Spec B Rim question

[hamish_023]

A) How much does a 05 Spec B rim weight?

B) How much does a 06 Sti Enkei weight?

C) Is 9Kg heavy for an aftermarket 18?

D) Who has felt the difference in driving with heavier tires?

E) Would a 5 x 100, 18 x 8.5 be interchange able tire wise from stock spec b???

tried searching but all says is the sti Enkei is 2.5kg lighter the gt rims...

[Hotwire]

A) - No idea
B) - No idea
C) - 9kg for a 18 is pretty good - what make/model? Have you weighed it seen proof or just claimed?
D) - I have on a past car - didnt make any noticeable difference on the street. ONLY on a track where you're 9/10 or 10/10 will you see a noticeable difference
E) - what is stock tyre size? for an 8.5" wheel you wouldn't want to go much narrower than a 225/40/18. 215/40/18 could work but would be a fair stretch like this:

A) How much does a 05 Spec B rim weight?

B) How much does a 06 Sti Enkei weight?

C) Is 9Kg heavy for an aftermarket 18?

D) Who has felt the difference in driving with heavier tires?

E) Would a 5 x 100, 18 x 8.5 be interchange able tire wise from stock spec b???

tried searching but all says is the sti Enkei is 2.5kg lighter the gt rims...

[hamish_023]

Cheers Mate. My Stock tyres are 215/45/18

[hamish_023]

http://www.rexnet.com.au/forum/index.ph ... rotagravel

[Hotwire]

Nice choice - Is your car lowered?
I would suggest fit them up with the stock tyres for the stretched look if your car is lowered - will be mean

[hamish_023]

Nah got the stock bilsteins with stock 18's atm. No huge plan on lowering as it does sit nice already.

So better of buying new tyres if i were to buy them?

[Hotwire]

Well stretch look really only works if you are lowering the car.
I have 225/40/18 on an 8" +45 wheel at stock heigh, and 235/40/18 would put the sidewall the same:


I would think with a 235/40/18 you would have sidewalls that would sit the same (pretty much vertical) so would be a nice comprimise. You MAY need to have the rear lip rolled - and for this I would recommend Wheelworx on Port Rd. They rolled the guards on my last car flawlessly

[hamish_023]

So what would be recommendable and most common tyre for 5 x 100, 18 x 8.5?

Anyone heard of the Genuine ROTA or brand at all?

[Hotwire]

ROTA is a wheel made in Taiwan - sold in great numbers in the US. There have been some comments on structure of them years ago, but their products is gaining in reputation for good looking, reasonable quality wheel without paying Japanese wheel prices. I would have a set thats for sure

As for tyres, stick with a reasonable brand and you'll be fine. 235/40/18 is a very common size so prices are generally better than the stock tyre size or even 225/40/18. What is your budget for tyres? That will help in your selection criteria. But for around $200 per corner you can have Kumho KU31 which I have (Korean tyre). Value for money seems great so far, much better than any of the chinese tyres such as maxxis, achilies etc for only a marginal price increase. Sure some Advans or Yokohama S drives would be nice, but do you have $300+ per corner for tyres?

[hamish_023]

Well i paid $255 a corner for Falken's 215/45/18.

so budget is around $250??

[Hotwire]

Like I said, decide what you want to spend. If you are happy with $250 per corner, could probably get Falken, Sumitomo HZIII (dont get HZII) or perhaps someother suggestion? Best to call tyre shops, tell them your budget and see what they offer for that price. Then search the tyres for best reviews in your price range

[hamish_023]

So running OFFSET + 48 is fine?

[teK--]

Even on the road if you are an astute driver you will probably notice a small improvement in going for lighter wheels/tyres. Typically you will be able to pull up faster with the brakes and quick transitions like through chicanes will be easier.

Also, on bumps the suspension doesn't have to work as hard since there is less unsprung weight which leads to each corner not being unsettled so easily.

[hamish_023]

Cheers For your help.

[Legacyman245]

Hi guys!

In my 3.0R Spec B from 2005 I have stock wheels ( 7X18 offset 55) with 215/45 18 tires and stock suspension.

I tried 8x18 Offset 32...it involved a curve and bumps, so I've returned to my dealer.

Now I look for OZ Ultraleggera 8x18 offset 48... is that okay?
Many thanks for your helping


Bye

Olivier