I am trying to figure out finding the best wheel for my '01 silverstone. The whole debate about 17" or 18". Yeah, maybe the 18" looks a little better, but the extra weight, and with the larger wheel size makes it more difficult to move the extra size and mass of the wheel, it hurts performance. Like everyone I want it to look sweet, but I don't want to change the mannerisms of how it drives with the stock 16" wheels. I love how I can drift from a stop sign, and solo racing is very exciting with the car being squirrely and all. I would love more rubber than stock, cause it looks so much better, but it will probably be more difficult to break the wheels loose!! I want it all, but there has to be a good compromise. Only if it were a V8, or I could afford a supercharger!
In a nutshell I would love to have.......

Larger wheels than stock, fatter rubber, but still have the mannerisms of stock. Hey, lighter weight would be better also. I would love to have a 3-piece with a polished or chrome lip, and black center. DAMN!! I AM NEEDY!!! HELP!! SUGGESTIONS PLEASE!!! Photos would be AWESOME!!!!

If it helps, my tuning extras include.....

Esplier Springs
Koni, 5-Ways
AEM V2 Intake, and
Invidia Cat-Back

 

Calm down first of all.............

I don't know what your dilemma is......

From your statement above it sounds like 17's to me...

 

17" YES!! ..... I think??? I am trying to find the best compromise of looks and performance. Maybe the Volk 1 piece forged ce37s. I think they look pretty cool. I can't find any pictures of anyone who has them. Anyone.... Anyone...., Bueller.... Bueller.... Should I stick to the '04 tire size? Talk to me people. I am impressed by all of your infinate knowledge.

 

do you track your car??

 

This dilema is nothing new. I have always been of the ilk that if it doesn't make the car go faster, stop or handle better, why waste the money. Having said that I have just put a deposit down on some 17" Volks. These wheels are lighter, and wider than stock. Even with the decreased weight, the rotating mass will be farther to the outside of the wheel- where it does the most harm. I gave in to vanity on my wheels...
If you want a no compromise wheel go with Spoon SW388s in 16". Volk makes some 16s that work with the S2000, some of the offsets are less than ideal however.
The second consideration is the tires. There are many different tires to consider and the de facto best tire is the 16" OE S02s, so there is another point for the Spoons. The outside diameter of the tire is also a consideration, with a larger tire you are affecting the gear ratio of the car, smaller tires will 'spool-up' faster.
Chrome rims do nothing but hurt performance by adding weight. This is not to be confused with polished wheels which are very nice IMHO.
One more thing, if I may, squirlrley is not the fast way around the cones, but then again neither is my way....

 

Thanks for the info Trophyfodder. I know gettin' squirley is not the fastest, but it is the most fun! What can I say... I LOVE the skill of drifting (like in rally racing.) Just wish I could have the skill of the pros. When it is track day, my stock wheels may just be the best bet with some hankooks or hoosiers up front. Volks are lookin' better every day for street use. Quality wise.... looks like they are one of the best.

 

My opinion...

There are only three aftermarket wheels that I would consider buying for the S2000.

1. 17in Volk CE28. These wheels were made for the S2000. Fronts are 7 1/2in wide with a +50 offset. Rears are 9in wide with a +63 offset. They fit.

2. 17in Volk LE37. Also made for the S2000. Fronts are (I think..) 7 1/2in wide with a +48 offset. Rears are 9in wide with a +65 offset. They also fit.

3. 18in Work Meister S2R. Several different widths and offsets that fit the S2000.

The Tire Rack has a few different wheels that fit. SSR Comps fit but I have heard that SSR has filed Bankruptcy. Also, there are a few Prodrive wheels that fit but IMO, they do not look as nice as the Volks or Works.

I just got my CE28s a few days ago. I chose this wheel because fit and performance were most important to me. They are extremely light weight and the offsets are perfect. I can get a much wider tire on these wheels. I may loose just a bit in straight line performance but handling should improve nicely.

 

I love the LE 37s, Does anyone have any picks on their S2000 with the black centers? I have seen a few picks of just the wheel, but not on anyones S. I have also seen many bronze, and gunmetal, but NO Black!! ANYONE? Post some pics for all of us. If anyone has any. Thanks!