Return to Main Aftermarket Wheel FAQ
1. Stock Wheel and Tire Setup
The 3rd Generation Rx7 comes equipped with squeeze-cast ("Molten Forged") wheels.
Base and Touring models come with all-season V-rated tires (models here). R1/R2 models come with "summer" Z-rated tires (Bridgestone Expedia S-07 or Pirelli P-Zero).
2. General Information
The stock wheel on the 3rd Gen is a very nice wheel for a factory wheel. It is squeeze-cast, which means that it is comparable in strength to a traditionally forged wheel, and has very light weight (15.4 lbs each). One would need to go to a forged wheel to get something lighter.
There were apparently two suppliers of these wheels to Mazda; one supplier made inferior wheels in that some owners have reported cracking in the area where the spoke meets the rim. To find out whether this may cause trouble for you, feel the back of the spoke where it joins the rim: it will either be a sharp 90 degree joint, or a curved joint. Wheels with sharp 90 degree joints are the model in which some owners have reported cracks (at this very joint, in fact).
The tires which came on R2 models, Pirelli P-Zeros, are among the best performing street tires available. When combined with the stock wheel, it makes for a pretty respectable package.
3. Wider Tires on Stock Wheels
Nathan Freedenberg recommends a P245/45R-16 at all four corners as a good match for the stock wheels. This gives additional cornering grip with little or no downside.
4. Larger Wheel/Tire Limitations
The following lists maximum practical tire sizes for 17 inch wheels, with associated offsets, without changing spring diameters or requiring body work.
*NOTE: it is recommended that the width difference front-to-rear be no greater than 20mm to maintain good balance; thus, some these combinations may not provide the best handling.
5. Real World Experiences
| Front Wheel / Tire | Rear Wheel / Tire | Comments |
235/45 | 255/40 | OZ Monte Carlo / Bridgestone Potenza S-02 "On paper, this combo should be the perfect Plus 1. It turns out that with the Monte Carlo's 34mm offset that the front rubs and the fender liner needs to be trimmed" - Nathan Freedenberg |
235/45 | 255/40 | Fikse Mach V / Bridgestone Potenza S-02 "This has been darn near perfect for street use. It may be possible to go to a 255/40 and 275/35 combo. I'll try that one next." - Nathan Freedenberg |
275/40 | ForgeLine RS / BF Goodrich R1 (track use) "This was too much tire on the front IMHO. I found it difficult to rotate the car using the pedals. With custom built brake ducting there was some rubbing in front." - Nathan Freedenberg | |
255/40 | 275/40 | ForgeLine RS / BF Goodrich R1 (track use) "This has been a great combo for my style of driving. Car sticks unbelievably and flies through corners." - Nathan Freedenberg |
| "Using 2.5"id springs, you can easily fit a 275/40 on the front, with a +48 mm to +50 mm offset." - Nathan Freedenberg |
Disclaimer: This FAQ is intended for informational purposes. No endorsement is made for any particular product or service mentioned. No warranty is expressed or implied. Hey, I wouldn't kid you about a thing like this! Above all, enjoy! (Good advice in all circumstances.)
Please send corrections and/or additions to Ed Hahn, ehahn@mitre.org .