noob questions about wheels

[chenshuo]

I have read a lot of the threads about intro to wheels and googled information about wheels, but i still have some remaining questions specific to my car that i would like to ask and seek your opinions:

i drive a BRZ and everything stock.

1. 18x9 for summer, 17x7(stock) for winter
I'm planning to use the stock rims as winter rims and fit the Blizzak tires coming next winter, and get a new set of wheels 18x9 (offset not-yet-determined) for the summer. So I'll be switching different size wheels twice a year. Is this ok? I don't have plans to lower the car for at least a year.

2. alignment
Since i'll have different size wheels for different seasons, do i need to get alignment/balance done everytime i put the wheels on?

3. speedometer calibration
I remember vaguely that i read somewhere when changing different size wheels from stock size, the speedometer reading won't be accurate. If i go from stock to 18" for the summer, would it affect speedo reading?

4. your suggestion for a 18"
I'm looking for a set of 18" rims (width not very important, offset not very important) that i can just torque on and go without needing to re-align or do any adjustments. Do spec of rims do you recommend? Once i have a good set of rims chosen, then i'll look into tires.

I have always stuck to stock size wheels for summer and winter for other cars, so this time is my first time upgrading size and i want to be cautious.

Thanks!

[CSG David]

Originally Posted by chenshuo

I have read a lot of the threads about intro to wheels and googled information about wheels, but i still have some remaining questions specific to my car that i would like to ask and seek your opinions:

i drive a BRZ and everything stock.

1. 18x9 for summer, 17x7(stock) for winter
I'm planning to use the stock rims as winter rims and fit the Blizzak tires coming next winter, and get a new set of wheels 18x9 (offset not-yet-determined) for the summer. So I'll be switching different size wheels twice a year. Is this ok? I don't have plans to lower the car for at least a year.

2. alignment
Since i'll have different size wheels for different seasons, do i need to get alignment/balance done everytime i put the wheels on?

3. speedometer calibration
I remember vaguely that i read somewhere when changing different size wheels from stock size, the speedometer reading won't be accurate. If i go from stock to 18" for the summer, would it affect speedo reading?

4. your suggestion for a 18"
I'm looking for a set of 18" rims (width not very important, offset not very important) that i can just torque on and go without needing to re-align or do any adjustments. Do spec of rims do you recommend? Once i have a good set of rims chosen, then i'll look into tires.

I have always stuck to stock size wheels for summer and winter for other cars, so this time is my first time upgrading size and i want to be cautious.

Thanks!

1. Yes it's okay.
2. No alignment necessary for changing wheels alone.
3. You'll be fine. Use a tire calculator to get similar rolling cycles.
4. Vague question. What are you looking for in an 18? Budget? Looks require proper width and offset to look good along with a tire that wraps nicely around it.

[chenshuo]

Originally Posted by CSG David

4. Vague question. What are you looking for in an 18? Budget? Looks require proper width and offset to look good along with a tire that wraps nicely around it.

My budget for rims + summer tires is around $1600 or less. I based my budget on the average cost on Tirerack.com.

And my primary purpose is for looks. I don't want the wheels to stick out the fender.

Thanks

[Chewie4299]

If you keep the total diameter of the wheel and tire combo within ~3% (recommended by most) of the stock size then your speedo should be fine. Worst case 3mph variance at 100MPH.

[shu5892001]

Originally Posted by chenshuo

My budget for rims + summer tires is around $1600 or less. I based my budget on the average cost on Tirerack.com.

And my primary purpose is for looks. I don't want the wheels to stick out the fender.

Thanks

1600 is a bit tight for any decent rim and tire combo for 18x9.

If you have your mind set on 18x9, you can get tire in 245/35/18 size which is the same diameter as stock with only negligible differences in the speedo

[chenshuo]

Originally Posted by shu5892001

1600 is a bit tight for any decent rim and tire combo for 18x9.

If you have your mind set on 18x9, you can get tire in 245/35/18 size which is the same diameter as stock with only negligible differences in the speedo

hmm... ok. i'm willing to spend more if $1600 can't get anything i like.

I have my mind set on the diameter, but not the width or offset. As long as the offset won't make the wheel come out of the fender then i'm ok.

[shu5892001]

Originally Posted by chenshuo

hmm... ok. i'm willing to spend more if $1600 can't get anything i like.

I have my mind set on the diameter, but not the width or offset. As long as the offset won't make the wheel come out of the fender then i'm ok.

18x8.5 +35 or 18x9 with a 35-40ish offset. You should be Fine.

If you want to run staggered, then do 18x8.5 +35 front and 18x9.5 +40ish in the rear

[djdnz]

When you pick your tires make sure the rolling diameter matches stock, and you'll be fine to do all the switching you want. The car has no idea, and it definitely won't affect your alignment.

Try looking at Enkei for wheels, they have quite a few options and they are very reasonably priced for a good quality wheel.

[Grimlock]

Here's a good tire calculator for you:

http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalcold.html

[CSG David]

Originally Posted by chenshuo

My budget for rims + summer tires is around $1600 or less. I based my budget on the average cost on Tirerack.com.

And my primary purpose is for looks. I don't want the wheels to stick out the fender.

Thanks

Depending on the type of wheel you're looking for, 18" diameter wheels and tires carries a premium over the 17" guys. The wheels will not stick out of the fender. We have access to many wheels and tires. I'll PM you to help you find the best combo for you in order to reduce clutter in the thread.

Originally Posted by Grimlock

Here's a good tire calculator for you:

http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalcold.html

Best tire calculator in the world (for now). You can run a 225/40/18. Any larger is purely for looks and significantly more expensive.