I'm thinking about getting bigger rims to replace my OE rims. But i'm not sure should i get 17" or 18" which one would be a better fit? What's the effect on the handling? Any comments or suggestions are welcome and appreciated.

 

19"S !!! Bigger IS better.

 

If you go with 18" you should plan on getting:

--springs/shocks to avoid the 4x4 look
--front sway bar to dial out oversteer from wider 225 front tires
--Rick's rear end gears to make up for the larger diameter rear tires

almost all 18" packages (wheels + tires) are heavier than stock, so you will lose some performance. They also will ride a little rougher than 16" or 17". And many people have rubbing issues (myself included) when going to 18". Unless you go with a custom 3 piece wheel, none of the 18's on the market have the perfect offset for the S2000, some are closer than others.

On the plus side, they definitely look nice.

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With a 17" package you can get almost perfect offset, it's possible to have a lighter overall weight than stock, and you have a better selection of tires. You can get 205, 215 and 215 front tire widths, which allows you to keep the balance close to stock or go wider if you need more steering for track use. The rear tire diameter is very close to the stock tires, so you won't need to change the rear end gears unless you want a shorter ratio. There are a few 17" combos that offer the perfect wheel offset, like the Volk CE28, so rubbing is not usually an issue. With the 17" you can almost get away without having to lower the car but it looks better with a little drop.

 

thanks a lot for the info.

 

I just just installed my 18's and love them. I've got the BBS rgrs too. I'm also running H&R springs that drop it nicely but doesn't drop it as much as the Eibachs. The biggest thing is I don't have any rubbing issues. This is primarily due to the awesome alignment job done to the car by West End Alignment (Gardena)

Alot of people that went 17's sold and went 18's because it looks that much better. I'd go 18's with good offsets, and get the alignment done with West End.

 

yup, west end is awesome. they even align it by hand instead of machines like other places. to me, it is more accurate and it wont scratch your rims.

 

Im thinking of going with the BBS RGRs 18" which offset do i need and can i stagger them??

 

I wouldn't buy wheels for the S2000 that aren't staggered. The handling will be thrown off really bad.

 

The right fitment for the S2000 comes in a staggered set up. You'll be 7.5 inches wide in the front and 8.5 rear. The offset is 50 front, 53 rear.

If you are running a stock suspension set up you wont rub. If you plan on lowering, get an alignment done, and done correctly, you won't have any rubbing issues. Good luck

 

I have 17s on the front and 18s on the rear. Dynoed the car with 3 other 100% stock S2Ks recently. Mine also has Injen Air Induction. I got 212.4 hp at the rear wheels. The stocks got from 220 - 225 at the rear wheels. Was told the difference was probably the 18" wheels (circumference and weight). Says lots about remaining stock too.