Winter Tire group buy?
09-13-2003, 01:26 AM
#126
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Enough guesswork! TireTrends (in Vancouver, www.tiretrends.com ) has made arrangements with a local Mazda dealer to take 2 16" alloys and 2 17" alloys over to test fit them on an RX-8. This is booked for Tuesday, so we'll have definite answers about a couple of 16" options or non-options then.
Sorry Eastern guys that want to buy local, but Talon Tire seems to be missing in the 16" alloy questions, and Tire Trends has a great reputation for internet service for Canadians and is making the effort to answer our questions! (I had asked them about shipping me a wheel or two at my expense to test-fit, and they offered to take the time to test fit locally. That's customer service!)
Here's the wheels they're trying (look them up on their web site to see what they look like):
Regards,
Gordon
Sorry Eastern guys that want to buy local, but Talon Tire seems to be missing in the 16" alloy questions, and Tire Trends has a great reputation for internet service for Canadians and is making the effort to answer our questions! (I had asked them about shipping me a wheel or two at my expense to test-fit, and they offered to take the time to test fit locally. That's customer service!)
Here's the wheels they're trying (look them up on their web site to see what they look like):
I have 4 prospective wheels to test on the RX8 for winter fit rims. I am going to be testing a 16x7 ET42 Konig Holes, A 16x7 ET45 FRD6, A 17x7 ET48 FRD30, and a 17x7 ET45 FRD 2, 6, and 8 (these three are all the same fit). I have made a deal with the local Mazda dealer to test the fit on a new RX8 on Tuesday and will let you all know the results...
Gordon
09-17-2003, 02:37 PM
#128
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It seems they were too busy to get to the Mazda dealer yesterday - they've promised to try again today (Wednesday). (Their shipping guy is sick or something, so everyone else is helping out to get current orders out the door).
Regards,
Gordon
Regards,
Gordon
09-18-2003, 10:26 PM
#130
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Ok it seems like no 16" alloy will fit either 
But we have some 17" alloys that will fit for sure, tiretrends has been great going down to a dealer and trying them.
I'm going to call talon tomorrow and see what they have to say as well.
But we have some 17" alloys that will fit for sure, tiretrends has been great going down to a dealer and trying them.
I'm going to call talon tomorrow and see what they have to say as well.
09-19-2003, 03:29 PM
#132
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I just ordered my winter setup from Bob at www.tiretrends.com.
Wheels are Konig Holes , 17x7, bolt pattern 5x114.3, offset 45mm, weight 16.1 lbs. They're pricier than others offered at $255, but cheaper wheels like the FRD30 are 21 lbs each or more. My Mazda $500 is going towards the lighter wheels! Since the car will be wearing these for 5 months + every year, I figured I shouldn't shortchange it - I'll appreciate the lighter wheels every winter every year!
For tires, I chose the Pirelli Winter210 SnowSport, size 215/55-17. They are very slightly taller than OEM, but one width narrower, so should bite better in snow.
I should have them within a week!
Regards,
Gordon
Wheels are Konig Holes , 17x7, bolt pattern 5x114.3, offset 45mm, weight 16.1 lbs. They're pricier than others offered at $255, but cheaper wheels like the FRD30 are 21 lbs each or more. My Mazda $500 is going towards the lighter wheels! Since the car will be wearing these for 5 months + every year, I figured I shouldn't shortchange it - I'll appreciate the lighter wheels every winter every year!
For tires, I chose the Pirelli Winter210 SnowSport, size 215/55-17. They are very slightly taller than OEM, but one width narrower, so should bite better in snow.
I should have them within a week!
Regards,
Gordon
09-19-2003, 04:35 PM
#133
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Gord; thanks for this info. I'll order mine same way
I think. Is there a penalty for Toronto destination?
Can anyone recommend a Toronto address/individual to
coordinate deliveries?
gb
I think. Is there a penalty for Toronto destination?
Can anyone recommend a Toronto address/individual to
coordinate deliveries?
gb
09-19-2003, 04:47 PM
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I spoke with Bob at tire trends a few minutes ago. They ship via Purolator. If you purchase tires with the wheels, they will mount, balance and ship to us in the GTA. He quoted me $1810.10 for 17" FRD 6 wheels and the same tires Gord bought. Wheels are $169 right now, but heavier than what Gord bought. Tires are $236.40. That price includes everything to the door here in the GTA.
Just wondering if you need someone to coordinate as they will ship directly to your door.
Next question. Where's Talon Tire in this?
Just wondering if you need someone to coordinate as they will ship directly to your door.
Next question. Where's Talon Tire in this?
09-19-2003, 05:49 PM
#135
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Guys, Talon is suppose to post something TONIGHT!
They are trying the last resort steel wheel. John said he would check group pricing for the alloys, but he said he doesn't sell that many of that type so his price is not as good as tiretrends.
Hopefully he will post tonight and we will know for sure!
