Lightest OEM Size Wheel?

[CSG Mike]

Originally Posted by ItsReiko

Hi everyone, like most people, I'd like to get a aftermarket set of wheels. My primary goal is saving some un-sprung weight. I'd like to stick to the OEM wheel size to maintain the stock feel and lightest weight possible.

I notice that most aftermarket wheels are wider. What are the lightest wheels I can find that has OEM sizing (215/45r17) and are under $450 per wheel? (Enkei RPF1 isn't my cup of tea unfortunately)

If you want LIGHTEST, you're gonna need to spend. Otherwise, the RPF1, which you don't like, is really hard to beat for value.

TWS T66-F is king for light. 16x7 (international OEM option) is 10.6lbs per wheel for the T66-F. 17x8 (slightly larger than OEM, but smallest 17" 5x100) is 13.9lbs. Not only are they lighter than Enkeis, they're also forged.

[ItsReiko]

Originally Posted by CSG Mike

If you want LIGHTEST, you're gonna need to spend. Otherwise, the RPF1, which you don't like, is really hard to beat for value.

TWS T66-F is king for light. 16x7 (international OEM option) is 10.6lbs per wheel for the T66-F. 17x8 (slightly larger than OEM, but smallest 17" 5x100) is 13.9lbs. Not only are they lighter than Enkeis, they're also forged.

13.9lbs at 17x8 is incredible. I ended up opting for the Enkei GTC02's in 17x7.5+38 which I weighed to be around 16.4lbs. Paired them with some 215/45r17 PS4S.

I was super surprised when they were only ~2.5lbs lighter than my OEM wheels & tires, expected them to be closer to 4lbs lighter. I do think I feel a difference though.

The PS4S sidewalls are also a lot meatier looking even in the same size and with this new offset and extra .5" rim, the car looks so much better visually.

[blsfrs]

Originally Posted by cmiovino

Fun fact, 2004 STI wheels are 17x7.5 and weigh <16lbs. They will clear Brembos too.

Fun fact. They are hard to find. They were only made 5x100 for 2-3 years.

[venturaII]

If you're open to 16", another option is a used set of Motegi Forged...not the easiest to find, but they're out there. 16x7 ET40 are 12.5lbs and I was able to score a nice set with great condition tires for around 1200 bucks. Dropping 10 pounds of rotating mass at each corner is something even a butt dyno can feel.

[Yoniyama]

Significant improvement from unsprung (and rotational) mass reduction is not hype. I run 16" TE-37 that weighs about 12.5lb (5.7kg) each, saving about 9lb (4kg) per corner. The improvement in handling, acceleration, ride quality, and even fuel efficiency is noticeable.

Small unsprung weight reduction (up to 1kg per wheel) is probably pointless, but you can easily save 3+kg (per wheel) without breaking the bank. I just wish I could afford the T-66F, though.

I ran with RPF-1 before, but it was soft and one was bent when I went over a small pothole at low speed. With the Volks Racing TE37, I am just glad that I no longer have to focus on avoiding the slightest imperfection of the road, lest I bend another wheel.