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I'm trying to figure out what wheels to get for my R53. I want lightweight options, 17x7.5s, between 16-18 lbs. The factory R90s are too heavy. The offset has to be at least 40mm to cover my big break setup. Please post pics of what you have.
Selection of 17x7" wheels is better, less costly and generally lighter in weight, any reason why you aren't considering that option?
A 17x7" and 17x7.5" wheel will give you similar performance and handling but tire sizes favor the 17x7" and no real gain will be had with a 17x7.5" wheel other than a slightly wider look but it's only 1/2" difference.
If you want a flush look or to make the most out of a 215/45-17 or 215/40-17 tire then maybe the 17x7.5 will fit better.
17x7" just gives you wider choices as well as more clearance if you ever lower your suspension.
Selection of 17x7" wheels is better, less costly and generally lighter in weight, any reason why you aren't considering that option?
A 17x7" and 17x7.5" wheel will give you similar performance and handling but tire sizes favor the 17x7" and no real gain will be had with a 17x7.5" wheel other than a slightly wider look but it's only 1/2" difference.
If you want a flush look or to make the most out of a 215/45-17 or 215/40-17 tire then maybe the 17x7.5 will fit better.
17x7" just gives you wider choices as well as more clearance if you ever lower your suspension.
I'm guessing I can still go 17x7, there is no specific reason other than "better" handling. If .5 inches won't really make much of a difference then I could stay with a 17x7 lightweight wheel. My car is already lowered, so clearance would be an issue if I pursue a wider wheel. I already have spacers. My question is, I have the r90 wheels with 15mm spacers to fit my GP2 brembos. What worries me is the offset. But if I find something between 40-45mm offset I'll probably be fine.
Checkout the Enkei PF01 and <B>RPF1</B> at tirerack.com.
Yep. Your factory 17x7 R85 s-lites (I like the irony of the name) are 25.1 lbs each.. Add the weight of the run flat tire and you're at 45.8 lbs in each corner!
If you go with 17x7 RPF1 wheels (14.6 lbs each) with ExtremeContact DW tires puts you at 32.1 lbs in each corner.
Shaving off 13.7 lbs of unsprung weight will arguably improve your performance and MPG (less power needed to rotate them), improve your braking, and definitely improve your comfort, especially if you go with non run flats.
And trust me, you can definitely feel the difference! My MPG went up a bit, the car rolls a lot smother, you don't feel like you're driving a little tank anymore.
One thing though, make sure you get yourself a spare off a base model mini and throw it behind the drivers seat if you go with non run flats for the peace of mind. Trust me, you'll never go back.
Plus RPF1s look sweet on our cars. See attachment.
I'm guessing I can still go 17x7, there is no specific reason other than "better" handling. If .5 inches won't really make much of a difference then I could stay with a 17x7 lightweight wheel. My car is already lowered, so clearance would be an issue if I pursue a wider wheel. I already have spacers. My question is, I have the r90 wheels with 15mm spacers to fit my GP2 brembos. What worries me is the offset. But if I find something between 40-45mm offset I'll probably be fine.
Right now you are running a 33mm offset with the spacers. Are you sure 45-40mm on 17x7's will be enough? I know it depends on the spoke design of the wheel, but without being able to test fit the wheels first it sounds like you might have clearance issues.
Right now you are running a 33mm offset with the spacers. Are you sure 45-40mm on 17x7's will be enough? I know it depends on the spoke design of the wheel, but without being able to test fit the wheels first it sounds like you might have clearance issues.
Hmm.... If I use the spacers in hand 15mm front and 20mm back I know that a wheel with 45mm offset will do, I still have more than 5mm of space with the R90 wheels. Tight fit, but will work well.
I'm thinking the Enkei PF01s in silver. Those look good.
I am surprised you can run R90 at 48mm offset with 20mm spacers in the rear without rubbing on the wheel arch. That is the equivalent of 28mm offset. What tire size do you plan to use on the new wheels and do you plan to lower the car and by how much? What size tire is mounted on your R90 wheels and are you currently on stock springs?
With 17x7 wheels with 38mm offset using 215/40 tires (about 24.77" diameter) and lower an inch I would get rubbing on the rear wheel arch when the suspension was loaded. If you go with a 45 series tires such as 215/45 the dia is 24.62 and even more chance of rubbing.
I would think that the PF01 with 45mm offset and even the 15mm spacers will be a problem in the rear. However, if you have no problem with the R90 and 20mm spacers, the PF01 with 15mm spacer in the rear should be OK if you use that same diameter tire.
Hmm.... If I use the spacers in hand 15mm front and 20mm back I know that a wheel with 45mm offset will do, I still have more than 5mm of space with the R90 wheels. Tight fit, but will work well.
I'm thinking the Enkei PF01s in silver. Those look good.
I think the R90's usually have clearance problems compared to other oem ET48 rims because of the spokes. If you are ok with 15mm spacers on the ET48 R90's, then you probably don't need to go to 20mm spacers with other ET48 17x7's. Or you can just find an ET35, or ET38 17x7 that might fit and not run spacers at all.
Unfortunately, there will be a lot of trial and error to get the correct fitment, unless you can copy someone else's setup or get detailed specs on the wheels to know if the spokes will clear the calipers. The ET numbers only refer to the spacing of the hub, not to the spokes.
I think the R90's usually have clearance problems compared to other oem ET48 rims because of the spokes. If you are ok with 15mm spacers on the ET48 R90's, then you probably don't need to go to 20mm spacers with other ET48 17x7's. Or you can just find an ET35, or ET38 17x7 that might fit and not run spacers at all.
Unfortunately, there will be a lot of trial and error to get the correct fitment, unless you can copy someone else's setup or get detailed specs on the wheels to know if the spokes will clear the calipers. The ET numbers only refer to the spacing of the hub, not to the spokes.
I knoiw what the ET numbers stand for....I dont see 45 spokes in the PF01s hahahaha
My rear tires rub a bit yes, I use 2054517 tires. I'm ordering some 15mm spacers for the rear.
I'll try willtheyfit.com to see which wheel will fit.
So if you are using 205 tires and plan to use 205 tires on your new wheels, I do not think there is any benefit using a 7.5" wheel per your original plan and the 7" wide should be fine. A 215 tire will also work well on a 7" wide wheel.
I'm trying to figure out what wheels to get for my R53. I want lightweight options, 17x7.5s, between 16-18 lbs. The factory R90s are too heavy. The offset has to be at least 40mm to cover my big break setup. Please post pics of what you have.
They look good, but I'm more of a less spokes guy. Thanks!
I ate my words up with the spokes thing and ended up pulling the trigger on some silver Team Dynamics Pro race 1.2. 17lbs a piece, can't complain. I'll post pics when I get them installed.
