16" wheel options?
 

So, first post on the site, so be kind. ;) Anyways, I'm looking for options as far as 16" wheels go; ideally, I want a 16" x8", with offset in the +35 to +45 range, so I can run a 245/45 tire. Unfortunately, the closest I've seen to those specs are the Enkei Compe in 16x8 with a +25 offset, which is just too aggressive for my taste. Enkei also makes the RPF1 in a 16x8 +38 offset, which would be perfect, but no 5x100 offering. The RPF1 would be my first choice because of the low weight, but it's a moot issue...

I've seen a couple of threads discussing 16" wheels, but unless I missed it, there was no reference to a 16x8 that fits our hubs with a reasonable offset. I don't want a ton of negative camber to make an otherwise low offset wheel 'fit', and high dollar wheels are just not going to work with my budget. $250/wheel is about my limit. I saw the Rota Slipstream used to be available in 16x8 with ET+48, but they are no longer made, and I didn't really care for the look anyways. Am I missing any others? Or is my widest 16" option going to be a 16x7.5 and 225/50 tire?

Thanks -

245/45/16 tires are pretty hard to come by, which is why I switched to 17" wheels. Good luck.

Yeah, the selection for good 16's is getting pretty bleak these days, but I really want the taller sidewall....

The only ones I've found are the ESM 001's which are 16x8 +35 .

Yeah, the ESM 001 is the right spec, but heavy and not exactly what I'd call attractive on our cars...maybe on older German stuff it'd look more appropriate.

One reseller I spoke with said Enkei will do custom specs on orders of 10 sets or higher. (we never talked price...) Just curious if that's ever come up on the forum as an option for those looking for a decent 16" wheel? I'd suggest either the RPF1 in 16"x8" +38 5x100, which are all dimensions available on the RPF1, just not together, or perhaps the Enkei Compe in 16"x8" 5x100, but with a +35 or +40 offset, instead of the current +25. Is there enough interest in a good 16" wheel for this? It kind of goes without saying, but a 16" gives you a better ride, works better with long travel stock suspension and wider tires, and is lighter than the same model in a 17"...

Quite true; I was thinking either Bridgestone Potenza RE-11, or possibly Toyo T1R as a lower priced candidate. The RE-11 would have more potential as an occasional autocross tire.

I'd be down for a GB, price depending of course. Looking for the RPF1. I looked at the Enkei Compe, but that wheel is heavy as shit-completely negating running a 16"

actually, maybe scratch that. I just looked at pricing for 245/45/16 tire...OMG

Part of the reason I wanted 16's was for cheap tires...225/50/16 is plentiful and cheap too.

But the deciding factor for me would be GB price of 16x8 rpf1

Yeah, I'm not going to 16's because it's going to make my life easier, that's for sure. I want the better ride quality, and the performance flexibility the taller sidewall gives, as well as the lighter wheel weight.

I mentioned the Compe because I like the old school Minilite/Panasport look, and thought it went well with the FRS, plus they already made the wheel in the correct size and bolt pattern; they just need to carve off a little more of the hub section to get the offset right.

Not that I've ever done it, but I wonder if the offset issue could be addressed that way...? I've had wheel bores enlarged before, but never actually had the inner flange machined thinner... It doesn't sound like a good idea, but maybe I'm wrong? Is there enough material to do so safely?? Just thinking out loud... :iono:

You might try calling RimPro in Tewksbury to ask them what they think - http://www.rimpro.com/. They're good people with good service and product. No affiliation, just a satisfied customer.

Your idea reminded me of cars I've seen at the track after they went into the wall, and others that ended up upside down, after all the spokes separated from the hub at once. I hope to never see that again.

Yeah, that's obviously what I'm trying to avoid. lol Thanks for the Rimpro tip...I'll see what they say.

I'd be keen for a set in 16x8 +35 or 38.

Did find one other wheel that was +35 from Japan after much searching but just couldn't get myself to like the look of it no matter how much I tried but it was about 17 lb from memory.

if this is your style theres these. i know nothing about the company though.
http://www.sparktecmotorsports.com/k...5-58-bkcl.html
http://www.nlmotoring.com/XXR-521-Wh...p/52168103.htm

You can get the Watanabe F8 in 16's as well!

http://www.rs-watanabe.co.jp/images/aikawa/ai86.h15.JPG
Wheels pictured are 17's