help choosing setup

njc1064 · 06-26-2008, 11:26 AM

im looking for some guidance. I am trying to choose a new wheel and tire package but need some suggestions.

I am looking at:
A. Rota Slipstreams
B. Rota subzeros
C. 3rd gen rx7 wheels

For the slipstreams and subzeros, im thinking about getting 16'' wheels, but dont know which offset to get. Also, what size tire should i be running? Its sitting on megan racing coilovers and sees street/track use

Any suggestions would be much appreciated

snowborder714 · 06-26-2008, 01:31 PM

If you get the Slipstreams, you have two size choices - 16x7 and 16x8. The 16x7 wheels come in two offsets - 40mm and 45mm. You'd want to get the 40mm (from this post - Rota slipstreams for a 2g and tire size?). If you were to get the 16x8, it only comes in a 48mm offset, and I believe you'd have to get wheel spacers to work with that offset (as well as have a stiff and high suspension).

If you get the Subzeros, you have only one size of 16x7. They come in the same offsets as the Slipstreams (40mm and 45mm). And I would think the 40mm would still be the way to go.

And the 3rd Gen RX7 wheels look to be 16x8 with a 50mm offset. According to this thread (http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/hand...-pictures.html), you'd need spacers and most likely longer wheel studs as well.

Slipstream - 13.9lbs
Subzero - 14.5lbs
RX7 - ~13lbs

If you want something light, go with either the Slipstreams or RX7's.
If you want something everyone has, go with the Slipstreams.
If you want something different, go with the RX7 or Subzero's.
If you want something wider, go with the Slipstreams or RX7's.

And you can look at those two threads to see what tire sizes people are running. Or just search the members (in the Mod: Handling box) for which rim you're interested in and check what tire size they have listed.

njc1064 · 06-26-2008, 06:30 PM

i was shooting for light, which is basically what all of those choices are. I was really hoping to get something 8'' wide, but with the offsets that rota offers, it seems impossible. Ehhh, it is tough to make a decision about wheels. I dont know what to do!

snowborder714 · 06-26-2008, 06:47 PM

Do you have to get 16's? If not, look into getting 17x8's since you want something 8" wide.

twicks69 · 06-26-2008, 07:15 PM

I have both Slipstreams and Sub Zeros.

16x7 Slipstream 40mm offset
17x7.5 Sub Zero 45mm offset (requires a 3mm wheel spacer to clear the rear spindle)

I am running 26"x9.5" slicks on the 16" slipstreams for the drag track, and 245/40 Falken Azenis on the 17" subzeros.

I like both rims -- and they can be purchased at Mach III with free shipping. Good vendor for wheels. Be sure to call first before purchasing to confirm that they have what you are looking for in stock.

njc1064 · 06-27-2008, 10:23 AM

No, 16's arent a must, i was just trying to keep the weight down, but im willing to go with 17's. If you have any suggestions, im all ears! Its a blue '95 tsi awd btw

njc1064 · 07-20-2008, 08:30 PM

While im thinking about this, what about wheel gap? the car is currently on megan racing coilovers, and i really dont want some hidious wheel gap. Which wheel keeps that nasty wheel gap away:

Slipstreams (what size?) or subzeros (which size?)

twicks69 · 07-21-2008, 05:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by njc1064

While im thinking about this, what about wheel gap? the car is currently on megan racing coilovers, and i really dont want some hidious wheel gap. Which wheel keeps that nasty wheel gap away:

Slipstreams (what size?) or subzeros (which size?)

That depends on tire size and ride height, not on which rim.

You have adjustable coilovers, you can adjust your height to your specifications.

I have ran 215/55/16 and 225/50/16 street tires on my 16x7 Slipstreams with no problems; and am currently running 26"x9.5"x16" slicks on my Slipstreams with no problems.

I am running 245/40/17 street tires on my 17"x7.5" Sub Zeros with no problems.

