I know we always get these type of questions, but I dunno what to do since my car is my DD.

Currently I have this rim and size (18x8.5):



Now I am not too much of a chrome/polished guy, so I would like to change these to this (18x9.5 - Black Machined GT500):



The main reason why I would like to have such a big rim is cause I may upgrade to the bigger brakes (will be tracking more than I thought I would initially).

However when it comes winter time, I would have to use the 255/45 size as well (esp in the snow and etc). Is it worth upgrading when my car really can't be used in the winter (especially in snow and ice)?

Please help me sort this out in my head...

 

*Double Post*

 

Look, I was in the same boat---it's worth it!

I now have FR500s with badass Nitto NT555s coming to my house. Keep the stockers for the winter and rock the GT500s (a great rim) and summer tires in the summer. That's my plan. Good luck!

 

Would I have to worry about the alignment, bearing issues, and etc with different offsets - 40-45(aftermarket) vs 50 (stock)?

 

Anyone?

 

Should be no bearing issues bud. Choose the right set of wheels for you ( personally I would go with something a little more out of the norm than GT500 stockers but that's me ) get a good set of rubber for 'em and slap 'em on for summer... like Vista said, keep your stockers and throw some snow tires on 'em, problem solved CruizinConcepts.com is a really good spot to pick up a good set of wheels at a good price, they got the 20" all black 7 spoke Saleens coming out real soon Get in touch with Mike there and he'll take care of ya man!

 

Yessirrr. Mike hooked me up with my Fr500s---DEF the man to talk to. Derek is right get some nice wide rubber on there. I personally am pumped for the 285 rears, I am looking foward to being able to floor it for the first time with 4.10s in first gear and actually going somewhere

 

The stockers I have now only have around 1200 mi on them, so I guess I don't need to change the tires just yet :P

Like I said, my main concern is what I read about - offset, scrub radius and etc:

http://www.miata.net/garage/offset.htm

Two calculators:
http://www.1010tires.com/WheelOffsetCalculator.asp
http://www.rims-n-tires.com/rt_specs.jsp

I guess I could be reading too much into this...please help me to stop over-thinking :P

 

Well since I am covered under that "rim and tire" protection plan I can pick any rim as long as its OE and it will covered from damages and etc. Thats the main reason why I wanted GT500 rims.

I guess I can go different, but in order to keep that warranty I need to stick to a certain area :P

 

i've always like the black machined gt500 replicas. good choice on those but like those guys were saying check out cruizin concepts and look into the rims they carry. you might end up changing your mind and going with something else once you see the better than oe pricing mike gives you