The Mazda5 Got New Shoes!

by "LongbowMkII" (longbowmkii)
Published 05/16/2017 at 19:12

Tags: Wheels ; mazda5 ; tires ; rice
STARS: 11

They’re Hyperblack Enkei M52's (17x7.5) wrapped in BFG G-force 2 a/s (205/50). The tires were ~100/ea on tirerack with great reviews, which seems like a great deal to me. Though, in the end, it was cheaper to have my local tire shop do the work. Plus, was able to get the wheels shipped about 10 days sooner.

The new tires/wheels have less drone than the yokohama avids and oem wheels I replaced. Can’t really say which is the key there. I generally listen to music at 10 and now it’s loud enough at 8. Super scientific measurements there.

If there is such thing as too much grip, this is likely flirting with it, though I haven’t driven it with spirit yet.

I kept the old wheels/tires for winter. Considering my luck on my last road trip I decided to go ahead and take no chances with a dodgy sidewall.

Underneath, I noticed a spent RF LCA bushing. Refreshing/upgrading the suspension will be the next job. You know, while I’m there. Totally not looking for a reason. Though I believe this explains the more severe bumpsteer on the RF.

Replies (7)

"MarquetteLa" (marquettela)
05/16/2017 at 19:15, STARS: 1

I love everything about this. Well done and carry on.

"dogisbadob" (dogisbadob)
05/16/2017 at 19:16, STARS: 0

If you still have the old wheels for winter, why not use a summer tire instead of an all-season? Especially if the Sumitomo HTR Z III is available in that size, which is usually at a very good price, and it’s made in Japan.

Bilstein shocks are available for this van, which is awesome.

"LongbowMkII" (longbowmkii)
05/16/2017 at 19:22, STARS: 1

Flexibility. I’m not certain I want to run dedicated winter tires yet and the past couple winters have been pretty mild. I’d rather run these in 40' and rainy than summers in that or bother switching. If it’s a bad winter I’ll toss on some snows. Plus I don’t really need the extra grip.

"Chariotoflove" (chariotoflove)
05/16/2017 at 19:46, STARS: 1

They look great.

"Highlander-Datsuns are Forever" (jamesbowland)
05/16/2017 at 19:53, STARS: 0

I like those wheels, looking slick. I just got the Gforce comp 2's on my Mazda 3, have not had a chance to put them through their paces yet but so far so good.

"wafflesnfalafel" (wafflesnfalafel1)
05/16/2017 at 19:54, STARS: 0

nice looking package for that 5, (I really think 17's look better than anything bigger in many cases like this.)

"LongbowMkII" (longbowmkii)
05/16/2017 at 20:07, STARS: 0

I picked these out because they look like they could’ve been a mazdaspeed design, or a least in the family. I’m going with the cliche ‘oem+’ build. Well, unless I get enough money to stuff a 2nd gen focus RS mill in there. 5 in 5.

I agree with the 17's working best. Not that I had 18's to compare, but there’s not much chance they’d be worth more money.