Wheel Directory: Enkei RPF1 17x9.0 +35

[just86]

some pix

[jaymeister]

Awesome! I got the same set in the same specs as well but it's on my DD right now...looking for a new set for my DD and then going to throw the rpf1 on the FRS..!

[RAYSSPL]

This is full of win! Looks amazing!

[D1cker]

Originally Posted by just86

some pix

Where did you get those? I haven't even seen those!!

[just86]

google my friend

[master345]

I called TireRack about this set up. They sell the wheels and tires. HOWEVER, they said this tires size is not designed for these wheels, and that in order to fit these wheels, the tires have to be "STRETCHED" onto the wheels. Thus they do will fit like properly specified tires. And therefore subject to blow-out at high speed cornering. They said this setup is designed to look good for shows and general aesthetics, but are NOT recommended for regular use. They see it done all the time, but do not think it is a good idea. But they will sell them as specified, but do NOT recommend at all.

I called a local high-end wheel shop and they concurred. My local shop says they see it all the time, and it is a bad idea. My local shop, who seems to really know their stuff, recommends a slightly narrower wheel and tire which is allowed, at maybe 8 or 8.5" and not the 9" on this setup by the OP.

So, what is the deal here? I love the look, but now it does not seem like a good idea. What am I missing here? Gentlemen? Will the OP please comment on this?

I am now thinking of a similar set up with the narrower tires, so as to stay within manufacturer's specs.

[Wes]

thats the perfect offset for these rims, though i think 18s wouldve looked better

and gdamm sexyyy M3!!

[JimmyMac]

The problem with a narrower setup and these wheels (RPF1) is that the spokes are not concave, they will stick out like these... http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/show....php?t=1766571

To have concave, you need a 9" wheel. As for the stretch, some is okay, maybe 235. But 225 might be pushing it on a 9" wheel. It will also affect the handling. The stretched tire will have a more direct feel since it will not flex as much as it would on a narrower wheel. This may be okay on the street. But on a track, if the traction is high enough, it could cause some problems. On the street you need to worry about curbs with a stretched tire since the wheels are exposed.

Basically, if you are going to track the car, do it right with the correct size tires. If not, stretching it a little will not hurt. My plan is for 17x9 +45 with 245/40 tires. With this wheel and the right tire, I can still keep it under stock weight and have the correct roll out/diameter for gearing.

[whitefrs]

Im running 215/40 on my torques

[whitefrs]

17x9 et 35

[master345]

JimmyMac,
How do you access whether the RPF1 wheel is going to be concave or not? At what width is the wheel "flat" for instance?

[D1cker]

Originally Posted by master345

So, what is the deal here? I love the look, but now it does not seem like a good idea. What am I missing here? Gentlemen? Will the OP please comment on this?

I am now thinking of a similar set up with the narrower tires, so as to stay within manufacturer's specs.

This has caused a lot of debate, but It's really not that much of a stretch! I have been around the "stretched tire"/hipari scene (215's on 10's, 195's on 8.5's, 165's on 8's) and some of that shit IS stupid, however a 225 on a 9" wide wheel is totally acceptable. In miata racing the preferred wheel size for a 225/45/15 is a 9", or an 8" for a 205.

If you like the 225 look, go for it, it will be totally fine. A 235/40/17 would also work very well and my next tires will be 235/40 or 245/40 in a sticky compound as this will transition away from being my commuter car.

[D1cker]

Originally Posted by Wes

thats the perfect offset for these rims, though i think 18s wouldve looked better

and gdamm sexyyy M3!!

I like the way 18's look, but these are lighter and the tires are cheaper and I'll be using them on the track (already have!)

I'm working on putting together a group buy for some sick 18" enkei's for this forum, stay tuned!

[JimmyMac]

Originally Posted by master345

JimmyMac,
How do you access whether the RPF1 wheel is going to be concave or not? At what width is the wheel "flat" for instance?

Just experience really. A simple way to do it is to Google image a size. Then you can see what other people run on their cars and judge from there. I guess you could say the 9" is flat face. That's the look I'm going for. Offset's do not play much in part of concave or not. Offset is mostly the material in back of the wheel that contacts the hub. You can have a +45 offset and +35 offset look the same (same face), but one may have more material to space it out farther. That's why sometimes you'll see one offset weigh more than another.