1. So I feel a bit dumb asking this, but is the center cap necessary on the x-lite wheels? I'm assuming it keeps dirt and debris out (preventing unnecessary wear) and should be there, but wanted to ask to confirm.

2. On those x-lite wheels (16x6.5 right?) what is the consensus street tire of choice? I am lowered 1in on tein s-techs. The car will not see any racing and these wheels will not be on in winter. Searching around here seemed like 215/50/16 would be good size for some extra grip over stock 195. I can go super aggressive with the compound and design as these tires will only be on in warmer months and it just isn't driven many miles. I would, however, like them to be decent in the rain when I get caught in a summer thunderstorm.

Thoughts on both would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

 

No dumb questions here. It's a good question.

Yea, keeps the lugs and the center bore / front of the hub center clean and water out. Also some people like the cleaner look, I have seen a bunch of people run without them , but that was autoX .

https://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/R84_MINI_X_Lite_Wheel/

Center cap R84 x-lite

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...er-needed.html




I would run them unless its going to be a track set only or something.

195/55/16 on those wheels most of the time, here are some tire choices
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...rchid=16132022

some people like the hankooks Ventus RS3 for the money

 

Does anyone make a smaller cover for just the center? I actually prefer the look without the covers. I plan to paint them this winter while they are off of the car.

Thanks for the response and links.

 

Just measure the diameter of that little hub circle. find caps that fit on eBay ect...likely another mini one would. Looks like most are 54mm http://www.dhgate.com/product/brand-...isc|3875393706

edit: or 50mm I guess https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...h/36131171069/

I dont think they are necessary...they only have the center hole in the wheel so that it can be put on a balancing machine. I think the hub assembly has sealed bearings anyway?

 

no, only thing i can think of it try to fit the center ***** from the steelies, but i dont know if the bore is the same aluminum wheels to the steeiles.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...now-tires.html





Welcome.

 

Sounds good guys. I suppose working in a tool and die shop I could simply design and make some for it (duh).

Any other tire suggestions?

 

205/50R16 is an ideal size. Bridgestone RE71 for aggressive drivers or BF Goodrich Comp 2 for slightly less agressive driving. Comp to is still a Z rated ultra high performance tire.

 

What do you all think about these 3 options:
1. Firestone Firehawk Indy 500
2. Firestone Firehawk Wide Oval Indy 500
3. BF Goodrich Comp 2

All in 205/50/16

They will all provide adequate grip for my needs based on ratings and reviews.

 

I'd rank them as follows

Firehawk Indy 500
Comp 2
Firehawk Wide oval Indy 500

The Indy 500's are my top pick due to the better blend of road noise and handling charateristics. Comp 2 is a slightly noisy. Other than wet braking modulation the Firestone was the top performer in our head to head test.

Indy 500 was developed in the Asian Market under a different label. It's a very predictable handling tire and the most current technology.

Wide oval Indy 500 is just an older, less competitive evolution. The price is outstanding however.