably be for sale.

oh, and i got it all for $200....
i just wanted the wheels, but he wanted to sell the whole car, so here i am with another parts car.

i will try to get pics up tomorrow. sorry for the rant, but i have been looking for these wheels for so long now, and i just stumbled upon them!!! KICKASS
jeff


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