Hi All,
Does anyone know if the stock 225/45/18's from an '06 RX8 will fit the stock Speed3 rims? I'll be trading in my RX8 next year for a Speed3 and will have about 3000 miles on a new set of tires. Hate to give them back to the dealer or sell them if I don't have to. I also have a set of 225/50/17 snow tires/wheel set which I believe will fit on the 3 since the bolt patterns are the same as the RX8. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.
DTK

Love my RX8, but need more room!

 

Short answer - Yes they'll fit.

Long answer - But they might rub. Stock MS3 tires are 215/45R18. I have 225/45R18 ContiExtreme Contacts on my stock MS3 wheels which I use in winter. I experience slight rubbing in rare instances on my rear tires. This occurs when the shock/tire gets compressed enough into the wheel well that the tire rubs on the black plastic covering inside the wheel well.

It doesn't concern me since it's not rubbing on the metal of the fender and damaging the tire or anything. And it happens very rarely or more often if there's a heavy load in back.

I've read some people experience no issues at all with 225/45s. I think it might also depend on the exact tire as the Contis I have are made with a deep, more squared off tread that gives the tires bigger "shoulders" so to speak.

Also, since the stock MS3 wheels are 18x7 they are narrower so wider tires (like 225/45s) mounted to them will bulge out more on the overall diameter. The stock RX8 wheels are 18x8 and would flatten out those same 225/45 tires a little bit more.