They are trying the last resort steel wheel. John said he would check group pricing for the alloys, but he said he doesn't sell that many of that type so his price is not as good as tiretrends.
Hopefully he will post tonight and we will know for sure!
09-19-2003, 07:07 PM
#136
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Originally posted by Gord96BRG
I should have them within a week!
I should have them within a week!
As for the tires - Pirelli had previously told them the W210 in this size were in stock, but when TireTrends went to order them this afternoon Pirelli said that they were supposed to be in, but hadn't arrived yet. So my order isn't quite as firm as I'd have liked yet!
Regards,
Gordon
09-20-2003, 08:21 AM
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The saga continues
I hope you find that those 17" rims actually clear the calipers. Yesterday I went to Talon Tire where we tried another 16" steel rim from the US. Although it did fit great on the rear, hub-centric and all, it wouldn't fit on the front because of the brake calipers.
We will press on, relentlessly (sigh), with more rims as Talon Tire gets them in to test out.
We will press on, relentlessly (sigh), with more rims as Talon Tire gets them in to test out.
Last edited by Canada; 09-20-2003 at 08:27 AM.
09-20-2003, 09:12 AM
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Ok, well I'm convinced that we will have to go with 17" alloys.
Now we'll see if Talon Tire can get us a good price on wheels. He told me that his price might not be so good on the alloys
I guess he will look into them now.
Now we'll see if Talon Tire can get us a good price on wheels. He told me that his price might not be so good on the alloys
I guess he will look into them now.
09-22-2003, 12:50 PM
#139
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I posted another thread "Talon Tire Group Buy"
Talon was able to beat Tiretrends wheel pricing, which is great! And they are still looking into a 16" alloy.
Also the group buy is not a 1 item purchase, you can pick and choose, as long as well ALL buy he's game for a discount!
Talon was able to beat Tiretrends wheel pricing, which is great! And they are still looking into a 16" alloy.
Also the group buy is not a 1 item purchase, you can pick and choose, as long as well ALL buy he's game for a discount!
09-22-2003, 03:28 PM
#140
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I'd be interested, but I really want a lighter wheel than the 21-lb 17" FRD30. Talon's website doesn't even show wheels or weights - how are we to know what they offer or can get?
Regards,
Gordon
Regards,
Gordon
09-22-2003, 05:09 PM
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I think they can get anything, you can search 1010tire or tiretrends, his pricing would be similar. He beat tiretrends pricing for the FRD30.
He can order whatever, if your interested I can call or you can call and find out what his price is.
He can order whatever, if your interested I can call or you can call and find out what his price is.
10-03-2003, 06:54 AM
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Let's roll it back a couple of months to the great winter tire size debate ...
Gord purchased 215/55/17
canzoomer seemed pretty commited to 205/55/17
My math agrees with canzoomer, the 205 is closer to the stock diameter. Gord's logic that smaller contact patch is better for winter (I agree with that) seems to point at the 205 as the superior option. Obviously tire selection in the different sizes will influence things heavily.
Gord purchased 215/55/17
canzoomer seemed pretty commited to 205/55/17
My math agrees with canzoomer, the 205 is closer to the stock diameter. Gord's logic that smaller contact patch is better for winter (I agree with that) seems to point at the 205 as the superior option. Obviously tire selection in the different sizes will influence things heavily.
10-03-2003, 08:35 AM
#144
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Originally posted by Wing
Good luck finding 205/55/17 THAT'S the problem!
Good luck finding 205/55/17 THAT'S the problem!
You CAN go to a 215 instead and preserve teh 55% ratio, or live with 50.
Still 50 is OK as it falls within our speedometer error range in most cases.
1010 tires offered me a couple of good choices in that, and KAL tire has Nokian in that too.
But i opted for the Nokian WS (all season) in 225/45/R17.
It is a better choice for us who are not in heavy snow zones, but who have to do a lot of driving on ice, light snow, and in wet conditions. It is a tire that does all seasons well except summer, but that is what we have our original tires and wheels for.
Anyway, some choices:
Michelin Pilot Alpin Next Generation in 215/55/17
http://www.1010tires.com/tire.asp?ti...ext+Generation
Bridgestone Blizzak LM22 205/50/17
http://www.1010tires.com/tire.asp?ti...lizzak+LM%2D22
Pirelli Winter 240 Snowsport 205/50/17
http://www.1010tires.com/tire.asp?ti...+240+Snowsport
10-03-2003, 01:10 PM
#145
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It's kind of funny that you guys revived this thread right after I ordered my winter tires from Tire Rack. I went with the narrowest size that I could find (205/50r17) and figured that the small amount of speedometer error was an acceptable trade-off for the increased snow traction.
After listening to Gord96BRG push the Pirelli Winter SnowSports I decided to go with:
Pirelli Winter 240 SnowSport 205/50VR17
Kazera KZ-V 17x7
What did everyone else purchase?
