Well, after calling about 5 different junkyards ... I finally found a set of '95 Mazda Millenia wheels for the R. The wheels are really light. I think they weigh around 12lbs. Now comes the fun part ... stripping them down and giving them a fresh coat of Flat Black! Just ordered some Yoko A032Rs to complete the track setup.

 

If you don't mind me asking, what do they run price-wise?

 

I picked them up for $70 a wheel.

 

You will love them. I love mine. Acceleration improvements are VERY noticeable. I have heard they weigh 12.X lbs each. They definately feel that light as well, but I never weighed mine.

Here are some pics:

I painted mine semi-gloss black

 

Gotta go find me a set of these...

 

Are they 6.0" or 6.5" wide???
thx

 

15 x 6

 

did you have to do anything to them to get them on? typer_801 said something about the centerbore?

 

no modifications of the wheel are necessary, they bolt right on. you will have to get some different lugnuts: 12 x 1.5mm, open bulge or open acorn. i got the lugnuts for ~ $3 for 4 at pep boys. i picked up my millenia wheels for $260 off of ebay! i'm running kumho 225/50 front and 205/50 rear; great stick!

 

Nice.......I'll have to go junkin!

 

The stock lug nuts won't work with the Millenia wheels?

 

No, the taper is different. You need to use an open bulge or open acorn style. 12x1.5mm, 3/4"(19mm).

 

the 3/4" is the size of hex nut, ie the size of the socket wrench you would use to loosen/tighten it. use this size for convenience so you don't have to switch socket wrenches between stock and your new lugnuts.

 

What are the steps to painting the wheels? Do they have to be sanded down first? What kind of semi-gloss paint did you use?

 

I rented a sandblaster for $10, and used fine sand to remove the grime and finish. Then I used fine grit sandpaper to remove any scratches and rough areas. Next, I gave the rims a coat of black primer, followed by two coats of kyrlon semi-gloss black enamel.

 

Quick Question: IF/When I get the chance to look around for some Millenia Wheels, what year/years do I look for??
Thanks a lot.
Mark

 

Wow, that's a long process. What grade sandpaper? What brand of black primer? First time doing this, and I don't want to mess up.

 

http://www.geocities.com/typer_801/wheels.htm


[Modified by typer_801, 11:14 AM 8/7/2001]

 

Some people have told me they are ugly. I dont really care since they are just a race wheel, but I think they actually look pretty good on the car...

 

Hey,

I called a couple used Mazda parts dealers (using http://www.mypartshop.com/ and the information found on typer_801's helpfull website) and came back with some varying prices. Best price on the 9 spoke Mellinia wheels was $125 a piece, and the best price on the 18 double spoke 929 wheel was $75 a piece. I guess I was hoping to get a great deal like typer_801 did...

However, one of the guys I spoke to said he had a lot of the 9 spoke Melllinia wheel because they are a hot item. According to him they break easily. I asked him if he meant they break while just driving down the road, and he replied "Yes."

I'm not sure whether I believe him or not, but I thought I would mention it. Has anyone had any experience along these lines?

-Floyd

 

[Modified by Cosworth, 6:58 PM 8/7/2001]

 

The wheels are just as strong as any OEM wheels. I've had them for 3 months on my daily driver and they are fine over bumps, potholes, etc. Beside, since the replacement only cost ~$100, it's not a bad deal on a 12lb rim. (Yes, I have sport the rims on daily basis... don't ask why. )

And, $125 is not a good price. These should go for at most $100 with the centercap (which a lot of junk yards charge.) So, you should be able to find one for ~$350 - $400.

 

I've seen a stock wheel of a 94 Rx-7 break while autox'ing. THe spokes just broke off from where it meets the hub. Not a pretty site, but damage to the car was minimal b/c it happened in a slower section of the course

yoshi - who hopes he never breaks a rim *touches w00d*

 

and then we saw that crazy NASCAR style race wheel on that t-bird..umm....deflower...as well.

-k-b0t, who doesn't like that style of 3-wheel motion....

 

$125 might be a bit steep, but the word is out on these wheels, and its going to be hard to find them as cheap as I've heard some people getting them for.

Most of the wheel shops charge high prices no matter what the wheel is. I think the best place to find the Millenia wheels is eBay or somewhere like that, and just hope the seller doesnt realize what they have. Lets face it, its turned into a supply vs demand thing. Alot of ITR racers want these wheels, but there arent many out there for sale. Thats gonna mean higher prices.