I'm currently running a set of NSX V3 wheels (2002+ 7x17 & 9x17 with 225, 245 - just reconditioned by Honda and soon for sale) on my AP1 and they do feel a lot heavier and more lethargic. I'm running the Falken 452 tyres which they came with, although personally I'd fit 215/255s, since the 245 aren't wide enough to protect the rims at the rears (AP1 16" rears are 7.5" 225s, AP2 17s are 8.5" with 245 and the NSX V3 wheels are 17 x 9 and originally had 255s).

They feel much heavier than the original 16" AP1 wheels and with my stock MY2002 suspension make the ride quite firm and prone to crashing over every crack and pot hole. They look great, but otherwise feel too heavy for my car. Perhaps a set of AP2 wheels or earlier model NSX wheels will be better. Has anyone compared NSX wheels to the AP2s on an S2000? Also, how much do they firm up the ride and do they feel heavy like my NSX alloys do?

 

thanks. yeah running ap2v2 now wrapped in 225/245 SS2 and the extra weight is noticeable. However the extra grip at the track is night and day difference. I love the ap2v2 just wish they were abit lighter. I feel like the ap1 gave me better feedback.

 

You can not run 4 rear wheels all the way around without drilling the center bore bigger. I would not recommend that because you are taking material away from the wheel and lowering the load capacity of the wheel.

 

Sorry for the bump. Do someone has experience with this aftermarket set of wheels? I want to get then to the netherlands to replace my stock ap1 wheels.

https://www.ebay.nl/itm/New-Set-of-4...cAAOSwy0JaAuph

But i have questions about the quality.

 

I may be a lone voice here. But, here is my take. First, this decision about whether to run 16 inch or 17 inch wheels and tires is often made based on the opinions of folks who drive on the track a great deal. I do not drive on the track and I suspect I never will (although I am tempted). The change from 16 to 17 does not necessarilly increase the weight at the corners. It depends on what you buy for wheels and tires. Also, after driving quite a bit on the street with both 16 and 17 inch wheels I honestly don't believe the weight differences we are talking about is a significant consideration for street driving.

The tire selection issue is real. There are many choices for 17 inch. There are only a few choices for 16 inch. But, there are very good tires available for both.

17 inch wheels will mean slightly lower profile tires which will provide sharper performance that is ever so slight noticeable on the street - but not a big deal in my opinion.

17 inch wheels will mean slightly lower profile tires which will result in a slightly harsher ride than 16 inch. Noticeable, but not a big deal in my opinion.

I have and use both 16 and 17. I went down the road of using larger than stock tires on my 17s (225 and 255) and in the end I think this change - to larger size tires, was a negative. On the street I think the car performs in a somewhat more lively and fun way with stock sized tires, than it does with the larger sized tires. On the track I suspect larger rubber may well be better. But I personally disagree with the idea often advocated here on these pages that bigger is better when you are driving on the street.

Where I am now is this (remember I am talking 100% street), I have a set of 17 inch wheels and stock sized tires (215/245). They look good and they handle fine. There is a wide choice of tires available. The ride is a tad harsh. I also have a set of 16 inch wheels with stock size tires. The handling is great, they look not so great, there is a narrow choice of tires but there are very good tires available. My ap1 S is slightly more fun to drive with the 16 inch set up and also more comfortable. But, the differences are minor, not a big deal. Also, in my opinion the car has PLENTY of grip for street driving no matter what you do in this regard so there is no need to seek out more and more grip when you are driving on the street. As I say, track I am sure is a different story. For the street, I personally value liveliness over extra grip because even with a lively set up I have all the grip I will ever need. I am running a stock suspension, stock ride height.

These are all my personal opinions based on my experience thus far (two seasons) with my ap1 and I know many (most) people here see it differently. I guess that is what makes the world go around.

 

A couple members seem to have the Ebay wheels similar to your line and have not reported problems with them. Guys who do not have them can be suspicious of PRC wheels thinking they'll grenade with no notice.

Honda engineers tweaked the S2000 every two years of production. In 2004 they increased wheel diameter to 17" and widened the wheel/tires. I'm guessing this was for performance or driveability. A buddy fitted genuine used "AP2V1" wheels to his 2002 car and is happy with them. All very subjective of course.

17" tire selection is much wider than 16". This will get worse as 17" wheels are tending to be the smaller size of wheels on new performance cars. I think the new WRX-STI comes with 19" wheels for example. Note the plus/minus discussion of lower profile tires previously noted.

-- Chuck

 

Thx, after all i just ordered original reman wheels for my S2k.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/152774280827

https://www.ebay.com/itm/152798662673

I like the way the 17" look, but i just bought 4 new Bridgestone S02 tyres 16", its cheaper this way. Maybe later....

 

rpg, you mentioned you felt the handling was better with the 16's vs the 17's. I cringed when I read that thinking how you might get flamed for saying it. It seems many associate the term 'handling' with the concept of outright grip. As if handling was something that could be measured on a skidpad and expressed in terms of a lateral G forces.

As many don't appreciate, but you clearly do, grip and handling are not the same thing. Handling is a subjective feel. The fastest way around a track isn't always what feels best. Perhaps it rarely is.

 

To me, "handling" is the entire package - steering response and quickness, grip, extent of body roll, braking, suspension response, etc.
Also, I don't drive on track. I think that is part of the reason I may not feel the need to value extreme grip over other handling qualities. As I say, in my opinion a good set of tires on 16 inch wheels, staggered, gives this car a lively feel that the 17 inch set ups I have used don't have. Again, just one man's opinion and I know I am in the minority.

BTW - I just picked up a set of JDM BBS ap1 oem wheels, (16"). This will cut some weight and improve the look of my 16" set up a bit. I'll try them out for a season. Sadly, I have to wait about 5 months! Ugh. My S is in hibernation. Depending on how they look to me once I get them here in the garage, (they are being shipped to me now), I may have them refinished over the winter. This may be my ultimate set up. For now anyway. I'll order a set of tires soon - probably either the Continental ExtremeContact Sports or the Firestone Firehawk Indy 500s. Both of these tires get good reviews from S owners, they come in the right sizes, and they are reasonably priced.

Flame away! I have my fireproof suit on.

Edit - add pics of new 16" wheels.

 

No need to wait for flamers. You can check the flame retardant in your suit by noting the number of guys who are ditching 17" wheel for 16" wheels. The bigger that number the less flame retardant you'll need. Right now the count is zero (0)... Many have retained the 16" wheels, of course, but the only reason seems to be to preserve originality.

-- Chuck