Need help choosing wheel/tire sizes
 

Okay, so I want to get into Auto-X next summer, so I am going to be upgrading my wheels/tires after the winter is over. I admit that I am a huge noob when it comes to wheel and tire specs, so bare with me. =)

Basically, I won't be making more than 200whp any time soon. I currently have a catback, front pipe, intake, and tune. Header and overpipe are coming, as is coilovers and other suspension goodies. I want to stay in the STX class for a good while until I am good enough to move up, so there won't be many mods past what I have listed.

I definitly wnat to stick with 17" wheels, but what do you all recommend for wheel width and tire size given the info above?

Thanks!

Do you have a budget? e.i. forged or cast wheels. The lighter the better.

Most twins I've seen in STX run the 17x9 +45 Enkei RPF1; they're light and relatively inexpensive. As for tires, your tire choice will probably be the Dunlup ZII, BFG Rivals, or Hankook RS3 in 245/40/17 or 255/40/17. I can't say which specific tire/width to go with. It'll depend on the type of surfaces you have for autox.

I definitely want the RPF1s. I was thinking of going with 17x9 +45 and 245/40/17 tires, but was unsure if this setup would a) be too heavy or b) rub at all.

EDIT: Aaaand just realized I posted this in suspension... Woops. lol If a mod could move, that'd be great. :P

For reasonably inexpensive and lightweight wheels I would go with Enkei. Good stuff and reliable. They are also faster to get in stock than most other wheel companies.

Jacky

If RPF1 consider the 35 offset due to 45 wheel edge rubbing internals at near full lock as many have found.

For very inexpensive, relatively light, 17 inch wheels, why not just keep your stock rims?

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I'll ride on this thread if that's ok. I found a good winter tire deal, will 215/65/16 on steelies be okay?

Not even close... a 215/65/16 is like 2.5" taller than the stock tire. If you want 16's, get 205/50/16.

Back on topic, 17x9 +45 with a 245 is almost guaranteed to rub the stock spring seat up front unless you run spacers (at least 5mm) or have coilovers. 17x9 +35 will poke a bit, but if you get a proper autox alignment (at least -1* camber up front) it won't be too too bad.

That said, the performance difference between 17x8 with 225's and 17x9 with 245's will be very small with a new (to autox) driver. You'll see far bigger differences from more seat time than from the wider tires in your first couple seasons.

Whatever you do, don't go staggered!