The Appeal of Tuning and Customizing OEM RX7 Wheels for Your Build

The Appeal of OEM RX7 Wheels

The Mazda RX7 has long been a favorite among tuners and enthusiasts. This iconic sports car first debuted in 1978 and was praised for its unique rotary engine design. While the RX7 went through several generations before being discontinued in 2002, it remains a legendary model in the import scene.

One of the aspects that makes the RX7 so modifiable is its wheel options. Being a Japanese domestic market (JDM) car, the RX7 came equipped from the factory with stylish OEM wheels. These stock wheels notably included polished, multi-spoke alloys that perfectly complemented the RX7's sleek body lines. As such, many RX7 owners choose to retain their cars' original wheels when modifying other aspects of their vehicles.

The Stock RX7 Wheel Specs

Throughout its different generations, the RX7 came equipped with 14, 15, 16, and 17-inch diameter wheels. Some of the most popular OEM wheels found on RX7 models through the years include:

• 14x5.5JJ RX7 FB Wheels
• 15x6JJ RX7 FC Wheels
• 16x7JJ RX7 FD Wheels
• 17x8JJ RX7 FD Wheels

Not only do these factory wheels offer perfect fitment, but they also provide an optimal balance of performance and style straight from the manufacturer. Many enthusiasts run their RX7s with staggered set ups mixing wider rears with slimmer fronts.

Benefits of Sticking with OEM RX7 Wheels

There are several key benefits that come with retaining the original wheels on an RX7 build:

• Cost Savings - Since OEM wheels are already paid for, keeping them helps save money compared to buying aftermarket wheels.
• Proper Fitment - The wheels were designed specifically for the car so you know they will align and fit properly.
• Light Weight - Factory wheels are typically very lightweight, aiding performance.
• Show Quality - Polished OEM wheels give the car a complete, show-worthy appearance.

Plus, the OEM wheels simply look at home on the car given that's how the RX7 originally came. There's something to be said for maintaining a stock+ look.

Sourcing OEM RX7 Wheels

The good news is that OEM RX7 wheels remain quite easy to source today. Here are some tips for finding used sets in great condition:

• Check local salvage yards that specialize in Japanese imports
• Search RX7 forums where members often sell take-off parts
• Find part outs from crashed or retired race cars
• Watch for sets being sold on eBay Motors and other sites
• Join RX7 Facebook groups and post wanted ads

With some searching, you can likely track down OEM wheels that are flawless or needing nothing more than a good refinishing. This is much more affordable than buying new wheels.

Customizing OEM RX7 Wheels

One of the great aspects of starting with factory wheels is that they provide the perfect canvas for customization. There are many ways to modify and upgrade the OEM wheels to make them your own:

Resprays and Refinishing

A fresh coat of paint or powder coating on the wheels allows you to achieve any color you can imagine. Some cool options include:

• Gloss black
• Matte bronze
• Gunmetal gray
• Candy red
• Chameleon paints

You can also have the faces machined and polished or color-matched to your RX7's body for a cohesive look.

Wheel Spacers

Adding wheel spacers is a quick and easy way to change the offset and stance on the OEM wheels. Some benefits of spacers include:

• Pushed out fitment
• Improved clearance for big brake kits
• More concave look when slammed

Use quality hub-centric spacers in 10, 15, or 20mm to fine tune your RX7's fitment.

Wheel Lips

Bolting on over fenders or widebody kits is a popular mod for the RX7's curvy fenders. To properly fill out the widened arches, many add dish or lips to the wheels. Benefits include:

• Increase dish depth
• Cover widebody fender mods
• Maintain ideal tire fitment

Lips wider than stock help perfectly compliment aggressive over fender kits.

FAQs About OEM RX7 Wheels

Are the OEM wheels strong enough for performance driving?

Yes, the factory wheels are very lightweight and sturdy. As long as you service them properly, they can handle high speeds and hard cornering. For added strength, inspect wheels regularly for cracks and upgrade lug nuts/studs.

What's the biggest tire size I can fit on stock wheels?

It depends on the wheel width, offset, and suspension mods. Typically you can fit around 225 wide tires on 7-inch wide wheels and up to 255 on 8-inch wide wheels. Lowering the car maximizes clearance for bigger tires.

Do I need hub rings or adapters to run OEM wheels on my RX7?

If running wheels meant for your specific RX7 chassis, then everything should bolt up. You'd only need hub rings or adapters if trying to mount wheels from a different chassis/splindle.

What's the difference between JDM and USDM OEM RX7 wheels?

JDM wheels feature metric bolt patterns and sizes while USDM are standard SAE. JDM also tend to be lighter and have more concave faces. Besides that, fitment is largely similar.

How much should a set of used OEM RX7 wheels cost?

Pricing varies widely based on condition. Expect to pay $200-500 for a used set needing refinishing or repairs. Near mint wheels still fetch $800-1200. Rare styles can demand over $2000.

Conclusion

When it comes to modifying an iconic Japanese sports car like the RX7, starting with the OEM wheels as a foundation is never a bad idea. Factory alloys look right at home on the chassis and offer the perfect base for customization. With some searching, you can likely source clean wheels locally from part outs or import sites.

Respraying, adding spacers, or installing lips onto your OEM wheels let you put a unique twist on them. Maintaining the original wheels also helps keep the project cost effective. If you want the best blend of looks, performance, and nostalgia for your RX7 build, stick with quality factory wheels.

FAQs

What width wheels should I run if lowering my RX7?

Lowering the car reduces wheel gap, so you'll want to run wider wheels. 8-inch wide is ideal for most lowered set ups. Wider rear wheels, like 9-inch, accentuate the staggered fitment.

What is the stock offset on RX7 wheels?

Offset varied over the years, but common OEM specs are +35mm for 7-inch wide wheels and +45mm for 8-inch wide wheels. This provides a balanced fitment.

Should I refinish wheels before or after test fitting?

Test fit wheels first to ensure proper alignment. Then refinish or paint them to get like-new results. This avoids damaging a fresh refinish during install.