I was cruising Yahoo! auctions Japan for JDM BBS wheels, and came across a few sets of wheels that look very similar to the USDM 5 spokes, but are slightly different. Here's a link to the page in its native Japanese, and here's a link to a (crummy) machine translation. Look at the pictures of the wheel's outer lip and notice how the spokes continue to the outer edge, where as our USDM spokes blend and end before the lips starts.

Does anyone know anything about these wheels? Cast or forged? Weights?

On another note, does anyone have any contacts/friends/family in Japan that could be a proxy bidder for me? I've seen a few sets of the 6 spoke wheels go for cheap, but everyone says no international shipping. I would make it worth their time $$.

Steve

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Windscreen
Does anyone know anything about these wheels?

 

Machine translation indicates that that includes tires. Lemme ask the wife again....

 

My wife tried to post a question, but f-ing yahoo japan auctions requires a freaking credit card to ask a simple question of the auction-owner. Ridickulous!!

Sorry, no more info. Oh yeah, that weight includes the rubber.

 

I did a little bit 'o searching and it looks like these JDM 5 spokes are about the exact same weight as the USDM 5 spokes. It is interesting that Honda makes two different versions of the 5 spoke wheel that are only ever so slightly different. It must have to do with local regulations regarding wheels, as I can't imagine it makes sense economically to make two.

Steve

 

Ask some of the European owners. Early years cars sold in Europe have the same exact rims as the ones on Ebay Japan.

 

Thanks for the suggestion, but I've lost interest in these wheels, as they aren't any lighter than stock. I'm still searching for a set of the JDM BBS 6 spoke wheels, though.

Steve

 

Like I said, I'll be happy to help you arrange shipping. I so wish I could afford a set myself. As it is, it took me a month to pay the crack dealer for brake pads...

Tony

 

Yes, to confirm: that 5-spoke design has been used in Europe and Japan since the beginning. I haven't heard any explanation for precisely why the North American wheels are different.

 

This design was used on the S2k before MY2002 in the UK. The MY2002 changed to the US design. There are two problems with the original wheels in the UK. They're prone to corrosion. And the raised outer spoke is a pain for tyre fitters - it's common for the tyre removal arm to gauge the spoke if not setup correctly.

-Brian.