Examples:

njc1064 · 07-28-2008, 12:54 PM

Okay, im sorta stuck here....slipstreams in 16x7 or slipstreams in 17x8....What should i be considering here to help me choose? Will the 17x8 35mm offset fit without issue? any idea on the weight? HELP PLEASE

Edit: Called machIII and they dont have either rim in anything other than a 48mm offset. Attempted to call jaydm but apparently the number listed under contact is out of service. Sheesh, as if im not having enough trouble making a decision, i might not even be able to get a set! FRUSTRATING!

snowborder714 · 07-28-2008, 05:14 PM

16x7 Slipstreams - 13.9lbs
17x7.5 Slipstreams - 19lbs
17x8.5 Slipstreams - 21.1lbs

There's a good bit of weight difference between the 16's and 17's. What do you plan on using them for primarily? Racing specific application or just a good set of wheels for the street that'll see a few track days?

njc1064 · 07-28-2008, 09:15 PM

Well, its more of a street driven car with a track day every now and again. The thing that i keep thinking is that i just bought these megan racing coilovers (obviously to improve handling at least a little) and i dont want to sacrafice the handling by slapping on some 7'' wide wheels. Maybe im just being too critical? At the same time, i am looking for something light, so i just cant seem to decide. I need a push in the right direction i guess...

My concerns:

A.) Performance: Weight, which was my original concern, is still in the equation, but what about from a handling aspect?
B.)[B] Aesthetics[/b]... Of course i want it to look good, so wheel gap is a concern too (but with adjustable coilovers i should be okay, right?). Its a blue '95 tsi awd, just like the one in the link below with some slight difference. Will they even look good on my car (black slipstreams)?

photoshop request

i really like the way they look on this red eclipse!!!

Sorry if im using pictures of anyones car, if you want me to take them out of the thread, i will

snowborder714 · 07-28-2008, 11:28 PM

I photoshopped it for you (see the link you posted). I think it'd look really good!

If you drag race most (which I'm assuming you do - versus autox and road racing), I would go with the lighter wheels. If you also do a good bit of autox and road racing, then I would really consider looking into different rims that would be wider with less weight than the Slipstream's. Unless you really need/want the wider tires, I would think the lighter ones would be better. You'd be saving a little over 20lbs. And as you can see, Tim runs them (the 16x7) and has good success with them.

njc1064 · 07-29-2008, 07:36 AM

yeah, i mean i guess if i want to try autocross i could always pick up a cheap set of rx7 wheels...for now, the 16x7 slipstreams will probably suit my needs. Now, the question becomes who is going to have them in stock

DSM Jeff · 07-29-2008, 06:23 PM

If you're doing auto cross and track events will you ever consider going with a larger brake set up? If so then you may want to check more into 17's for brake clearance. Just a thought.

njc1064 · 07-29-2008, 08:01 PM

well, after calling numerous places to try to find the slipstreams in flat black, i came up empty handed

. Most places just had them in royal black with a polished lip. BUT, a little more searching and i ran across a set of slipstreams on craigslist with the 40mm offset and the correct bolt pattern, AND in FLAT BLACK! Talk about a lucky find! I contacted the seller immediately and told him if the offset is correct, im taking them off his hands. So, there ya go, for now, i will be running 16x7 rota slipstreams in flat black. Will post pictures in a week or so! Thanks for the help everyone!

njc1064 · 08-06-2008, 12:29 PM

any recommendations on tire sizes for the 16x7 slipstreams. Something with a decent price would be nice too! Thanks again guys!

las_vegaslazer · 08-06-2008, 01:42 PM

I had the bfg gsports in 225 50 16 on my 1g and I realy liked them! They were cheap too like 89 a tire. i mosty drag raced them, my 1g awd made 370hp 330lbft and went 11.6 @122. I would buy them again when I get another awd. Here is a link to were i got them Tire Details - Discount Tire Direct

njc1064 · 08-06-2008, 03:06 PM

The price is definitely awesome! I appreciate the response! Anyone else?

DSM Jeff · 08-06-2008, 03:27 PM

I ran a 225/50 when i had my 16's. It was on a 1g that was lowered an inch but they filled up the wheel wells nicely and fit the car. I 2g's have a little more room but I say you're good with something along those lines. Also drove some crappy roads so I liked a taller tire to help take the abuse.
Also you can search tire rack and discount tire by entering a tire size. You can then refine your search to performance and or price. Also read through the reviews, I find some helpful.

njc1064 · 08-06-2008, 06:15 PM

here is one more question. What lug nuts should i be using with the slipstreams? Just pick something up at an autozone or what?

DSM Jeff · 08-06-2008, 07:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by njc1064

here is one more question. What lug nuts should i be using with the slipstreams? Just pick something up at an autozone or what?

Most likely a "tuner" style lug. I used a set from Gorilla. Click for example