Installing FWD wheels on a RWD car?

Question

I have a mazda rx8 (RWD). I put wheels on it that are aftermarket that i used to have on my 2003 hyundai tiburon (FWD). The bolt pattern is the same and they all installed properly. I am concerned because the wheel width of the factory wheels are 8" and the aftermarket ones are 7.5".. is this going to make a difference of cause any issues? Thanks!

Answer 1

I agree with the less tire less traction concept, but I would be more concerned with the offset of the rim rather than the width

Answer 2

The stock wheels are a +50 offset. Most FWD's will also use an offset up in this area. If your doing it for the winter the slimmer tires will help in the snow. If they clear everything and don't rub then you don't need to worry. The only side effect might be some innacuracy in your speedometer.

Goodluck!

Answer 3

ok here we go first you will need the complete floor of the rear wheel drive car then cut out your old floor and make the new one fit in that is the easyiest way to mak it rear wheel drive you will allso need to brace the mid section of the car as it will start to twist or you could cut out the whole underside of the pontiac and construct a tubular space sub frame that will accomodate the new engine transmission and at leaste a five link rear end for the axel then weld this into the car allthough i have seen a pontiac bonny with a caddy front wheel drive supercharged v8 but that will require the engine management system to handle the traction control along with the rear brake assembly my best advice is dump the girly pontiac and go and get some MOPAR son or a nice GTO or 78 camero or the daddy dodge super bee

Answer 4

they should work fine but u need to keep in mind that some tires are directional tires like rain tires so keep this in mind

Answer 5

It shouldn't be a problem if the wheels clear your brake calipers.

Answer 6

less width = less traction/grip

Answer 7

no they should work fine