After listening to Gord96BRG push the Pirelli Winter SnowSports I decided to go with:
Pirelli Winter 240 SnowSport 205/50VR17
Kazera KZ-V 17x7
What did everyone else purchase?
Last edited by Speed Racer; 10-03-2003 at 03:14 PM.
10-03-2003, 03:17 PM
#146
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I've been dealing with www.tiretrends.com , and they've gone through the tire availability of the different models with me. They can not get any of the Pirelli Winter210 215/55-17s from Pirelli yet, so now I'm getting the Toyo Garit HT in 215/55-17. Their contacts at Michelin now tell them that they will not be bringing the Pilot Alpin NG to Canada this year in the 215/55-17 size, even though 1010Tires shows it. It's pretty hard to sort out the truth when all the online vendors are showing different variations on available sizes and models! 
My concern with the shorter diameter tires wasn't so much the speedo error but simply the slight reduction in ground clearance. It's only fractions of inches, so it shouldn't really be a problem. I found it interesting that Tire Rack recommends the 225/50-17 size for the RX-8 since TR normally pushes narrower tires for winter use, so I went to the Bridgestone web site and a few other manufacturers' web sites, and found from the spec sheets that even though their winter sizes are nominally 225 (say 225/50-17), the actual tread width runs about 1/2" narrower than a 225 nominal width on a summer tire. The WS-50 vs. RE-040 OEM size is a good example of this. So even a 225 winter tire is slightly narrower than the OEM tire.
PS - the 17x7 Konig Holes wheel just barely clears the outside of the brake caliper - clearance is about 3 or 4 mm! There's a possibility that the valve stem wouldn't clear the caliper - I have to get a valve stem fitted to my test wheel and check again. Based on the tight clearance on this wheel, I can't imagine that any 16" alloy could clear those giant front brakes, despite 2 assurances now that Mazda's RX-8 OEM 16" wheels do clear the GT/Sport/CDN front brakes.
Regards,
Gordon
My concern with the shorter diameter tires wasn't so much the speedo error but simply the slight reduction in ground clearance. It's only fractions of inches, so it shouldn't really be a problem. I found it interesting that Tire Rack recommends the 225/50-17 size for the RX-8 since TR normally pushes narrower tires for winter use, so I went to the Bridgestone web site and a few other manufacturers' web sites, and found from the spec sheets that even though their winter sizes are nominally 225 (say 225/50-17), the actual tread width runs about 1/2" narrower than a 225 nominal width on a summer tire. The WS-50 vs. RE-040 OEM size is a good example of this. So even a 225 winter tire is slightly narrower than the OEM tire.
PS - the 17x7 Konig Holes wheel just barely clears the outside of the brake caliper - clearance is about 3 or 4 mm! There's a possibility that the valve stem wouldn't clear the caliper - I have to get a valve stem fitted to my test wheel and check again. Based on the tight clearance on this wheel, I can't imagine that any 16" alloy could clear those giant front brakes, despite 2 assurances now that Mazda's RX-8 OEM 16" wheels do clear the GT/Sport/CDN front brakes.
Regards,
Gordon
10-03-2003, 03:27 PM
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Gordon,
Thanks for the detailed response. I'll make sure that I test fit the wheels as soon as I receive them just to make sure that I will not have any clearance problems.
Thanks for the detailed response. I'll make sure that I test fit the wheels as soon as I receive them just to make sure that I will not have any clearance problems.
10-03-2003, 04:35 PM
#148
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Originally posted by Speed Racer
I'll make sure that I test fit the wheels as soon as I receive them just to make sure that I will not have any clearance problems.
I'll make sure that I test fit the wheels as soon as I receive them just to make sure that I will not have any clearance problems.
Regards,
Gordon
10-06-2003, 10:23 PM
#149
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I got my wheels and tires installed today.
17" wheels, and Nokian Hakka WR All Season 225/45/R17's
Cost me $130 each for the wheels, $231.21 each for the tires.
With install balance, chrome valve stems and caps, GST, etc. I paid a total of $1,627.09 to KAL Tire here in Edmonton.
Nice clearance, and they feel quite good on dry pavement.
I will post pics tomorrow.
17" wheels, and Nokian Hakka WR All Season 225/45/R17's
Cost me $130 each for the wheels, $231.21 each for the tires.
With install balance, chrome valve stems and caps, GST, etc. I paid a total of $1,627.09 to KAL Tire here in Edmonton.
Nice clearance, and they feel quite good on dry pavement.
I will post pics tomorrow.
10-06-2003, 10:26 PM
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I received my winter tires (17x7 Kazera KZ-V w/ Pirelli Winter SnowSport) today and installed one to make sure they would fit. I had about 5mm of clearance between the caliper and the inside of the rim so it looks like it is all good! 
P.S. There is extra space in the wheel well because I had just softly lowered the car from the jack.
P.S. There is extra space in the wheel well because I had just softly lowered the car from the jack.