17" wheels for road racing.

[Eagle 5]

I have a question regarding 255/40/17 tires on a 1G?
I had 235/40/18 tires on a 18 x 7.5" wheel on my 2g. Fronts fit fine but rears rubbed the spindle, so 3mm spacers in the rear fixed that. Now my front tires would hit the fender but I also had around 2-2.25 inches of drop. Again, only on hard bumps. When I put the wheels/ tires on my 1G they fit fine with the stock suspension. They did no rub the spring perches, actually looked like they had a decent amount of room left (this was no wheel spacers on the 1g) I now have Koni/ GCs with 500 front/ 400 rear springs. Spring perches are cut away except for the little bit needed in the front for the GC sleeve. Since the perches are now gone, it seems like I have a lot more room on the inside of the wheel.

My question is, what kind of offset would I need for say a 17 x 9 or 17 x 8.5 wheel with 255/40/17 tires to fit?

Basically I would like to be close to the coilovers but still have room. I am not worried about the fenders or the tires hitting the fenders. I'm only going to be lowering the car about 1.25 1.5 up front and 1 1.25 in the rear (actually tonight after I install my rear upper adjustable control arms). Plus I can always get the fenders flared so Im not worried about the fenders, that can be fixed.

I dont want a low offset though like +25 or +30 if I can avoid it. I drive this car daily, though its not my daily driver. Also, I would like the option of possibly going to a 265/40/17 tire since the diameter would be the same as the 235/40/18s I had. The 255/40/17s are almost exactly the same as the stock tire diameter.

What kind of offset should I be looking at to hit these wheels/ tires?

Also Im not worried if I cant fit a 265/40/17 tire, but WANT to fit a 255/40/17 tire. This also brings up the question of which size wheel would be better? Would a 17 x 8.5 or 17 x 9 wheel be better for the 255/40/17 tires?

Thanks. Sorry for the long post.

 

[steel_3d]

Ray's Gram Light 57S 17x 8.5" +30 (19.3 lbs ea.), Toyo RA-1's 255/40/17
...
In the rear the tires just polish the dirt off the paint on the upright. I will be using a 3mm spacer just as a precaution.

Hmm it seems to me that if this is true, then Mitch's setup is perfect for a 2g to fit 255/40/17 tires (depending on the actual thread width of the model), since it's a 17x9 rim with +27mm offset.

Evan, are you able to share your camber settings and how much you're lowered? I'm assuming the camber's not quite tire friendly for the street...

 

[Ludachris]

TJ, Mitch has researched the hell out of the optimal offset for a 17x9 on a 1G and came up with 27mm. He talked a lot with Team Dynamics who is building the wheels for us. These wheels will be a custom build to fit our cars perfectly. Before I decided on the Team Dynamics wheels I was looking at Enkei RPF-01's in 17x9 and I believe they were offered in a 30mm offset. Enkei told me that they'd fit. I think that's as close as you're going to get without rubbing on the suspension. Not sure if they'd stick out though. I'm still waiting for the TD wheels to come in so I can put them on and determine if I'll need flares.

 

[logic]

Hmm it seems to me that if this is true, then Mitch's setup is perfect for a 2g to fit 255/40/17's (depending on the model), since it's a 17x9 with +27mm offset.

That's exactly what I'm banking on, since I have a set on the way. My only concern is tucking, but I think this will work given enough hammering, enough spring, and enough camber.

Evan, I'm with steel_3d: I'd love to hear a few more specifics about your setup, if you feel like sharing.

Oh, and in case this wasn't posted it before, the 2g guys should definitely be reading this as a starting point.

