forced to buy wheels sooner than I'd like, need advice

[JackRabbit]

I have a bent wheel and bad bearings that aren't covered by warranty, so I'm getting new wheels...I was going to save up money and do more research, but my hand is being forced now. I need to choose a wheel size and tire combo, but I am having trouble learning from other threads. There are so many choices and I don't know how to decide what's best for me. Sorry for all the questions, and thank you for any advice you have.

I don't have much money, so I think I'm going for RPF1's for cost/performance. Are there any other wheels out there that come close to RPF1's in price/quality/weight? I haven't found any.

For size, I wish I knew what the most popular, middle-of-the-road size is for good handling and lots of tire options, but it seems like lots of sizes are "fine". On sportbikes, you basically had one wheel and tire size for your bike, you can maaaybe go a little wider on the rear tire, but if you change much, your handling will suffer a lot. That's why when I see all these threads where people are shouting out all these different wheel sizes and saying "cool wheels dude" I'm like, how the hell am I gonna pick one...

I don't want a wide wheel and too much grip. I don't want a big diameter for looks, I just want good solid performance and hopefully be able to fit brembos in the future. Is 17x8x45 a good choice? or 17x7x42?

I was hoping to stay on the stock setup a long time and learn to drift via autocross, so I'm hoping for a wheel size that'll still be good for that, but will fit some good track tires in the future. Thanks again for reading.

[soundman98]

if a big brake kit is a possibility in your future, the easiest way to clear them is with 18's. not all, but more often than not. there are some 17's that will clear, but it's less consistent.

for starters, your best bet is to check the pp brembo clearance thread here:
http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=135328

wheels are just as much personal styling as it is cost. first things first, narrow down the particular style you want (lip/no lip, how many spokes, color), and then start checking available options that check off those boxes.

also, be sure to run the new wheel dimensions through this:
https://www.ft86motorsports.com/wheelitfit/

it will tell you if the wheel will clear the stock suspension, or if you'd need to be on coilovers to get the wheels to fit.

[qqzj]

Why not get an OEM single wheel from eBay Craigslist etc first. Buy something nice when you have the money and research ready.

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[JackRabbit]

I thought about getting another OEM wheel, but I guess I'm salty about pouring any money into the stock setup. I can afford the RPF1's, so I figure if I can decide which ones, I'll be ready for the upgrade and happy with it.

[strat61caster]

17x7 since you mention autox will be CS/DS legal and you'll save a few bucks sticking with 215 tires instead of 225s

17x8 bump you to STX which is a higher prep level with well modified cars that will be tougher to keep up with without dumping a few grand more into the car. They use 17x9s with 245/40 tires typically. You can always sell them later.

Check out 949 6ULs as an alternative.

[Will BRZ]

Konig has some flow formed, lightweight wheels in 17x8 +40. Great designs too. Can’t really go wrong with them. Advanti too

[Summerwolf]

You could find a set of performance pack wheels pretty reasonably. TSW or apex could probably be included in your search for that fitment and price range.

[jflogerzi]

Going to second the konig wheels. With a simple 3mm slip on spacer clears RR sport BBk with plenty of room

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[soundman98]

Originally Posted by strat61caster

17x7 since you mention autox will be CS/DS legal and you'll save a few bucks sticking with 215 tires instead of 225s

17x8 bump you to STX which is a higher prep level with well modified cars that will be tougher to keep up with without dumping a few grand more into the car. They use 17x9s with 245/40 tires typically. You can always sell them later.

Check out 949 6ULs as an alternative.

You know more than i do about auto-x. If he installs a bbk, and/or coilovers, doesn't that also bump him up to the next category even if he were to get 17x7 wheels?

[jflogerzi]

Originally Posted by soundman98

You know more than i do about auto-x. If he installs a bbk, and/or coilovers, doesn't that also bump him up to the next category?

BBk is not needed. He has PP so brembos already installed. Most autocross events have there own rules but unless he is compeating neither should matter

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[soundman98]

I see. I read his original post that he was looking to upgrade to brembos in the future and wanted the new wheels to clear them

[jflogerzi]

Your right. I will go stand in the corner. Its way past my bedtime. But all the damn idiots shooting fireworks off best me makes it hard to fall asleep

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[HaXx]

you are in the right mindset thinking abt enkei, or at least a similar mindset to my own. however, plot twist, wheel weight isnt as important at people think. wheel rigidity is the underdog. but if your DD, it doesnt matter either way, but id still get a quality wheel like rpf1(overran imho, but i understand why) or pf01. im on enkei ts10 18x8 fwiw.

give page three a quick read through, i started a thread a while ago talking about wheel weight, and some great info was given

http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showt...=138004&page=3

[strat61caster]

Originally Posted by soundman98

I see. I read his original post that he was looking to upgrade to brembos in the future and wanted the new wheels to clear them

I missed the comment about Brembos, however at least in NorCal (not sure about Socal or Canada, depending on what CA means in his profile) local autoxers shouldn't hassle him about just Brembos in CS because they typically just add weight to the car and lighten the wallet and he'll get decimated by the ND Miatas that show up.