Hi, I'm a noob to the rx7 world. I want to run 15's on my 1982 GSL. I am having a horrible time finding anyone that makes them. Is this problem common? What is out there? I just bought this car and the tires are garbage, I'd prefer to upgrade now instead of buying tires that I don't want. Thanks in advance for your help.

 

Super common. All the 12a RX7's run an oddball bolt pattern, so wheels are hard to come by. Kosei K1's (tirerack.com) work and are a quality wheel, and you cen get Panasports in the appropriate bolt pattern, too.

In both cases, I'd then have a set of wheels that is worth as much as the car rolling on them, so I am going to clean up and paint my stockers.

 

Have fun looking for some nice wheels that fit... they do make spacers for it to fit... and you should check out the classified sections in the forum for wheel/tires sale... they always have some for sale.

 

Unfortunately, the 4 x 110 bolt pattern has not been used on a new model car in over 20 years now. Therefore, very few manufacturers still produce wheels with this pattern.
For a while, tirerack still sold the Kosei K1's in 15 x 7 at a decent price ($139ea). They recently listed these wheels as "Closeout", so I don't know if they still offer them or not. While they are not the greatest looking wheel, in my opinion, they did fit and work fine. Rather light weight as well.
It's simple economics. The majority of the cars that use this bolt pattern are either junked, or not in roadworthy condition anymore. Therefore, it's not cost effective to manufacture, or stock, wheels to fit a specialized market such as this.
There are companies that still manufacture wheels for this pattern, but most only produce them after they have been ordered, and paid for.

 

Thanks, I just sent an e-mail to tire rack. hopefully they'll have good news for me. If not how much are the panasports going for?

 

someone is selling a set of 15x7's with tires for $750 or 800 I think


check out the "wheels for sale" section



~b.k.

 

I'm selling a set of 4x110 15x7 ROH snypers with nitto 555's at ~80% tread for $600. Though I'm dropping the price due to the clear coat on the rim needing to be refinished, the actaul rims are in great shape, just the clear needs to be R&R'ed.

PM me your email if your interested and I'll send the pictures, high res., and we could go from there.

 

Here is what those snypers look like. Id buy them if I were you. I love mine.

 

Unfortunately the last time I went on tire rack the Kosei's weren't listed, meaning they aren't made in our bolt pattern anymore. Really sucks, not that the Kosei was a good looking wheel to begin with. Probably the last thing i would put on a 1st gen actually, but they were cheap. Other than those, your stuck with either panasport or I think simmons. Those are big bucks though. I've heard the panasports go for $800 per wheel. Another option is Diamond Racing Wheels. If all you want is something to fit a certain size tire on, then the Diamond wheels are great. Not much to look at though as they are primarily for race cars. They are appropriately priced for a steel wheel.

 

Im surprised no one has mentioned the panasport knock-offs at black dragon auto..
$650.00 last time I checked...

 

Mannnn, it doesn't have to be that complicated. I've been in the tire business previously here for years and we have a great custom wheel shop here (they repair and refinish any typoe of rim). Find a quality shop of this nature, get a set of 15 fwd rims (4 hole only, and even better if they have centercaps covering the bolt pattern) and have them drill them to fit your car, tapered and everything, they could even machine the centerhole to get a hubcentric fitment if need be.

 

My rims only cost $85 each.....