Who wanted wheels like mine?

[Dean]

I found the place I bought them from, and they appear to have them in

Silver, White, Gun Metal, and Flat Black (Yes, Flat Black...)

I did lie, they are only 7.5" width, but they are 15#, and 48mm offset. $85 each... They probably have pictures of the other colors if you ask... I know, I just blew my chance to unload mine for $200 a piece, but oh well.

They are Nippon Racing Lightstars

http://www.tuningdepot.com/wheellist.asp?size=17

The 32nd wheel down the page.

Or you can buy them from OBX for $259 each... http://www.obxracingsports.com/wheel...d=1&subcatID=1 This one is the black I think. Top row second from the left.

[ArthurS]

wow...some good deals on some light wheels.. :shock:

[Nick Koan]

Hmm, I think I remember Sybir asking about your wheels the last time we were up in Reno. I'll make sure he sees this thread.

[sybir]

You rock.
These may replace the wheels that are now on the coupe

[Kevin M]

Originally Posted by sybir

You rock.
These may replace the wheels that are now on the coupe

Noooooooo!!!1!1!1!!!

[sybir]

WTF.

As in, the spare wheels, that went on the coupe, that I need to replace. I'll put a set of flat black lightstars on the red wagon, and keep the single set of RS wheels for winter use

[Kevin M]

Originally Posted by sybir

WTF.

As in, the spare wheels, that went on the coupe, that I need to replace. I'll put a set of flat black lightstars on the red wagon, and keep the single set of RS wheels for winter use

Ah... that's a LOT different than replacing the uber-appropriate pc 99s on the race car with those ricey wheels. I mean, inappropriate wheels.

[Kostamojen]

Those wheels scared me... I was sure they would snap off with your crazy driving

[sybir]

Originally Posted by BAN SUVS

Ah... that's a LOT different than replacing the uber-appropriate pc 99s on the race car with those ricey wheels. I mean, inappropriate wheels.

Don't make me hurt you.

Waht are they copies of, prodrive-boy?

[Kevin M]

Originally Posted by sybir

Don't make me hurt you.

Waht are they copies of, prodrive-boy?

Hell if I know. But rice is like porn. I know it when I see it.

[khail19]

Originally Posted by Kostamojen

Those wheels scared me... I was sure they would snap off with your crazy driving

I'm with him, those things look like they aren't the strongest, especially around the lug holes. But they probably are fine, I'm just paranoid from previous experience with cheap wheels that have thin spokes.

Khail

[Dean]

Originally Posted by khail19

I'm with him, those things look like they aren't the strongest, especially around the lug holes. But they probably are fine, I'm just paranoid from previous experience with cheap wheels that have thin spokes.

Khail

OK, I'm not trying to be deffensive, I am trying to impart some wheel tech, so don't assume I am bashing...

The spokes on the Lightspeeds are over an inch and a quarter deep which is the direction that counts to resist lateral torque/cornering force. The spoke to hub interface is over 1&3/4" deep, and because they do not have the typical 5" or so cup in the center of the wheel, I would bet they are stronger at the hub than most wheels with the cup.

Remember, we are resisting side loads for the most part, not loads in the direction of rotation/forward motion.

I just compared them to the Rotas I just got. The narrowest portion of my Rotas spokes are about 1/2"x1/2" X 10 spokes = 2.5"^2 of cross section. The Lightspeeds are 1.25x(1/2-3/4 taper) = 1.56 + 2.34 = 3.9"^2.

And the rotas narrowest point is right next to the rim intersection. Not the greatest place I don't think.

The lightspeeds are made by Nippon Racing, not Freds discount wheels. As you can see from OBX, they are normally over a $250 wheel.

Don't knock them until you look at them, and take a close look at the other stuff that is out there. After looking at them, I'm more sure of the lightspeeds than the Rotas I have.

[MikeSTI]

man I really like those wheels I was asking about them also last weekend, I just cant justify another set of wheels and my next set need to be a street wheel like a 18X8

Those wheel look really nice for the track though :shock:
I still cant get over it!!

[JoelK]

I've been looking at rims for quite some time (since my summer tire thread in technical in fact), and I had intended to go used stock WRX or 2000-era RS(with a slight preference to RS) simply because of price. My thinking was that with 225/50/16 tires, it wouldn't make that big of a difference performance-wise between 16" and 17" rims. I couldn't care less about how the wheels look on my car (well, as long as they aren't ugly ).

