Trying to decide between looks and performace
 

Bought my BRZ on July 1. I thought I was all set to buy a staggered set of 18" Enkei Raijins with either MPSS or Conti DW, but as I continue to read I can't stop wondering if I'd be better off with a set of 17" OZ Ultraleggeras with the stock tires. It basically comes down to looks vs performance. I want to drop it this fall with one of the Eibach kits. Unichip and catback as well, and eventually headers.

Will I see a big difference in gas mileage? Ride quality?

I love the look of the Raijins. I enjoy getting 28 mpg, but I wouldn't mind a bit more grip either.

FI is not in my future, and although I'd like to take it to the track I doubt i will in the next few years.

Are the Raijins a bad choice?

If you're not going with FI or any significant power upgrades, you don't necessarily need bigger wheels, just better tires if you want performance.

Keep in mind that any increase to overall diameter will be harmful to acceleration, as you've effectively made the gearing taller. Any increase in weight of the wheel/tire combo will also affect acceleration and possibly fuel economy, so if you go with 18's I'd try and keep the weight down.

Wider wheels and tires may also have a negative affect on fuel-economy, but I wouldn't worry about that so much.

If performance is your main reason to upgrade, not aesthetics, try some performance 225x45x17's on the stock wheels.

If you do get 18's, I'd look at 225x40, or if you want something wider 245x35 as these would end up very close to the overall circumference of stock.

EDIT: The Enkei Raijins in particular are about the same weight as stock in 18x8.5 size, which would fit either tire size mentioned, though there are special considerations if you're looking for a certain tire look. That said I can't say anything bad about them except that you can get lighter rims.

I'm loving my Raijins with MPSS tires.

I went for looks and chose 18x8.5 front and 18x9.5 rear with 245/35/18 front and 265/35/18 rear.

Lowered 1.5" on ST coilovers.

Street handling is improved, but when pushing to the limit, the staggered setup is not as optimum. With this wide of tires it takes a lot to spin or break them loose. Car sticks like glue, and I'll probably not even try to push these to the limit.

I'm saving my stock wheels for some R compound tires for AX or track use.