Wheel size insight
 

Okay, so I've avoided making a thread about wheels for over a year. I thought I could get by without one, but I'm pretty sure I've worn my welcome thin asking questions in the off-topic section. So, here I am. I have been flip-flopping about wheels basically since I got the car and I just can't make up my mind. This isn't another "help me pick my wheels" thread. I just need some more specific insight that I haven't been able to find in the individual threads.

The hardest part seems to be the size. I just can't settle on one. I have a few potential sizes that I would like to explore that are all compromises themselves, so I'm not looking to compromise again, unless the argument is good.

16x7 - This size is the newest compromise and one I'm not opposed to because it's different, and could work. But it was met with opposition from the few people I asked. Why is this a bad size?

17x7 - Really where I want to stay. Easy to find/cheap tires, can keep them light. The problem is, I just can't find any I like, so I doubt I'll get one this size.

18x8 - The reason for the jump is all about tire sizes. I'd rather have this than a 17x8 because a 245/35 fits this better than a 225/45 fits a 17x8. Simple as that.

Wheel size insight
 

Goals? What will you use the wheels for, street, track, drag strip? Summer, all season, winter tires? Drop? The more specific you are...

It's generally a good idea to stay close to the overall diameter of the OEM wheels.

I was afraid to get too into the facts because this post would've been ten times longer. Quick version.

Street only, with the very rare, if at all, autocross.
All-season tires.
No plans to drop.

Almost anything goes for street, within reason. Do you prefer the looks of 18s vs 17s for street? Potholes where you drive? 17s should be a little cushier than 18s. I don't think you need 16s if you're not doing heavy drag strip/ax/track. I think 17x8 fits 235/40 and even 245/40 pretty well. You can do 225/45 size on 17x7 or 17x7.5. Check tire specs on tirerack to validate measured rim size and acceptable rim width range for the tires you're interested in. It's up to you.

Also consider two sets of rims for summer and winter tires if winters are cold where you drive.

As long as the wheel looks good, I don't really have a preference between 17 and 18, as far as looks go. Though I do drive in an area with a lot of pot holes. I can also add that I don't want to spend a fortune on wheels and tires, so you could say that's more of a reason to go 17. Also, I know it's not necessary for a DD, but I'd also like a lighter wheel, if possible.

Right now, it looks like the only wheel I've found that fits all of what I want is the 57Xtreme. My only pause on it is price.

I'd recommend staying 17x7 if you're concerned about weight. 16x7 would look too small on this car IMO. If it's going to be used almost entirely for street, daily driving, I don't think it would be a noticeable difference in handling if you went with a 17x8 with a slightly wider tire. You're not getting much of an aesthetic benefit (i.e. concavity) with an 8" wheel, aside from looking slightly beefier from behind.

Overall I'd suggest 17x7's with a proper offset or spacers with a nice set of tires.

http://www.elementwheels.com/prodima...malloryblk.jpg

These are pretty concave for an 8" wide wheel. I kind of like them. And a 235/40/17 Bridgestone Potenza RE-11 doesn't hurt the speedo too bad. My only concern is the +35 offset. I keep seeing people say that going to low from the stock offset can mess up handling.

I stand corrected. Assuming that photo is actually an 8" wheel, that looks pretty damn good. It's rare to see concave wheels under 9".

I can't speak from experience about the handling effects yet, but plenty of people running more aggressive fitments up front claim no negative effects. +35 really isn't anything crazy and you shouldn't run in to any kind of fitment issues either. With something around a 20mm spacer in the back it should be pretty close to flush.

It's hard to tell. That wheel comes in sizes ranging from 16x7 to 20x10. Who knows which one they picked for the stock photo.

+35 is going to change the scrub radius about 1/2", which can alter the steering feel, and how the car reacts over bumps. Anyone know what the stock scrub is?

Also, I like the Mallory, a lot like the RS05RR, but the spokes are a bit thicker. Any idea on weight for a 17x8?