I am in need of new tires and wheels for my 2001 protege. I was told by the guys at the tire shop that I could not install larger wheels on my car. I was planning on going from the stock 14"s to either some 16x7 or 17x7 4-lug wheels.

The stock toyos that came with my car have been totally trashed. I wore them down in 8600 miles. I was thinking about getting some Falkens or some Pirellis. I do alot of cornering and autocrossing, so I play hell with the tires everyday. If anyone has any suggestions they would be most appreciated.

Thanks,
Turbo.

 

The guys at the tire shop... sound like morons. :| Why wouldn't you be able to install larger wheels? All you need to do is get you a set of wheels using the same 4x100 bolt pattern, with a 45 offset. I've got 17's on my '00. If you're looking to buy online, check out Rishie (ARD MP5) and see if he can get you what you're looking for. :]

 

I don't know what they are talking about ,I just put a set of Motergi MR12 with 205/40/17 tires on my 2001 LX . 4X 100 bolt circle . This is the same bolt circle as your car . Like the previous post said ,check with someone else.

 

That's what I thought. Now the big question is that has it affected your turning radius or steering at all? I would hate to throw on larger wheels and come to find out that I cannot throw my steering wheel all the way around because my new wheels are running into the wheel wells. I figure that it shouldn't make that much of difference, and I probably will not run into the wheels wells. Never hurts to ask though.

Thanks,
Turbo

 

There was thread recently called "Turn Radius" where they discussed this...

you should use the search function in the future to find some of the answers you're looking for

 

I just installed 17x7.5 Kosei K1 racing wheels with a 4x100mm bolt pattern and 45mm offset, with 215/40YR17 S-03 tires with no rubbing or effect on turning circle whatsoever. Just make sure you are getting the correct offset for the width of wheel you pick and you won't have any problems. Oh, and steering is effected, it's much more responsive with the shorter, stiffer 40 series tires.
Try calling the Tire Rack or visiting their website for more advise. http://www.tirerack.com/index.jsp

 

Hey guys, I'm prepping a lot of Mazdas for the HIN show over here in San Mateo. So we're closed til Monday. You can put 19s on there if you want. hehe.

For avid racers like myself and Sean, we definitely reccommend going with lightweight wheels. I have some good economical options and will shoot them to you on Monday.

Eric knows what's up with that, hence the K1's. SO he could even advise you if you're really anxious. I'll be around on Monday.

Wish us luck, we're bringin' the Mazdas back into the game. Mostly representing the Proteges on this round. Next time I'm bringin' out all the stops, all my RX7's, s/c Miata, and all the other mazdas affiliated with Automotive R & D. It's gonna be dope.

See ya, Rishie

 

hey Rishie, a few local people were asking where I got my rims and I referred em over to you after they showed some interest in me getting my stuff online. So, if anyone says "Mike with the white protege sent me to you" then you know what's up.

 

Thank you so much Mike. I love to hear that. Hopefully they'll call and I can take really good care of them. I'm still catching up so I'll have to get back to this post later.

Thanks, Rishie

 

Thanks Rishie. The K1's aren't the most original choice, but sometimes there's a good reason for so many people using the same product. They are very light weight for the price, which is why I finally decided on them. I was looking at SSR wheels first, but the Tire Rack said the Integrals are being discontinued. Is that just them, or is SSR replacing them with something else?