scwchapman

Before everyone starts telling me to use the search function, I tried but for some reason it would not come up with any results for 17, seventeen, 17", etc. so you can either post your thoughts in this thread or just send me the link to another thread that has already discussed this. Sorry for the inconvenience.

I have an 04 BB and I will need new tires probably by the end of the summer. I'm a big fan of modification, but only ones that will really better the characteristics of the car. Because of that philosophy I have realized that handling modifications are probably the best route to go.

Onto the actual dilemma. Keep in mind the car will be lowered at some point, either of Stance coilovers if I can get the money or on S-tech's and Tok D-specs. I want either RPF1's or O.Z Ultraleggera's. I know the OZ's only come in 18, but the RPF1's can be put on as 17's correct?

I just want to know of anyone's experience with 17's. What tire sizes you're using, any pictures if you have any, how are the smaller wheels on potholes and rough roads, etc. Thanks for your help

Peppy@kacework

I use my 17x9 RPF1's for track wheels, they have 255/40-17 Nitto R comps on them. I've only driven them on the street once to heat cycle them, but the ride was relatively good bearing in mind the type of tire I run on them. Are you looking at these for daily driving? I wouldn't suggest the 17's for that, but if you were to do it you should get the 275/40-17's so you will be closer to the stock tire diameter. The miles rack up a bit quicker on the odometer with the smaller diameter. There are a few 17" wheel threads, but you've already made thread so I'm not gonna bother linking them.

Here's what 17's look like:

scwchapman

Thanks so much for the info. I am looking at daily driving these. I want to keep my OEM's for my winter tires and then use the 17's as a daily driver with a few autox and maybe a track event (I'm currently trying to get my SCCA certification). The main idea was to lower unsprung weight as much as possible, and the 17" RPF1's are so light, and at the same time increase tire width all around for better cornering. I was then thinking about going with Nitto Invio's or Dunlop Direzzi Z1 Star Specs for the tires. Is this a bad idea? If so, any alternative ideas for a lightweight daily wheel?

chiketkd

iTrader: (5)

Couple thoughts...

Since you mentioned that you want your 17" wheels to be used for daily driving, be careful with super light-weight wheels like the RPF1's. Unless the roads around where you live are in excellent condition, I'd go with a slightly heavier wheel. I know at least 2-3 WRX owners who've bent 17x8" RPF1's driving them on the street, and those cars weigh a similar 3,000lbs like our cars.

I plan on building my car for the STX class at the end of this autocross season and will be driving on 17x9" wheels next year. These aren't mine, but they're the wheels I'm leaning towards the most -- 5Zigen FN10R-C's:

scwchapman

Well the roads around here are not perfect and I'd hate to wreck such a beautiful wheel. Any thoughts on a 17in lighter wheel but maybe something a bit stronger?

Also, a few people have said that 275 is too much tire for the 8, is this true? Would i be better off running 255's on 17's?

Thanks

HWK11

iTrader: (2)

well it depends on how wide the wheels are

chiketkd

iTrader: (5)

The 5Zigens weigh 18lbs each, so they're 3.5lbs lighter than stock. I know of several STi/Evo owners who have daily driven them for years with zero issues (these cars weigh over 3,300lbs).

I know someone who ran 275/35/17 Azenis with a 17x9" wheel on his RX-8. Not ideal as you should have at least a 17x10" wheel if you want to go that wide (5Zigens FN1OR-C's are also available in a 17x10" size).

To keep your speedo accurate, I'd look at a 245/45/17 tire on a 17x9" wheel or a 275/35/17 tire on a 17x10" wheel.

scwchapman

Alright. So if I were to get 275's I'd need a 17X10 wheel. Any idea how much the 5zigens would run in that size? or in 17X9

chiketkd

iTrader: (5)

Check tires.com as they have the lowest prices I've seen on 5Zigens. Last I checked the 17x9's were $220 each, and the 17x10's were a bit more.

With the 17x9" size, the +43 offset works best on our cars.