Hey guys well I need some new wheels for my S. Im not sure what the most popular (and best) combo is for an AP1? I dont really want to roll my fenders or anything like that but what combo overall would be best for track use? Im looking at volk ce28's in 17" but didnt want to throw off my speedometer all crazy.

TIA guys

 

Volks would be pretty good. As far as throwing off the speedo, just make sure you get the right size tires. For 17" tires, a sidewall of 45 in the front and 40 in the rear is, in general, correct. 225 front and 255 rear should be fine and not require fender rolling if you get Volks in the proper offsets.

Would these be ONLY for the track or do you also plan on doing some street driving on them?

 

If you're looking for track-only wheels, I'd just get a used set of AP1 wheels. As I understand it, you suspension is tuned for 16" wheels, not 17" wheels; while we each have our own priorities on how to spend money, the slight amount of time you would gain from the lighter wheels are not (to me) worth anything like what a new set of Volks would cost (assuming this is not for racing, just lapping). YMMV

 

[QUOTE=CobraTi,Jul 28 2007, 09:29 AM] Volks would be pretty good.

 

Hmm, better grip than S02's. Anything grippier and you're more or less getting into track only tires I believe. It depends how much you drive, but Toyo RA1's can pull street and track duty equally well, though they will wear out faster than normal street tires. I would agree and say use the AP1 wheels for the track (can get 225/245 RA1's) and then the Volks on the street (maybe using the new Bridgestone RE-01R, one of the best/stickiest street tires available now).

As long as the wheels you get have good offsets, like the Volks should, I can't imagine they'd throw off handling that much if at all. Another reason I'd use the AP1 wheels for the track. . .do you really want to be using your $2000+ wheels on the track where they can get beat up potentially a lot more than on the street?

 

true id hate to screw up my new wheels on the track but with new wheels will i get any benefit over stock wheels with so2's? (running wider tires on re-01's?). Other wise I may just keep my ap1's for street use even if they are ugly. Id hate to spend over 2k for nothing but looks..

 

is a new wider wheel/tire combo worth it for handling or is it just for looks?

 

Alright did some reading on the sticky and took a look at this

"Historical consensus was to run a staggered setup: 225 front / 245 or 265 rear for the AP1 cars"

my setup will be 17x7.5 +48 and 17x8.5 +54. I may lower an inch much later. But will the 245 front and 265 rear in a re-01 fit without rubbing?? And is this setup better than 225/255?

 

anyone?

 

245 could be a bit much in the front, especially if you drop the car. Should still fit, but you may have to roll the fender/dial in lots of negative camber.

That 225 front/245 (Hoosiers) or 265 (Kumhos) rear are the "traditional" autocross sizes for AP1's on the stock wheels. Moving up to larger wheels should allow you to fit more tire on, just have to be careful with the offsets and any potential rubbing issues. I don't really have much experience in this as all I've used are stock AP1 rims on my car.

I think the 225/255 setup will be plenty for you to get started with. Its a good deal more rubber than is there stock, and if you go with the Bridgestone RE-01r's, should be a bit stickier than the original S-02's.

Getting light weight and wider wheels can definately be good for performance as well as looks. The only thing I would worry about is messing them up on the track, but if you're willing to take that risk, go for it. Fitting more rubber will definately help keep you going the right way on the track and the light weight will help out acceleration, braking, and turning response.