Enkei EKM3 17X7.5 or 18X7.5 for a DD

[FR-S Matt]

Think I found a wheel I like that is finally not an Enkei RPF1:




I don't track my car, but I occasionally drive spirited. Going for looks, and a bit of performance as well. Would I run into any issues running an 18" sticking with stock suspension for now? I figured running 7.5 isn't much more than stock and I don't want to run a staggered setup either so I can still manage tire rotations. Stuck on silver or black for my Ultramarine too. So many decisions!

Any positive/negative feedback about the wheel is welcome. I'm just looking through some options. I searched EKM3 and didn't see a thread about them. Where I live, I could get away with summer tires year round as well like the Continental DW's or Michelin PS.

[Gearhd79]

I actually think these rims might look very good, a bit more classy than the usual ive seen out there

[Darryljr11]

Get a really grippy tire and you're all set!

[Gearhd79]

I think these are about 1lb heavier than OEM so with say a 225 45 it should ride and feel about the same as it does now. But with more grip if you get a good tire

[CircuitJerk]

I saw these a while back and liked them but they are rather limited in offset options.

[tisb0b]

Go with the 18's they'll look better than the 17's and performance differences will be negligible.

[FR-S Matt]

Thanks guys. I really like Enkei's a lot, and everyone and their mom seems to want the RPF1, so I figure I'll go a different route. I do plan on going with the 18's for sure. Hardest part will be going silver or black on an Ultramarine.

[Gearhd79]

well one major thing about these rims compared to the RPF1..weight..these rims are only less than a pound heavier than OEM rims but over 5lbs heavier than rpfi's and in 18" even more..just remember that extra weight will be noticeable. Its the reason many are using RPF1's

[FR-S Matt]

So this being a heavier wheel, will it ride better or worse than the RPF1 (17X7)?

[SubieNate]

Originally Posted by FR-S Matt

So this being a heavier wheel, will it ride better or worse than the RPF1 (17X7)?

Worse. Heavier wheels add to unsprung mass which reduces the suspension's ability to react quickly changes in the road surface.

Sad because I think these look really good.

[shu5892001]

I had these on my Mazda 3 before around ~20 lbs for 17s IIRC

[FR-S Matt]

Crap.... guess that explains why everyone loves the RPF1's. Might be hopping on that bandwagon but I love the looks of these wheels.

[ParangWala]

The RPF1's are good wheels definitely good price for performance you're getting but I mean does it really matter to you? You are the only person that can answer this as stated in your original post you wanted something that looked nice on your car and not really tracking it...so why jump the bandwagon if you don't want to?

Plus if you ever decide you want performance then you can always have two sets one for DD and a second for track use.

[Skurj]

An 18x7 vs 17x7 matching the same total diameter will also ride worse due to the thinner sidewall so the ride will be a little firmer. You may not notice the difference in weight as much as the thinner sidewall.