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I've been researching on feasible options for wheels and tires and I came across 17" ASA AR1 on Tirerack's website. I know they are not light or wide but it's the most affordable option. The 17x7 +48 and 17x8 +45 sounds like an OK combo for me if I run 215/45 and 245/40.
I notice that with my ~1.4/~2.1* camber, the stock rears tuck in more than the fronts (when measured from fender lip horizontally). Most aftermarket 17" front/rear wheel combos seem to keep similar front/rear relationship in terms of how far the wheel outer lip is from the fender lip horizontally. Unlike these combos, I like ASA's 7"+48 and 8"+45 combo in that the rear outer lip moves outward ~15mm relative to the front and will yield a similar fender-lip-to-wheel-outer-lip distance for both front and rear (that's what I like). Besides the look, the lower rear-offset bias increases the rear track (good to tame down oversteer) and also increases the rear mechanical leverage when cornering (i.e. more compliant rear suspension when cornering which also helps to tame down oversteer).
However, in general I like to run the widest wheel for a given tire. I would prefer 215/45 on 8" and 245/40 on 9". I checked ASA's website and found that they make a 17x9" +45. I wonder if Tirerack will be able to get them since I have a thought about 17x8 front w/ 215/45 and 17x9 rear w/ 245/40. I know, I know, I don't HAVE to run 8" for 215 or 9" for 245 but like I said I always like the idea of running the widest wheel for a given tire. Unfortunately, both 8 and 9" AR1s run +45 offset. It would've been perfect if they were like +55 or +50.
Is there any chance that 17x8" +45 w/ 215/45 in the front will not stick out with stock ride height? Would it stand any higher chance to not stick out if the car is lowered? I will not run aggressive camber just because of wheel/tire fitment. If the 8&9" combo is not feasible, I might have to settle with 7&8".
If you want a low-cost option - I have the ASA FR1s (now they are being branded as Shuk) The rears are 17x9 +62. The fronts are 17x8 +49 Forged and pretty inexpensive. No problems with rubbing (except for extreme lock and extreme bumps - but my car is lowered ~1.2 inches) No sticking out or rubbing @ the stock ride height.
Come to think of it - I may put them up for sale (they have a set of V700 Victoracers 225/255 ) since I have another set of track wheels on the way.
Here are some pics of the shuk's. 17x8 front and 17x9 rear (215/45's and 255/40's) Steering response is quicker with the 215 on the 8" front. (wider track) There seems to be more oversteer since I can dive in to the corners at higher speeds. Some more camber in the rear should correct that since my alignment is still stock and probably off a bit.
Thanks guys for the info and pics. I've considered the Shuk sold by Tirerack but at that price and weight brand new, AR1 seems more bang-for-the-buck (if Tirerack can get the 17x9 AR1). But if the price and everything is right, maybe I'll consider lig's Shuk (PM'ed).
david1, seems like the 215 on the 8" front doesn't looked any stretched out, eh? In that case, 17x7" AR1 may not be an option for me. Your rears do look like they don't have much camber. With 17x9 +62 and 255/40, looks like there isn't much room to spare on the outside. In that case, I don't hink AR1 17x9 +45 will fit.
There is plenty off room in the back. Also, the AR1 weighs almost 2 pounds per wheel more than the Shuks. If you are going to auto X the AR1 is not the way to go. You are better off using you stock rims.
David1, thanks for the info. I'm planning the 17s for combined street and auto-x/track (don't have to be competitve afterall they'll be with street tires anyways).
I know it's worth to pay extra to shave a couple pounds each corner from my miata experience. I'm just evaluating my options here. I found some 5Zigen cast wheels FN01R-C that are light and inexpensive <$200 17x9 17.5lb (I suspect if that's the weight of the forged version). Too bad they're +43 offset. Having seen david's pics of the +62 offset Shuk, I don't think +43 offset will fit.
Originally Posted by Race Miata,May 23 2005, 08:12 PM
david1, seems like the 215 on the 8" front doesn't looked any stretched out, eh? In that case, 17x7" AR1 may not be an option for me. Your rears do look like they don't have much camber. With 17x9 +62 and 255/40, looks like there isn't much room to spare on the outside. In that case, I don't hink AR1 17x9 +45 will fit.
17" x 8" +49 (front)
17" x 9 +62 (rear)
Are a great fit for the S2000..........."david1" is running the correct size tires for the setup mentioned.
Don't go with the 7" fronts & the 8" rears........it will not give you any measurable performance gains......getting a wider tire contact surface to the road is much better.
david1........If you have not had the car aligned since you put the new wheels / tires on........it is something you should consider. Changing the camber settings will dramatically increase your performance especially if you are just using stock settings or have never had the car aligned.
ASA AR1