 

[Eagle 5]

Ludachris, Thanks. From what I can figure a 17x9 wheel would be the best fit for a 255/40/17 tire, but would still allow for a 265/40/17 tire if at a later point I wanted it. I guess then the +27mm offset could possibly work with the 265's, though I am not sure. So it looks like I should be looking for some wheels in around the 30mm offset range then. I guess I figured since I had 42mm offset wheels before and my 235's fit fine, then if I went to 255's, a 32 offset would work (theoretically) but I know that is not always the case as there is more to it than that. I do like those Enkei wheels, though I am looking for something closer to this wheel - PIAA Super Rozza Gun metal black. Not necessarily those wheels but something very very similar as I love the color and that wheel design. I just cant see spending 500/ wheel but it may come down to that to get what I want. As for fender flares, I'm thinking they would be needed, but considering my body needs some TLC, I figure when I get teh body fixed/ painted, Ill have the fenders flared.

Tire wise I want to try the Bridgestone RE-01R's out but they are not made in a 255/40/17 yet. So, I may end up getting the 245/45/17 for my Mazdaspeed 6 and looking for something else for the 1G. I loved the Eagle F1 DS-D3's I had but thinking maybe pilot sports or TA-KD's. Not sure yet though. Ill look more into wheels closer to the end of winter but need to know some things between now and then.

Oh, and put my newly made rear upper adjustable control arms on tonight. Most fun. Now to work on the lower arms.

http://forum.mazda6club.com/index.php?showtopic=59072&hl=piaa There is a pic of the PIAA Super ROZA wheels I like, but not sure I like or want a 2 piece wheel.

 

[WatchItExplode]

TJ, Mitch has researched the hell out of the optimal offset for a 17x9 on a 1G and came up with 27mm. He talked a lot with Team Dynamics who is building the wheels for us. These wheels will be a custom build to fit our cars perfectly. Before I decided on the Team Dynamics wheels I was looking at Enkei RPF-01's in 17x9 and I believe they were offered in a 30mm offset. Enkei told me that they'd fit. I think that's as close as you're going to get without rubbing on the suspension. Not sure if they'd stick out though. I'm still waiting for the TD wheels to come in so I can put them on and determine if I'll need flares.

Wow, I had no idea they were actually making wheels to fit our cars specifically. All this talk is making me consider 17x9's now. Would it be too late to grab a set of them from the same shipment you guys are getting yours? I work at a shop and one of our wheel vendors carries Team Dynamics, I'm hoping I can get the wheels cheaper through them. But hell, they're already such a good price, I'd have no problem paying retail.

 

[Ludachris]

Wow, I had no idea they were actually making wheels to fit our cars specifically. All this talk is making me consider 17x9's now. Would it be too late to grab a set of them from the same shipment you guys are getting yours? I work at a shop and one of our wheel vendors carries Team Dynamics, I'm hoping I can get the wheels cheaper through them. But hell, they're already such a good price, I'd have no problem paying retail.

I think our shipment is already here in the states somewhere so I think you missed the boat on that one (sorry for the pun). I'd contact Mitch to see if he had any extra sets ordered.

And let me point out - these wheels were designed to fit our cars but there is no guarantee that they won't stick out, especially with 255mm tires. Once those of us who put in an order receive our sets we'll have some good data to share.

 

[WatchItExplode]

Cool, I'll be keeping an eye on this thread for your feedback.

 

[steel_3d]

Well I don't know if they were designed for us per se, 17x9 +27 is just one of their publicly available configurations.

http://www.teamdynamicsracing.com/pro-race/Pro-race12.htm

(https://www.rimstock.com/content/pro-race-1-2 )

 

[Maximuscr31]

Well I don't know if they were designed for us per se, 17x9 +27 is just one of their publicly available configurations.

http://www.teamdynamicsracing.com/pro-race/Pro-race12.htm

Just wondering if there is any update on the shipping container Mitch? Just wondering what the ETA is looking like because I am moving 11-01-06
Thanks
Brandon

 

[Ludachris]

Well I don't know if they were designed for us per se, 17x9 +27 is just one of their publicly available configurations.

http://www.teamdynamicsracing.com/pro-race/Pro-race12.htm

Well Mitch has been working with them to get a wheel to meet our specs. If there was a wheel already available they didn't have it here in the US before Mitch had arranged it.

