[SWortham]

TRMotorsport MT1


17x8.5"
$269 each
Offset: 48mm
Bolt Pattern: 5-114
Rec. Tire Size:225/45-17
**Lightweight: 17.5lbs.**

I have an '06 STI riding on stock springs, Ohlins struts, RCE front lowering camber plates, and I'm running -2.1 degrees camber front / -1.6 degrees camber rear.

I plan to mount 255/40-17 Falken RT615's on these. From my little bit of research these tires should fit fine with a 48mm offset without rubbing. But I'm just looking for a second opinion before I bite the bullet.

Thanks,
Steve

[ScubaSmith7599]

I've been looking at getting these wheels come springtime. The only thing that is really stopping me is I'm questioning the strength. They're pretty damn light for a cast wheel. I asked for alternatives in a similar price range, lightweight, and 17x8.5, and I don't think a single person read "similar price range, lightweight, and 17x8.5." Either that or there just isn't any alternatives.....maybe for a strength reason?

It's not like I'm driving around like a maniac over rocky roads. I just don't want my new wheel to be unserviceable after I run over a big pothole........

Eagerly awaiting answers!!

[SWortham]

Here's some interesting info. These wheels are manufactured with Enkei's M.A.T. manufacturing process, so they're not going to be as weak as your typical gravity cast wheels...

Enkei developed a new manufacturing process to produce the next aluminum wheel generation. The Most Advanced Technology (M.A.T) combines one-piece cast wheel technology with a rim forming technology called spinning process. Using this new technology of casting and rim forming by M.A.T process, is critical to improve drastically the material property and strength of the wheels. Rim-Rolled technology shapes the rim to improve material elongation withoutsacrificing the wheels hardness.

The M.A.T process, has a drastic impact on the micro structure of aluminum and result In outstanding improvement of the mechanical property of the material. The process of spinning the rim allows Metal Flow in the rim part, which resemble the property obtained from forging process. The control of the metal flow in the rim section result in finer molecular structure without sacrificing the wheels strength and rigidity.

Following the high performance trend every year, tires and wheels are getting larger year after year. In order to reduce weight under a vehicle's suspension, it is important to reduce the wheel weight. The M.A.T process improves the mechanical property of the rim section by shaving the rim's thickness and therefore reducing wheel weight by 10% to 15% therefore reducing the overall vehicle weight by 20 lbs.

Just bought TRMotorsport MT1 for my track days - M3Forum.com Discussion Boards

So I'm not too worried about that. It looks like the design of the wheel is making good use of the material. If by chance I do bend or crack a rim I should be able to get a replacement. And I'm planning on fitting wide tires on them which should help protect them as well.

I do still wonder about rubbing with 255's on them though.

[MeoW71]

Well, I've run a similar setup (Rota Slipstream 17x8.5 255/40-17 tires) on stock suspension with no problems. Only had .5 camber though, but that was through the stock bolts. No problems.

I had a friend run 255/40-17 lowed on Tiens with no problems also.

[SWortham]

^ What was the offset of those Rota's?

[MeoW71]

Originally Posted by SWortham

^ What was the offset of those Rota's?

48mm. My friend has Advan RGs.

[SWortham]

Cool. Thanks man. That's good enough for me.

[boondocksaint]

Do they clear our brakes?

EDIT: Rubbbing wise... I run a 17 x 8.5 +51 offset rim with 255/40 tires. We fit my wheels on a member's car running Pinks, stock struts, and RCE lowering plates. The only place it rubbed was in the back (and just barely), so assuming these clear the brakes, I think you'll be golden.

[MeoW71]

I'm pretty sure they do. They are given on the Tire Rack as fitting.

I was looking at these at one time. The one thing is I can't find anything about the company. I'm guessing it is a specifically made for the Tire rack by another wheel company?

[diabloadsit]

wow I really like this rims.

Originally Posted by SWortham

TRMotorsport MT1


17x8.5"
$269 each
Offset: 48mm
Bolt Pattern: 5-114
Rec. Tire Size:225/45-17
**Lightweight: 17.5lbs.**

I have an '06 STI riding on stock springs, Ohlins struts, RCE front lowering camber plates, and I'm running -2.1 degrees camber front / -1.6 degrees camber rear.

I plan to mount 255/40-17 Falken RT615's on these. From my little bit of research these tires should fit fine with a 48mm offset without rubbing. But I'm just looking for a second opinion before I bite the bullet.

Thanks,
Steve

[boondocksaint]

Originally Posted by MeoW71

I'm pretty sure they do. They are given on the Tire Rack as fitting.

I was looking at these at one time. The one thing is I can't find anything about the company. I'm guessing it is a specifically made for the Tire rack by another wheel company?

According to the above posts, they're made the same way Enkei makes the RPF1 et al (which means they're damn strong for cast wheels).

Call Tire Rack on the phone. Make sure they'll clear (the website can be off once in a while). They'll be glad to help, and you'll get the peace of mind (and a name of someone to ***** at if they don't fit when you get them).

Go for it.

EDIT: IBt3h_clap

[SWortham]

Everything's been ordered.

I just had to do a quick & dirty chop to see what they'll look like...


And it doesn't help much. I think the real thing will look a little more.... I don't know... realistic maybe?

[T3h_Clap]

STU limits you to 245 btw. keep that in mind you're going to be autoxing.

don't want to be with the big boys in BSP

also, you should be fine as long as you don't lower the car.

once you lower the car you may need to do some modifications to either the fender or the alignement to avoid rubbing.

[SWortham]

Originally Posted by T3h_Clap

STU limits you to 245 btw. keep that in mind you're going to be autoxing.

don't want to be with the big boys in BSP

also, you should be fine as long as you don't lower the car.

once you lower the car you may need to do some modifications to either the fender or the alignement to avoid rubbing.

Thanks, and yeah I'm not as concerned about being competitive in autocrossing this year. I'll be moving to BSP-T (tire class).

I mostly want to have fun and improve as a driver really, but I'll also be doing more track days and hopefully some time trials this year. These will be my all-purpose wheels & tires until my living situation changes and I have room for a separate set with R-compounds.

[mug23]

I really like those. Do they come in 18x9.5? I'm looking for a second set of wheels.