Would slapping some AP2 V1 wheels on my AP1 be considered an upgrade?
What are the pros and cons this whole aftermarket wheel setup is giving me a headache...

I think my safest bet is to just powder coat some AP2 V1's.

 

IMO yes. Tire selection is better in 17s and the ap2s are wider so you can run wider tires (225/45/17 and 255/40/17). Plus I prefer the overall handling/braking characteristics of 17" wheels over 16".

 

Pros: Better handling, larger and better tire selection.

Cons: A little extra weight at each corner.

 

A set of Ap2 wheels is actually lighter than a set of Ap1 wheels. Ap1 wheels with their stock tires are 42.7 lbs front and 45.1 lbs rear which totals 175.6 lbs for the set of 4. Ap2 wheels with their stock tires are 39.9 lbs front and 47.3 lbs rear which totals 174.4 lbs for the set of 4. will also provide bette handling and slightly better braking ability. Watch the first section of this video (up to 9min or so) http://youtu.be/NtdOU-yyZ_w

 

That is a fantastic video, thanks for the link.

 

<3 my ap2v1 on my ap1.

Only gripe is they are super sunk with the stock offset so if you are looking for that stance look, spacers will help.

 

17" wheels are definitely and upgrade on an AP1.

Just be careful powder coating aluminum wheels. If the powder coating is done at to high of a temperature it can weaken aluminum resulting in structural failure of the wheels.



Here's a thread: Aluminum wheel failure after powder coating?

 

^^ That is super disturbing. I've got powder coated wheels and have considered tracking my car. Now I'm having second thoughts. That said, after 1 year of aggressive street driving, no problems so far.

 

Looks like I'll be getting some AP2 rims.

My friend just painted her AP2 rims: high-temp white. Wow are they beautiful, they're the reason I am so tempted.
I think I'll be going black. Plus, I just love OEM wheels.

 

I have a set of AP2 V1s that i might just put for sale in the Socal ads...