EDIT: Since getting solid feedback from this forum and doing more research on actual owner experiences, I have decided to broaden my search to include WORK wheels. You will see pics and info on page 2.
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Hi guys and gals,
So I've taken about 6 months worth of wheel research and pictures and finally decided to narrow the field of contenders down to 2 choices!

I would really like some opinions to help me decide. Here are the details.

I have an 03 Sebring Silver over full Red
I will be lowering the car on H&R or KW Coil-overs
I will be installing the OEM front Lip and possbly rear spoiler
I have an Inividia dual exhaust
I will visit the track 1-2 days a year maybe, it is a WEEKEND only car, I love driving hard on the street when I take the S2k out to the mountains.


Wheel choice #1 is the Speed Star SP1 Professor, 18x8 F and 18x9.5R. Black with polished lip (if I knew how to post pics I would)

Pros: Head turning wheel, big lip in the rear, not too common, very agressive "tuner" inspired look, large footprint

Cons: heavy 21lb F and approx 23lb rear, cast not forged, black might not be in 'style' a year or two from now

Wheel choice #2 is the classic Volk Te37, 18x7.5 F and 18x8.5 R, thinking about full gunmetal (thought about the Le37 gunmetal and polished lip but they look visually 'smaller')

Pros: Forged, light weight wheel, very agressive stance with 'race' inspired look, design never goes out of style

Cons: more common wheel, not as much of a head turning design

So as you can see I have two totally different styles here. One day I want the 'bling' factor of the Sp1, the other day I see pics of te37's on silver cars and love the purposeful, mean, don't f with me look.

What do you think?

thanks!
Chris Ciccone

 

Chris - that's a tough call. I'm a huge Volk fan, but I like your color choice on the Professors

The polished lip looks awesome while the car is rolling (tenblade's car with 17" LE28's):



I just switched from some solid colored wheels to black with a polished lip. I also went back to 18" wheels after rolling on 17"ers for about a year. I wouldn't worry about what is going to be in style down the road - just get what you like. Either way I don't think you'll be upset

I just wonder how long it will be before someone posts up that 18" wheels are for bling and not performance....

 

I like the black with the polished lip

How does the car ride with low profile 18" tires?

 

can't go wrong with either one.. i wnat both myself..

 

I think it all depends on the tires. On my first set of 18's I had some Pirelli's (can't remember the model - maybe ACLR8 or dave22 can help me out there) and the ride was just a little rough. I'm now on the Goodyear F1 GSD3's and the ride is really decent (keep in mind I daily drive my car). I do think some extra tread wall helps though, but it isn't going to make a world's difference on ride quality.

I don't know if that helps, but you're welcome to take my car for a spin next time we're at a meet.

 

wow Im surprised by the posts so far! :-) I was convinced everyone in this forum were Volk only fans:-)

Poindexter, re: the 18's are only for bling comment. I know what you mean, and I sometimes tell myself that also, then I say "hey, how often if at all, on the road is a driver going to notice the slight if any performance loss of the 18's? I mean really, Im not living by a stopwatch while driving to the vineyards or cruising down Rt. 28 ya know"

when I go to the track, if I had the Professors, I would just switch out to the OEM 16's.

Ok so its 4 - 0 in favor of the fat lip. lets see what some others say.

later
Chris Ciccone.

 

i'm probably going with the sp1's myself..... also keep in mind they are 3 piece wheels.. oh and another thing.. if you happen to bend one it'll be a lot easier for you to get another.. while with the volks you'll be waiting a while.... but then agian you also gotta keep this in mine... ssr filed for bankruptcy....

 

That's all you've got to say. Throw some track rubber on the ocks and then they'll be very the rest of the time they are

 

I do not recommend the SP1's.

Here's why: Yes, I wanted that rim as well. It definitely is a sweet wheel... but there is a small problem with those wheels if you are lowered. I received this info from Jim at TireRack when I was inquirying about the same rims. If you are lowered, you will need to roll the fenders. I would suggest also that you buy low-offest friendly tires(rounded edges).

Now that being said, if you can handle the occasional rubbing and are not concerned with street performance(meaning taking curves at a decent clip because of rubbing), then you, as others, can ride on those wheels. They are quite snappy.

Again, the info I am passing along actually came from Jim. I can tell you that offsets make a big difference. I just put my stockers back on last night. I drove the car to the body shop this morning and had nary a rub. A couple spots on the way definitely beat any car up, yet the car didn't put rubber to plastic.

 

didn't wantone post some car with two different sets of rims on the left side and right side?

j/k

anyway i think proper offset is going to be key here. both are great looking rims... if you like the polished lip, what about the le37's? (although a friend of mine with le37's said he was rubbing w/ buddy clubs). i don't know how low he has the car dropped though.