I just started the autocross season and it turns out I have huge (18") wheels that are very heavy (~24 lbs) that are paired with off-brand tires that are completely rolling onto the side walls in the turns. So I'm looking for a new tire/wheel combo but I'm relatively new to the wheel/tire world and I'm finding it difficult to wrap my head around how to pick a good setup.

I want something that will be both suitable for AutoCross but also function as a DD tire. (Summer only. I will use the current tire/wheel setup for the winter months)

I really like the Enkei RPF1 wheels and the small 16" size was recommended. I am eyeing the 16x8 38 offset but also the 16x7 43 offset may be an option if I have to. (Enkei size chart)

I'm currently having trouble finding tires to match. Tire Rack's recommended tires don't come in any sizes that match the 16" wheel.

Potenza RE-11: 205/45/16 is the only tire that doesn't increase overall size but instead has a full 1" smaller diameter size (more accel but I'm worried about looks) and max suggested wheel width of 7.5"
Dunlop Z1 Star Spec: No 16" options (??)
Ventus R-S3: No equal or smaller diameter 16" tire options.

The Direzza ZII's have a couple decent reviews and they have a 205/50/16 size but these are also only recommended for up to a 7.5" wide wheel.

Does anyone have some tire recommendations for this setup?

Or perhaps the setup itself needs scrutiny. Is a 16x7 wheel a better option? I'm still unsure if either wheel width, offset and eventual tire size will even fit in the wells. I have IE camber plates, JCW springs, Koni yellows and stock r53 brakes.

 

i'm running 16x7 on 205/50-16 ZII's, i'm very happy with the set up. i don't know how much wider you could go wheel wise. I bought it from Tire Rack

http://r56hs.com/2014/03/28/new-shoes/

 

43 or 35 offset?

 

43, but really only because thats what the stock rules limit me to

 

You don't mention which class you're targeting. If its SCCA and R53 with camber plates would be in STX, unless you lose the camber plates and run in street.

The x8 would be good for STX, x7 for street.

I use 16x7 RFP1 with ZII in 225/45-16, and I'm very happy with them. Now the ZII are discontinued they've run out of that size. 205/50 might work, I've run outside the recommended wheel widths for autocross. An alternative is 17x7 (or 17x8) with ZII in 215/40-17, I have those as a back up.

 

By the way, Enkei make an RPF1 and a PF01. (Not a RPF01.)

 

Since you have stock R53 brakes I'm guessing you have an R53? If that's the case start looking at 15" wheels. They'll be much lighter and honestly the tire selection in 16" is pretty sad. I'd run 15x8 with a 225/45/15 Z2. Craig Wilcox is running a 15x9 up front and a 15x8 out back with a 225/45/15 BFG Rival. I think the Dunlop Z2 is a better daily/street tire than the Rival. You'll probably need something in the ET35-ET40 range so that the rim doesn't hit the strut. I'd probably go for an et40 and space the fronts. The rears should fit at a 15x8 et40. The 225/45/15 is a little short if you run on a lot of big open courses but for most local stuff the shorter tire will give you better acceleration and less unsprung weight.