The GT-Rs are 20x9 front and 20x10.5 rear. The Axis spec sheet doesn't show offset, so it's difficult to determine if the extra 2" width rear would be an issue. They refer to fitment considerations in the Staggering FAQ, so I imagine they will advise you when you call.

Next; are your objectives looks or performance? From the Axis FAQ:

If you are going for the aggressive look and the staggered wheels fit, you are good to go....well, almost. Remember, the AWD system on the RDX constantly overdrives the rear axles via the SH carbon clutches. The overdrive applies continuous wear to the clutches and is tuned to operate 4 wheels that all have the same mass. Increasing the relative mass of the rear wheels will probably increase the wear on the clutches and the resulting SH-AWD temperature. How much extra wear and will the heat trigger a Diagostic Trouble Code? Maybe Acura could answer that.

It is certain though, that staggering the wheel size front to rear will cause problems. (I know you didn't suggest this, but Axis did.) The tire rolling diameter must be equal to avoid stress on the drivetrain.

Regarding staggering effect on performance:

The stock RDX is a transverse engine, front drive chassis with less than optimal polar moment (57/43 dist). It understeers off throttle, (compared to the X-3 with a longitudinal 6 cylinder and near perfect 51/49 dist). Fixing understeer requires larger rear slip angles, usually achieved with a stiffer rear anti-roll bar.

Staggering increases the width (and shortens the length) of the rear contact patch, increasing the lateral grip, making it more difficult to generate oversteer both off throttle and with the SH-AWD. The stiffer rear anti-roll bar could be brought into play here.

The higher unsprung weight and longer moment arm of the rotating mass on 20" wheels is more resistant to directional changes. The guys with 20s generally don't report much of a difference in butt feel though. Hope this helps.

 

Yes it helps. Thank you for your research, knowledge and TIME. I'll probably stick to the 9.5's.

 

Bump for this thread!! I'm researching wheels and this thread helped tremendously. It definitely should take its place back up top. You know your s**t, 737.

 

Ditto. 737 is a great resource.

 

Good bump. This is a very useful thread!

One oddity is that I checked the back of my stock 08 RDX wheels and they are 45 offset! I wonder if different wheel manufacturers provide different offsets or the offset changed from 07 to 08?

Anyway, I just ordered some TSW Montage wheels (18x8-40) to replace the drab-colored, heavy-looking stock wheels. I almost painted the stock wheels a "normal" silver color instead of the "brake dust silver" color provided by the factory, but would still be left with the heavy, inset-too-far look.

I'll post some pics when I get them mounted next week.

 

I thought about using hub-centric spacers to poke the wheel out. The stock wheel is not bad looking. I also agree that I would prefer a "bright" silver.

 

Many people, myself included, highly recommend against spacers. If they are not seated correctly (and it is very hard to tell if they are), the bolts will torque, but the wheel will not seat and, well, eventually can come off.

Go with a wheel with a numerically lower offset if you want to punch the wheels outward.

 

Hey Champlain,

I am from Ontario and hear your pain - our roads or better yet pot holes are horrible. I just bought a 2011 Acura RDX and last winter bought a set of 16" Acura steelies for my TSX that I traded in. I also got 205/60/16 Michelin Xice2 tires to go with them. Do you know if these tires will work/fit on the RDX? I've been searching for an answer with no luck

Thanks to anyone who can help answer this..

Cheers,

Joe

 

I'd like to confirm if the TSX 17inch wheels will be OK or not for a 2008 RDX;
I've been through this thread and am a bit confused now....

 

Seems like they are working fine...

 

New link:

 

That looks really good with white.

 

Add Yakima rack with a box, 25% tint on the side windows and you have the perfect ski vehicle.

 

Thanks guys. I am pleased with the result for a set of wheels I picked up used for $300. I was told that one of them is bent though...