Just got done test mounting and heat cycling a new set of Kosei K-1 TS 15x7 ET38 wheels mounted with Avon Tech R tyres in 225/45ZR15. For the record, they fit easily on my May production '03 MCS. I was advied that they may come close to the front struts but there was plenty of clearance. My thanks to the good folks at Tire Rack. I won't AX the tires for a couple of weeks but I sure had fun "heat cycling" them.

One small gripe. The wheels came with lightweight plastic hub rings. I'd sure prefer steel rings like the one I use with SSR Comps on my BMW M3. My street wheels are Team Dynamics Racing Pro Race 1 that also came with plastic rings. Those are crumbling to the point of unusable. I need to call TDR and Tire Rack for steel rings.

Anyone have a source fro steel hub rings?

Thanks,
Ned Coonen
'03 MCS with 15% Alta pulley, Madness rear anti-sway, Borla Race exhaust, 215/45 ES100s on 17x7 TDR Pro Race 1

 

Call Alex at Tire rack....he'll hook you up. I believe they are $2.00 per ring.

 

I've looked into autocross wheels and 15x7 with 225/45-15 competition tires would be the best performing.
You should be fine.

What suspension mods do you have?

Steel rings are best and available from tirerack.com just ask for them. Make sure they don't get stuck on your hubs.
Lube them or change wheels often.
Hard plastic is cheap but not as durable over time.

 

No suspension mods other than the rear sway bar that I mentioned. I commute 50 miles/day and I like the stock feel. Lower and stiffer might be faster but I've already got one track rat in the garage!

...ned.

 

Hey Ned,

Good job! That sounds awesome. Do you get any rubbing using such an aggressive et of 38, especially with 225 width tires? Et 38 pushes the tires out to the edges quite far. :smile:

 

The offset of 38 does push the tire out a ways and could be a problem with a larger diameter tire or a lowered suspension. The 225/45R15 Avon Tech R is 23.1" overall diameter compared to 24.6" diameter for my everyday 215/45R17 Yoko ES100.

An ET40 wheel would also fit and look a little better but I'm really happy with the Kosei K-1 TS. It's almost as light as the SSR Comp (which I use in 17x9 on my M3) but costs about half as much.

...ned.

 

>>The offset of 38 does push the tire out a ways and could be a problem with a larger diameter tire or a lowered suspension. The 225/45R15 Avon Tech R is 23.1" overall diameter compared to 24.6" diameter for my everyday 215/45R17 Yoko ES100.
>>
>>An ET40 wheel would also fit and look a little better but I'm really happy with the Kosei K-1 TS. It's almost as light as the SSR Comp (which I use in 17x9 on my M3) but costs about half as much.

Having stock suspension and only rear swaybar allows you to use rims that have from 37mm to 48mm offset.
Once you add lowering springs you have to limit offset to about 40 to 42mm or you will find rubbing. The Kosei's are good and not everyone needs to spend more to get the SSR Comps. Tirerack.com has both.