I was thinking between

17" Bronze Work Emotions
Cheaper tires (Kuhmo MX type)
4.57 Gear BUT without the reinforced differential.

OR

Ap1 Wheels
S02 Tires
Minor bolt ons (AEM V2, test pipe)
Tuning (VAFC II)

My question that doesn't involve an opinion- will I be able to use the gears without a reinforced differential? Will reliability be sacrificed?

I really only want to go with gears with the bigger heavier wheels to make up for it. If I am not running these I would like to keep the highway rpms down and just get some extra kick with boltons

Handling is very important. How much will the heavier 17" Work wheels effect handling? Also, the S02's vs. cheaper tires will also effect handling. I am planning on auto-x the car in Street modded class. I drive aggressively, most of the time I will be running through a twisty road, so I would like to know a good set up.

But then looks come into play Ap1 rims look so bland, and the Works have a great look to them. The bronze looks great on black.

Just looking for some suggestions Thank you

 

Take whatever rims you have and put a set of Toyo RA-1s on if handling/performance is your number one priority. If you want looks and performance, look no further than CE28s w/RAs.

 

Gears.

 

wheels, and the kuhmo mx is a great tire

 

Of course everyone suggests gears, but I don't know if I can run them without a reinforced differential. I'm not looking at spending that much money so...

 

Yes you can,no problem.

 

Advans RG IIs 18s

 

A nice wheel combo that doesn't weigh more than OEM's. Gains with the set-up you mentioned are very minimal, and in my opinion, not worth investing into.

Kuhmo Mx's offer great performance and wear for the money.

Good luck with whatever you choose.

 

definitely get the gears. it is the best thing i did to my car. actually the second best because the first the the SC

 

unless you are going to track the car, i don't think you would want to go with Ra's they have 180 threadwear and thats not going to last very long. Go with T1R's (280) i just got them and though they are not as good as S02's(pretty close), but they are better in the rain.