|
||
| Welcome to my TypeR page! |
|
||
| Welcome to my TypeR page! |
|
Just after purchasing my my R I began my search for an extra set of wheels to autocross with. It didn't take me long to figure out that finding an extra set was gonna cost me a lot of money. I searched eBay, the Type R list on eGroups (now YahooGroups), and every place else I could think of, and every set I found was expensive. No one wanted to sell them cheap. I eventually ended up folding and purchasing a set out of necessity, but vowed to keep searching for cheaper alternatives. What I found after quizzing a variety of Type R owners and racers, was that a handful of OEM wheels may fit the R, and for sure one set of Mazda Wheels. The 1995-96 Mazda Millenia wheels happen to be a direct fit on the Type R with the exact same dimensions (sans the centerbore) and actually weigh about 4lbs less per wheel. Yeah...because we all know the benefits of reductions in unsprung weight! It's almost too good to be true, since there are no other aftermarket wheels which will fit either. Of course, once the masses began figuring this out, those starting becoming pretty scarce too. I then started wondering whether or not any other Mazda wheels would fit and came across a set of 12 spoke 1993-95 Mazda 929 wheels on eBay. The looked like they'd fit and the dimensions listed on the aaarims.com website said they would, so I gave it a shot and purchased the set for $50. They arrived and the dimensions stamped on the wheel matched the OE specs of the R and I did a test fit for verification and voila, another set of wheels we Type R racers can use. They too are also ligher than the OE wheels, but the exact amount is unknown as I've yet to weigh them. It is considerable, but I think they're slightly heavier than the Millenia wheels. I'm planning to weigh the 929 wheel, Millenia wheel, and my OE Type R wheel on a certified scale in the near future and will update this page with the results. Along the same theme I searched the aaarims.com site and came across a couple of other Mazda 929 wheels that should fit. They, along with the other two I mentioned above, are shown below with the year(s) they can be found on. Please note that I can't verify the two other wheels will fit, but there's a good probability they will since they're from the same car and are the same size, so please test fit them *before* purchasing them. Here's the list of wheels with descriptions.
Tips on finding these wheels. I'd check your local paper, tradin' post, and/or junk yards in your area as you can probably find very good deals through these outlets. Remember these wheels are getting older (especially the 929's) and the likelihood of someone other than a Type R racer wanting them is pretty unlikely, so you'll probably have some bargaining power. I personally have had good luck on eBay and ThePartsTrader.com -under Mazda (Other). I bought the 929 wheels for $50 and a set of Millenia wheels for $175. I can't guarantee you'll find such good deals, but these are places I'd check. Several online wheel stores have them too, but they're pricey. If it absoulutely need a set you could try aaarims.com or 800wheels.com or any of the other many online used wheel dealers, but you're going to pay a lot more for them there. Also know, you'll need traditional conical (60 deg.) taper lug nuts for the Mazda Wheels as the taper is different from the Type R wheel. If you can get the ones that came with the wheels those will work just fine, otherwise visit your local autoparts store and pick up a set or visit Mackin Industries and purchase a set online (12x1.5mm (not 1.25mm as previously stated), 3/4in(19mm) Open Bulge or Open Acorn will work great). And finally, if you find additional wheels to add to my list, please email me with the details, or if you find out that that any of the ones I've listed doesn't work, please let me know. Thanks and good luck in your search!!! This page last updated April 9, 2001 |