 

[Suparata]

Team Dynamics did not have the wheels as we ordered them in the US or Great Britain for that matter. Not in 67.1mm hub-center and 27mm offset. That’s another reason why I like them and I am willing to wait to get the wheels just like I want them.
TDR is trying to work with racing teams and championships all over the world and they know that wheels need to be made just right for each application.

BTW they should be unloaded this weekend if customs goes smooth.

 

[Ludachris]

Team Dynamics did not have the wheels as we ordered them in the US or Great Britain for that matter. Not in 67.1mm hub-center and 27mm offset. That’s another reason why I like them and I am willing to wait to get the wheels just like I want them.
TDR is trying to work with racing teams and championships all over the world and they know that wheels need to be made just right for each application.

BTW they should be unloaded this weekend if customs goes smooth.

Any update Mitch?

 

[Suparata]

I guess it didn't go smooth since it is still somewhere in customs.

 

[Suparata]

Happy to say we got wheels. Guys please confirm the ship-to address with me so we can get these out ASAP. Can hardly wait.

 

[asian312]

Ahem...pictures!!!!

 

[Evan K.]

Hmm it seems to me that if this is true, then Mitch's setup is perfect for a 2g to fit 255/40/17 tires (depending on the actual thread width of the model), since it's a 17x9 rim with +27mm offset.

Evan, are you able to share your camber settings and how much you're lowered? I'm assuming the camber's not quite tire friendly for the street...

Somehow missed this thres for the last few weeks. Camber really isn't that agressive. Slightly over -2 in the front and slightly under 2 at the rear is what I have been using. I will be going more agressive in the near future.

Camber doesn't kill tires it's the toe that gets you. I don't consider the camber I run in any way unstreetable. I drive the car to the track 100+ miles no problem.

I did neglect to mention in the first post that i have done a little fender massaging in the front. It's not much, You wouldn't know I had done it unless I told you. Just wanted to mention for the sake of completeness.

Yes I would like some feedback on the wheels as i might be in the market for a second set in the future.

 

[Maximuscr31]

Pics would be sweet!

I confirmed my address last weekend. What day should we be expecting these gems to ship

 

[Greg Collier]

Since I'm on the West coast I guess I got mine up first. Notice the incredible amount of room for a huge rotor and caliper.

I especially like the color too!!

 

[Maximuscr31]

I can't wait to get mine. The color looks better than I thought it would

 

[steel_3d]

Yupp, they're some mean looking wheels! Unfortunately, it doesn't look like there's any chance in hell they'll tuck under my stock 2g fenders, and they're definitely not flush with the body I guess that's the price you pay for putting some badass rubber to the ground... Anybody done 2g flares? I hope they'll come in a little closer to the fender once at the proper ride height... There definitely seems to be enough room on the inside, though that'll be decided when there's actual rubber on the wheels.

They don't come with center caps or lug nuts. What are you guys using for both?


Enjoy the pics.

http://www.imagestation.com/album/pictures.html?id=2099866646

If you don't have an imagestation account, use login: steve_guest, pw: guest

 

[Greg Collier]

They don't come with center caps or lug nuts. What are you guys using for both?

They do come with center caps but I never use them... lug nuts your on your own.

 

[steel_3d]

Am I retarded? Are all the center caps in the one box I didn't open? We'll find out

 

[Greg Collier]

Am I retarded? Are all the center caps in the one box I didn't open? We'll find out

I wouldn't call it being retarded, excited and a little impatient maybe...

 

[logic]

Wow, that's a ton of protrusion from the fenderwell. Fender rolling alone just isn't going to do it, methinks. Ah well, I expected that; where's my hammer?

Have you had a chance to try them on the rear? I probably won't be able to pick up my wheels until this weekend, so I'm living vicariously through your pictures right now.