[coop1103]

I have been doing a lot of research on the forums and still cannot come to a logical decison. I have an 07 Sti UGM Limited. I am not tracking the car. It is my daily driver which I have flashed stage 1, Perrin catback, Typhoon, and have tint. I just purchased Hankook Icebear W300 for the winter that I am going to mount on the the stock rims.

I want to get some nice aftermarket rims. I am torn between 17's and 18's. Since I am not tracking the car does it matter if I buy the 18"s? I still want light weight rims. What should I stay under...say 21lbs per corner??? If i am not gonna notice a decrease in speed i am not worried about how heavy they are. I have been partial to Enkei's and the Gram Lights.

I also have not and prob wont buy springs or coilovers anytime soon, so i have stock ride height. If I get 18's should I buy a bigger tire to fill the gap more...say 235/40-18 or even larger? I am assuming it depends on the offset?

Hope you guys can help me out in making my purchase a little easier. They are just so many options that it is tough to make a decision. I know to stay away from Rota's.

[CGMDan]

If you aren't tracking the car, the weight isn't as much of an issue.
As far as tires 235/45s aren't really consided a "bigger" tire. You could do 245/40s and still be OK. 255's and larger are where you may start to run into issues.

I'm sure The Clap will chime in here soon.

[coop1103]

Originally Posted by CGMDan

If you aren't tracking the car, the weight isn't as much of an issue.

As far as tires 235/45s aren't really consided a "bigger" tire. You could do 245/40s and still be OK. 255's and larger are where you may start to run into issues.

I'm sure The Clap will chime in here soon.

Thanks! I was gonna look in to 245/40's but I have to make sure the offset is correct right? I know the stock suspension there is a bit of a gap that I just wanted to fill a little more with 18's and a larger diameter tire.

I dont want the weight of the bigger wheels putting more wear and tear on my brakes and rotors, nor do I want it to slow me down to the point that I can truely feel it. That is why I ask if there is a certain over certain amount of weight per side I should stay away from ?

[boondocksaint]

Originally Posted by coop1103

Thanks! I was gonna look in to 245/40's but I have to make sure the offset is correct right? I know the stock suspension there is a bit of a gap that I just wanted to fill a little more with 18's and a larger diameter tire.

I dont want the weight of the bigger wheels putting more wear and tear on my brakes and rotors, nor do I want it to slow me down to the point that I can truely feel it. That is why I ask if there is a certain over certain amount of weight per side I should stay away from ?

Generally speaking, you won't feel a weigh increase unless it's a good bit. There are a number of 18" wheel options out there. What width are you considering? How much would you like to spend? What styles attract you?

[VSGTS14]

there are 18" out there that are lighter than the stock bbs...

[coop1103]

Originally Posted by boondocksaint

Generally speaking, you won't feel a weigh increase unless it's a good bit. There are a number of 18" wheel options out there. What width are you considering? How much would you like to spend? What styles attract you?

What is too heavy to get where I will feel a weight difference? I am looking for an 8.5 width. I figured on spending around $1200-1500 on rims alone. I have liked the Gram Lights and Advans and a few Enkei styles so far. But some of the styles that I am in to are about 20-23lbs....is that too heavy? I love the Volks but they are out of my price range.

[coop1103]

I am really liking the Gunblue Optimise 18x8.5's and they are in my price range. Can I get away with a 21lb wheel without loosing performance?

[thermobox]

you might maybe feel it in the butt dyno. when i changed from my 04 stockers to ssr professors(3 piece,18x8.5) i definately felt a difference. how much do the factory enkei's
weigh?

[T3h_Clap]

Originally Posted by coop1103

I am really liking the Gunblue Optimise 18x8.5's and they are in my price range. Can I get away with a 21lb wheel without loosing performance?

you wont feel a difference with those.

grab a 235/40/18 tire and 18x8.5 +43mm gramLight Optimise and enjoy them.