Ok, so now that we've discussed tires. The next issue is wheels for these tires.

They need to be wide enough to handle the max 275s for STU - but also able to handle the 285s for running V710s in BSP. They need to fit properly - of course. Should be lightweight but not too expensive.

Someone recommended the Enkei RPF1 18x9.5, 45mm offset. They weight 17.2 pounds and are available at good-win-racing.com for $309 a piece.

I was told this is the biggest size that will fit all 4 corners properly (as I prefer to NOT be staggered for better balance) and that I may have problems with 10" wheels.

So is this the best option that meets all my needs or does someone know of an even better option?

Thanks in advance for your inputs.

 

there is a thread on the forum where someone already ran 10" wheels with 285/30 tires at all four corners, I personally don't think it will be an issue and IMO you can likely get 10.5" wheels to fit though there may be some rubbing at full lock in the front. The difference is the price of entry is going to be much higher than the Enkei setup. You can't get close to their value/weight without spending at least twice as much.

I bought the Enkeis to start because the deal really can't be beat. If the car looks to be competitive nationally I may pony up for the increase, but not before.

 

That's what I was thinking. Thanks for confirming. They're pretty much the best "bang for the buck" wheel and will probably do everything I will ever need - especially if I can fit 285s on them - which I think I can.

 

285 V710's will be a tight fit on a 9.5" wheel, it will probably just depend on how skilled you're tire mounter is, the regular tire shops can't get the 245 V710 to seat on an 8" wheel, a skilled race tire mounter has very few problems

 

Has anybody tried the 16x7.5 wheels in stock class? My experience with other cars is that smaller diameter wheels with less rotational inertia and better gearing from a smaller diameter tire were generally more competitive. With the 8 having such a factory wheel option it would be allowed in stock. This seems to me like it would be the hot ticket, even giving away 1/2" width. You could probably still get a 225 on a 7.5" wheel. For SP, STU and the like, I would still think the widest 16" wheel you could fit would be the fastest option.

This assumes a similar width/profile wheel so that the overall tire diameter and gearing is reduced.

 

16 on what car? The base '04 auto? Cause as I understand, 16 wont fit on a sport package.

 

's should not be seen or heard ...

 

Not only do they not fit a 6spd car, brakes are to big, but they are not legal in stock class on a 6spd car.

 

It is hard to beat that deal if you can wait for them. Any other 9-10" wide wheel seems to weigh more or cost way more. The good news is a 285 will fit a 9" wheel, the Boxster S uses them on a 9" as well as some guys I know with a DSP BMW, so a 9.5" should not be a problem at all. Get your name on the list.

 

how long a waiting list for the enkeis?

also, are these wheels strong enough for daily use? or will they bend at the sight of a pothole? I want to drive the car to the track without bringing a set of wheels. I'm just paranoid cause I had gram lights which bend easily and when they do bend, they are garbage. Those wheels are cast aluminum so I'm kinda scared to buy anything but forged.

 

well not exactly ...

http://www.enkei.com/technology.html

 

Yeah I've read about M.A.T. before. I'm not totally convinced about this "most advanced technology". Seems like some corny advertising bs. Bottom line.....Cast is cast and forged is forged. I still really want these wheels but if I end up cracking one, waiting for a replacement would suck.

 

lol, I guess you won't use SSR Comps either ...

 

lol nope they're discontinued anyways.

I know you're being sarcastic team. Thing is, the roads here are pooh. At least forged wheels are repairable.

 

^^ What makes you think the forged wheels are more repairable?

If they break...they are broken

The stock wheels are very fragile....the Enkei's are at least as strong as the stockers

 

I know that but cast wheels are not fixable even when bent.....

 

Makes sense. I thought the brakes seemed too large to squeeze into 16" wheels.

For non-stock classes, you could still get a 17x8 RP02 or RP03 in there and reduce your weight and diameter some. Probably not worth losing the width unless you could get at least a 17x9.

ULLLOSE and carbonRX8, I appreciate your relevant and polite answers.

 

Right.. A 17X8 would be a step back. Now a 17X9-10 with a 275 would be nice.

 

Here you go. Offset seems a little low, but good-win lists them for the rx-8, so I would assume they fit. Reasonably light for a wheel that wide too.

http://www.good-win-racing.com/mazda/miata/60-1082.html

What I didn't look up is if you can get tires to match, but my guess is that you can.

This should be a faster auto-x setup than any 18".

 

I trust Brian Goodwin to list the proper wheel for the proper car. You can call them if you want to make sure. He is very helpful. Highly recommended. (I bought my wheels from him). As far as recommending the wheel for your application... It is a fallacy that 17" are necessarily faster than 18". On a track the 18-9.5 inch RP-F1s will be faster (with the right tire and driver, of course) I would recommend HPDE first before any track-worth mod.

 

more n00bs who can't search ...

 

I'm just trying to help out with a little info. I thought that's what this group was for. If I'm looking for personal insult advise, I'll be sure to look you up.

Everybody was a "nOOB" at one time.

 

overly-sensitive one's too ...

 

Agreed, but I have more than the average amount of racing experience already. I'm not planning to seriously auto-x my 8 right now, I have a different racing toy. If I did, I would just go stock and so wouldn't be able to run the 17s.

17s are not always faster than 18s, but the lower gearing and reduced rotational inetia offered is usually an advantage on a low speed event like an auto-x. For a particular auto-x that will depend on the course setup and particularly if you can still hold second without hitting the limiter. If the lower gearing forces more shifts then it will almost certainly hurt your times. But it is easier to start with smaller wheels and tires than installing a lower final drive like I have seen discussed elsewhere. Also, when you switch back to your streets, you are back to your normal gearing.

Just my $0.02.

 

I wouldn't go 17 for one simple reason. Tire sizes.