BRZ Wheels/Pilot Sport Suggestions

[rbatyko]

Hi all--
Have a '14 BRZ on stock wheels/tires. Just did my first track day at Mid-Ohio, and while the stock rubber is amusing, I think it's time for something a tad more performance oriented.

Right now, pretty set on Pilot Super Sports but would love some recommendations when it comes to wheels. OZ seems to have a pretty decent selection of lightweight options, thoughts? Also, is it worth having a staggered setup (one inch wider out back)?

Thanks so much!

[toraider]

What's the budget for your wheels. It will help with the suggestions.

Any other upgrades done to the car?

[asdf]

I think the consensus you will find on here is that while the MPSS is great for street driving (i have them and love them), you can find something that will handle heat/track-duty better. But like with everything else, there are trade offs (tire longevity, wet performance for street driving, grip, etc).

Go w/ a square set up for your wheel sizing-- people love 17x9 sizing here; offset choice may depend on your suspension/alignment set up

[MightyMeeple]

I went with Enkei PF01s, 17x7.5 square, +38 and Michelin Pilot SuperSports 225/45s. I'm on stock suspension. Here's my build thread if you're interested:
http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showp...85&postcount=1

I can say as a daily driver, this wheel/tire has been very enjoyable; great wet traction, ride is less harsh than stock; I love the look.

However, I haven't made it back to the track so can't provide that data point.

[drewbot]

Tires:
I was in the same predicament as you a few months ago...

I knew exactly what I was getting myself into with PSS. I've driven PSS many times before. I ended up getting RE-11A's in 225 width, as they were actually cheaper than PSS for me locally. They are in the performance category just above the PSS, though. They drive the same on the street IMO, but probably can take a little more heat on a road course.

Wheels:
Funny, again I was also looking at OZ's a while back. I ended up with 17x8 +48 Ultraleggara's, a bit different than most people but definitely lighter than stock and a tad wider. I decided against staggering as I like to ability to rotate tires/wheels.

Beginner Track Impressions:
I did one track day on stock everything, the next on my tire setup described above. The feel is immediate and amazing. I guess in the end anything stickier with more meat for grip will feel better than economy tires.

Here is a shameless plug for my car:

[rbatyko]

Originally Posted by toraider

What's the budget for your wheels. It will help with the suggestions.

Any other upgrades done to the car?

Good point. Would like to keep things under $3k all in, preferably as close to $2k as possible.

[superpenguin]

I did a trackday on the amusing HPs, going back in a couple weeks for another one on Pilot Super Sports. Even around town I can feel the difference (also went up to 225/45/17 on the stock wheels)

The tried and true setup is simple...17x8 or 17x9 RPF1s with Hankook Ventus R-S3s or Bridgestone Re11/Re71. Last time I priced that, you can get a set of wheels and tires mounted, balanced, and shipped to your door for about $1600 from Tire Rack. If you don't want that much grip, go with the Super Sports.

Tirerack is also blowing out 17x9 OZ Formula HLTs for $140/each which is an absolutely mental deal.

[rbatyko]

Originally Posted by superpenguin

I did a trackday on the amusing HPs, going back in a couple weeks for another one on Pilot Super Sports. Even around town I can feel the difference (also went up to 225/45/17 on the stock wheels)

The tried and true setup is simple...17x8 or 17x9 RPF1s with Hankook Ventus R-S3s or Bridgestone Re11/Re71. Last time I priced that, you can get a set of wheels and tires mounted, balanced, and shipped to your door for about $1600 from Tire Rack. If you don't want that much grip, go with the Super Sports.

Tirerack is also blowing out 17x9 OZ Formula HLTs for $140/each which is an absolutely mental deal.

Whoa! Love the HLTs and that price is insane. Thanks for the heads up, that sounds like a pretty incredible option. Have looked at R-S3s, I have more experience with the Super Sports (dad has an M4) but that was a popular call at Mid-Ohio. Definitely will consider.

[superpenguin]

Te37s also look classy as hell on the BRZ I Wouldn't want to track them though, too expensive to replace!

[#maverick#]

17x9 RPF1s, Im selling a set brand new in box (Shameless Plug)

[BlaineWasHere]

RS3 are on a whole different level the PSS.

The PSS is an amazing street tire. It's not a track tire.

[GSpeed]

We had a Michelin guy come by the shop yesterday, and one of the things we discussed was aggressive track day tires for the FT86. His opinion (that a lot of people share) is that the PSS is designed for a heavier car, and is priced at a higher price point intentionally. He recommended the new Rival for these cars, which we'll consider, but we haven't made a decision for our car yet. I do agree with others in this thread that the PSS isn't a great choice for the car. It's just designed for heavier, faster cars on the street.

Jake