Hey guys,

I'm a novice when it comes to fitment, especially when it comes to fitment that is suppose to enhance your driving experience.

I may be getting hooked up on a set of Evolution 8/9 BBS'. They're 17x8 +38, lightweight at 17.8lbs and are forged. As far as I know, they'll make a good candidate for autocrossing/tracking when I start to do so soon enough, however...

I would like some input from the veterans. With the specifications of the Evo BBS', how much rubber will I be able to fit? I don't want a wheel where I won't be able to fit in wider tires when I need to do so. Is 8inches of width long enough?

In case I need to upgrade to big breaks for better heat dissipation in the future. Will this setup clear RacingBrake's BBK? I know it also depends on the wheel design but looking at the specs (and I picture, I guess?) what do you guys think?

 

8inch is stock width, so i'd say 245 is probably normal, 265 maybe max? Honestly if i were you i'd save up for a decent set of 9inch or 10inch wide rpf1s, depending on what you want to do with the car, auto-x, track, etc

 

I'm no expert either but I see most guys running a 17x9 or x10 in order to clear the brake calipers. The other concern would be the hub bore. That would be my concerns and if it works out then nice find!

 

The hub bore is exactly the same. I have had a few sources confirm they'll fit just fine on an RX8 however... since its actually only 7.5 in width, not 8, these rims would only be of aesthetic value and probably wouldn't make much of a competition wheel at all. You wouldn't be able to fit anything bigger than 245's.

Another option I'm considering is the Evo X MR BBS', those are 18x8.5 +38, forged, and weight 19-20lbs. But those are a bit more expensive so...

RPF1's look like they're the way to go.

 

 

personally not a fan of stock rims from other cars, i say save up a bit and get proper upgrades, or else you'd be wanting new rims in a few month anyways

 

I really never understood why people would get rid of OEM wheels for smaller ones. Dedicated track wheels I could understand but for every day use?

Plus, I too have never been a fan of running OEM wheels off another car.

 

There's nothing wrong with running OEM wheels from other cars. These aren't necessarily just any other wheel, they're forged, lightweight BBS'. The fact they're mass-produced and ultimately cheaper doesn't detract from their value... BUT

I think I'll have to pass because the BBS' aren't wide enough to fit anything more than a 245/255 tire.

I'll either end up with 18x9.5 RPF1's or 17x9.5 NT03+M's. The RPF1's in that size will be 3lbs lighter than the NT03+M's. The NT03+M's are slightly more rigid and can still clear Stoptech's BBK in 17in. form. It's always nice to leave that option open.

I'm trying to figure what is more beneficial. Artificially shortening the gearing by using a 17in wheel or trying to cut off as much unsprung weight as possible. I also have to keep in mind that with a 17x9.5, tires won't be as expensive and 17in tires should be slightly lighter than 18in tires. At this point, I think I'm leaning towards the NT03+M's unless anyone can tell me otherwise.