Speed3 with Protege wheels

[MazdaTom]

I'm Batman came over tonight so we could test fit my Protege wheels on his Speed3. They ALMOST fit.






There was just a slight interference with the spokes on the caliper in a couple different spots. I think with a thin spacer on the front, they would fit just fine. And even then, the wheel still rotates, it just makes a little noise as the spoke passes over the caliper. If you drove on it, something would end up clearancing itself and the noise would go away. Or just get a 3mm spacer. It might also be just the casting marks on the caliper that were rubbing. Some time with a grinder "might" take care of that. Or just get a 3mm spacer.

The offset of the Protege wheels are 50mm. The Speed3 wheels have an offset of 52.5mm.

So if anyone is looking to keep that Mazda look while rocking cheaper winter tires (when compared to 18" sizes) and more sidewall (not the tires pictured), then this option is available.

Here's a guy in Seattle with 16" steelies on his Speed3:
http://www.themazdaforum.com/showthread.php?t=6400

[bobopud]

Sorry I couldn't make it and those wheels actually look pretty good on the car.

[I`m Batman]

Hey Tom it was nice meeting you yesterday and I want to thank you again for your time and helping me out. At least now I know what I need to do and what to look for. Thanks!

[I`m Batman]

Oh, and maybe a lower offset would help too... 45 or 40mm that would bring the spokes out more and give it a little more clearance to the calipers... it's hard to find a 50+ offset anyway, most of what I've found are in the 40s.

[MazdaTom]

Adding a 3mm spacer would basically be like taking the 50mm offset Protege wheels and making them 47 mm offset.