still confused on RX-7 rims...

hayasa · #1 03-14-2006, 07:39 AM

I have the chance to buy a friend's lightweight stock rx-7 rims for my 94 SVX. I've been reading here about all the benefits of the rims, but I am still not convinced that they will fit since the offset is a bit different. Also, people have mentioned changing out the stock lugs - not something I was planning on doing. If I want to transfer the stock tires over (stock size Eagles), will they fit or do I have to go to a 245/45 16 size?

Thanks.

PS. The sales info mentions something about the cooling properties of the stock wheels (scooping air into the rotors or something similar). Was that just nonsense?

Chiketkd · #2 03-14-2006, 07:44 AM

What model year RX-7 does your friend have wheels for?

hayasa · #3 03-14-2006, 07:51 AM

They are from a Gen 3 RX-7.

Chiketkd · #4 03-14-2006, 11:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hayasa

They are from a Gen 3 RX-7.

What year RX-7 to be specific? (people sometimes confuse generation numbers)

I had wheels from a '93 RX-7 on my former SVX. The dimensions are 16"x8" with a +50mm offset. I ran 225/50/16 tires and members have used 245/45/16 tires as well with no rubbing issues.

-Chike

hayasa · #5 03-14-2006, 11:40 AM

Yeah, the wheels are the same in the pic (93-95 RX-7). Actually, my car is red, too, so that works out pretty well.

What is with all the hub issues, then?

SVXRide · #6 03-16-2006, 07:11 PM

The 3rd Gen RX-7 rims come about as close to our stock rims as you can find. The hub diameter is within a mm so you don't have to worry about hubcentric adapters, the offset is within 5mm, and the width is within .25 inch (or .50 inch, depending on if you believe our stock rims are 7.5 or 7.75 inches wide). Couple that with a healthy reduction in weight and you've got a winner on your hands. Just make sure to get the heavier version (~15# each) if you're going to autoX with them. The earlier, lighter version (12# each) have been known to crack under heavy loading.
-Bill

WGJ · #7 03-16-2006, 09:36 PM

this is the second time this week I've seen a reference to a 12 lb. RX7 Gen III wheel. My understanding was/is that they all weigh 15 lbs. Since I've already had to replace one of my RX7 wheels due to a cracked spoke, SVXRide's got my attention. The impact with a curb was minimal. Maybe I had one (or more) 12 pounders in my first set. How do you determine the wheel's weight short of weighing it? My wheels came from a race shop...so there's no following their geneology. Serial/parts numbers?
I doubt I'd want to drive on the street with wheels that light (12lbs). These wheels are forged but remember, they're 10-13 yrs old. The mechanic that got them for me said they're a bit "brittle"! Had I known about this weight issue when I had the broken wheel replaced I'd have weighed it before I let Discount toss it.
I run 245/45 Avon Tech M500's on my car...sticks like glue and NO RUBBING!
WGJ

hayasa · #8 03-17-2006, 08:33 AM

Check out the graphic. The spokes are thicker on the heaver one (and therefore stronger). Just look for the bell shaped center holes for the good ones.

WGJ · #9 03-17-2006, 11:27 AM

your graphic is perfect. Timing's excellent too, I'm puttin' on a new set of tires shortly and I'll be able to see what I've got.
Unfortunately your graph also muddies the waters about what these wheels weigh. The heavier wheels, according to the caption, weigh 1.5 lbs more than the original run of wheels. So if those wheels weighed only 12 lbs then the new reinforced wheels only weigh 13.5 lbs? Wowsers that's LIGHT! I just examined the inside of my naked (no tire mounted yet) spare wheel and it looks like a 12 lber! Looking for a certified scale where I can weigh it.
WGJ
PS Yeah my spare is early production...I picked it up and it feels like only 12-13 lbs!

andrew.anderson · #10 03-18-2006, 04:56 AM

Good info!

Thanks.