I am not savvy to all this, just want wheels!
 

Hi all,
after browsing dozens of of threads and understanding about half of what was being said, I need to embarrass myself for a minute and hopefully get some insight!
I've owned my FRS for almost a year, and while I have auto-crossed twice with it, its my daily driver. I drive fairly aggressively whenever I get the opportunity and when I see some of the mods done on other FRS/BRZ's, I salivate with envy. This being said, I have ZERO tech/gear/car intelligence, and I'm hoping to just get a couple clear-cut ideas on my options.
I want to upgrade my wheels and tires. I don't want to do any other mods to the car. I am just looking for something that both looks and performs more aggressively and will stay on the road better. I love the look of the wider, flush tires, and aggressive black wheels, but I don't know what it means to do this. Is there something specific to look for if I take my car to a tire/wheel shop? I don't want to get screwed or deal with someone thats fresh out of high school and has no idea what they are talking about. You guys know your shit, and I value your advice. I don't want to spend over $2500 if possible. Thanks for any info.

Of the 35 pages of pics from the 'aggressive wheels' , this is along the lines of what I would love to achieve:

http://i759.photobucket.com/albums/x...SagBridge6.png

http://i759.photobucket.com/albums/x...ehousebrz2.png

There are several experienced vendors here. I'd much rather deal with them that know the car better then a local tire shop. Best bet is to first realize what wheels "you like" the fitment directory here and gallery is great, it's a sticky here in this section. Start there and browse for what you like. From there you can goto commercial classifieds and see who has them and get I touch with them as to what your needs are etc, ie: stock or lowered suspension. That's best start IMO as everyone's tastes are different

Well in that case you have to commit to lowering and using coilovers, lower control arms, toe links. + wheels and tires that's not achievable with any reasonable quality under 2500 bones.

get high performance summer tires and nice lightweight wheels in 17 or 18"s. On stock ride height I wouldn't get anything too aggressively offset or wide, it may just look funny. Ide say 17 or 18x8 upper 30s low 40s offset would look awesome and perform well

I too autocross and if you wanna go in that direction. Go with a wider rim. Something like a 17x8 or 18x8 and run a 245-35 or 245 40 tire. That's what I plan on doing . One of the best things you can do for handling.

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Yikes. See, I didn't realize I needed the coil overs, arms, links, etc…
Wish there was a page of "aggressive wheels and tires" with all else being stock...

First of all you need to decide what you want more - performance or look. When you want look, get tires with radius larger than stock for an inch or inch and a half. And also get 18 or even 19 inch weels. This however will reduce performance. If you want performance, get wider tires and weels, but keep tire radius equal stock one or evel lower half an inch and select lightest weels you can get in 17".

That's reason there isn't that look and fitment isn't do able since you need clearance to the suspension. Stock suspension perches and spring diameters etc conflict this way. As others have stated look into a max 8-8.5" width in a 17-18" diameter and go from there. Once you get into past 8" you need to start considering camber bolts in front at a min. If you want to auto x you will want camber up front anyhow.

Would this size consideration work for all 4, or would fronts differ from rears for tires?

If your gonna autocross keep same size rims and tires front and back. This will also allow you to rotate tires to prolong the life of them.

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You can have wider weels in the back - like 255 with 235 fronts. But it does not makes sense performance wise unless you go with forced injection.

www.tirerack.com if you are a true noob.

-alex

I disagree.

Prorican is running 18x9.5 + 40 nt03's on 265/35 wheels in the above pictures.

I'm now running the same setup as well. His wheels were black, mine are SBC.

https://scontent-b-mia.xx.fbcdn.net/...08736201_n.jpg

It is a more aggressive setup than most would like to take on but some of what you mentioned isn't absolutely necessary.

Coilovers in this wide of a wheel will be. Only because stock springs are super wide. With that being said, you can get a pair of ST's for 800$. You would get a similar drop as you posted in the original post OP and ST's are somewhat good. You get what you pay for in that regard. I opted for RCE Tarmac 0's.

Lower control arms aren't needed as the car will naturally camber in the rear upon lowering it. However, if you're really anal retentive about your alignment specs and want to "dial" it in then yes, you will want control arms. Those will run ~250$ for a decent set from SPC performance. They get the job done.

Toe links, not necessary. I was able to get my toe (what really kills tires) within spec without them.

The wheels themselves - they can be found used if you search hard enough. Brand new, I want to say they are around 12-1500$ new in black. A bit more in SBC finish. RPF1's (also made by enkei) can be had for much cheaper. There are tons of options out there for wheels.

Tires will be another large investment, especially if you're opting for a higher end tire, something like a Michelin Pilot Super Sport, etc.

There are certain setups that will fit on stock suspension. I've seen some while browsing these forums over the past few months but can't specifically recall any of them off the top of my head right now.

For a setup similar to what you originally posted OP:

Coilovers
Wheels
Tires

Things like rear adjustable control arms and front camber bolts aren't particularly necessary but probably recommended. Going that aggressive will also require fender rolling to aid in rubbing. I've seen most go with a 255/35 tire instead of 265/35 and don't seem to have issues with that. 265/35 is ftw though.

Good luck OP. If you have any questions, feel free.