Ok guys I have a few q's. I go to Tire Rack and input my cars info (2009 RX 8 R3) to buy a set of wheels for lapping at the track. I figured that 19 in wheels are not the best for circuit racing.

The only optios given to me are iether 17, 19 or 20 inch wheels. I was hopint to get either 18's and if not, well 17's. Now when I write 2009 RX8 GT it gives me 17 or 18's.

Why is 18 not an option in the R3? What would be better for circuit 17 or 18? If 18 then could I just get 18 in wheels although it is an R3 and it is not an option in Tire Rack?? Thanks guys!!

 

Because TireRack is stupid for buying rims. They ask for your exact car trim so that you're guaranteed a proper fitment so you wont be returning stuff to them. Go ahead and type in whatever trim will give you 18's (GT i guess)

I just dont like buying from TR because you can never get the sizes you want. All the ones for the 8 on TR are high offset (stock like sizes) which is stupid

 

^ Amen read around to figure out a size and offset you like, as Tire Rack will only get you wheels that fit like the stockers

 

^^In that case what would be better for the track?

 

I reccomend sites that allow you to search by size, not just make/model.

Discounttire
wheeldude
wheelsnext
etc. those are all for mid grade wheels

if you want good quality you should check out

vividracing
gruppe-s
etc

 

For the track, the wider the tire the better. A lot of people here run 18x9.5 +45 with 275/35/18 tires.

You can run up to 18x9.5 +30 with minimal fender work (still with 275's) or a lower offset will require pulled fenders, camber, etc.

18x9 wheels are also a good size; you can fit 265/35/18 on those and run +38 or higher with no fender problems

 

Or 17s in the offsets/widths he mentioned. Same difference. Just adjust the profile of the tire.

 

I don't know what class and mods you have on the car. If you are stock and plan to stay stock (for the track), go with 245 on an 8" rim. ANything more than that it is just drag as the car isn't really fast enough to use 265 slicks.

I have a set of 18x8 track wheels if you are interested, i am in CT. Comes with free race tires too. I am trying to downgrade to 17" since I am going into a modify class.

 

17s would probably be better for you if you are not planning to upgrade to a big brake kit any time soon, the benefits would be lighter rim and cheaper tires

 

You can find some dirt cheap 17x9 +35 FN01R-C's on evolutionm sometimes.

 

For my R3, I went with Enkei RPF1s (18x9.5 +45) purchased form Goodwin Racing.

For the track, you can't beat the combination of weight, cost and strength with this wheel.

 

+1^ wish i could score a set of my own in SBC

 

Did you have to do any rim rolling for fit?

 

WTF is rim rolling? I'm guessing you mean fender rolling, and you shouldn't need that afaik. Don't think the 09 changed much if any as far as wheel fitment.

 

I'm running 255/40/18 Yokohama Advan AD08s right now and there is a lot of room between the fender and tire (with my stock suspension). I also have about -1.5 degrees of camber though.

I will probably go with 265s next time; fender rolling will not be needed.

 

on ANY +45 wheel on our car you can run 285's if you wish. No fender rolling. Just remember there is such a thing as too much rubber

 

For autox yes, for track, rubber that are too wide for the rims are not a good idea.

 

I meant to say you can run up to a 285 tire 'on an appropriately sized wheel (18x10)' with a +45 offset. This much rubber on an NA 8 would be pointless

 

Reviving this thread... Do I realy need 17x9 or could I get away in the track with 17x8???

 

Depending on how big your tires are and the mods. For the track, the 265 on my stock car didn't work good. I am going to use 245 for the track, I just ended up getting a set of 17x8.

I think you can get a set of Kosei K1 or the TR Motorsports rims for <$200 a piece. I got my SSR in 17x8 for a lot cheaper a few months back