But 2-3 months later, I'm still looking for rims, and I've got to buy -something- within the next month (at least tires for my stock rims).

Here's my question: I've seen some people that say that most of the time a 16x7" wheel is ideal for price/performance. I was thinking of the Rota Slipstream if I ended up buying new. 13.5 lb. and $500 shipped is the number that attracted me. These 17" Lightstars are 15 lb. and $480 shipped (though tires will probably be more expensive).

Am I right in generally preferring a 16" wheel? Everyone seems to have 17" wheels, and I can't decide if it's just looks or if there is a performance value as well. Someone please enlighten me.

[sperry]

Originally Posted by JoelK

I've been looking at rims for quite some time (since my summer tire thread in technical in fact), and I had intended to go used stock WRX or 2000-era RS(with a slight preference to RS) simply because of price. My thinking was that with 225/50/16 tires, it wouldn't make that big of a difference performance-wise between 16" and 17" rims. I couldn't care less about how the wheels look on my car (well, as long as they aren't ugly ).

But 2-3 months later, I'm still looking for rims, and I've got to buy -something- within the next month (at least tires for my stock rims).

Here's my question: I've seen some people that say that most of the time a 16x7" wheel is ideal for price/performance. I was thinking of the Rota Slipstream if I ended up buying new. 13.5 lb. and $500 shipped is the number that attracted me. These 17" Lightstars are 15 lb. and $480 shipped (though tires will probably be more expensive).

Am I right in generally preferring a 16" wheel? Everyone seems to have 17" wheels, and I can't decide if it's just looks or if there is a performance value as well. Someone please enlighten me.

I think most people will agree that 17" rims are ideal for performance on a WRX. They can still be fairly light, while reducing the sidewall height to a size that will handle better and still protect the rim from potholes. 16 inch tires will be a bit cheaper, but I think you'll be more limited in choices because 225/x/16 tires aren't very popular. For the prices you mentioned, there are *tons* of 17x7.5" Rota models available, and unless you want ultra-high performance, good 225/45/17 tires can be found in the $80/each range.

[MikeSTI]

Originally Posted by JoelK

Here's my question: I've seen some people that say that most of the time a 16x7" wheel is ideal for price/performance. I was thinking of the Rota Slipstream if I ended up buying new. 13.5 lb. and $500 shipped is the number that attracted me. These 17" Lightstars are 15 lb. and $480 shipped (though tires will probably be more expensive).

Am I right in generally preferring a 16" wheel? Everyone seems to have 17" wheels, and I can't decide if it's just looks or if there is a performance value as well. Someone please enlighten me.

I think 17's are pretty common now in the tire market. They may be alittle more than the 16's but I dont think it is verry much and would say I like the 17's

[Dean]

Sorry, no enlightenment is available at this time... Please try your request again later....

OK, would you believe it all depends, Kinda Like tires...

First, answer these questions...
What do you want wheels for? Track(Road, or Rally), Street (Summer, Winter)
What matters to you? Wheel Price, tire price, Ride quality, Bling, unsprung weight, color, duarability, tire width support...

[Dean]

Originally Posted by sperry

good 227/45/17 tires can be found in the $80/each range.

Woohee. Where can I gets me some of them there 227s....

[sperry]

Originally Posted by Dean

Woohee. Where can I gets me some of them there 227s....

woops.... the best part about that was I accidentally typo'd "226" then went back and corrected it with the key on the wrong side of the "6".

[JoelK]

Well, I can at least answer the priority question:

Street (Summer)
Wheel Price, unsprung weight (as opposed to sprung weight?), durability, tire width support (presuming this is what affects cornering performance), tire price, Ride quality, color, Bling

I'm not sure what color/look I'd prefer. Probably have a slight preference for Bronze/Gold because that seems to look good on a black car. I actually like the stock WRX wheel look. Durability may actually be rated higher that it needs to be. I don't know. Stock durability would be fine, whatever that is.

And I do intend to put Ultra High Performance to Max Performance summer tires on it.

[Dean]

17s will significantly improve the handling of the type of rubber you describe over 16s. If you are going to invest in that rubber, IMHO it makes sense to get the wheels to support them. If you had said street, year round, all-season, I would say 16s.

18s are overkill, and the rubber is outrageous.

Based on your priorities, my initial reaction is to tell you to find the cheapest 17x7.5 ET48 wheel that you like and buy it. It probably will be under #20 which is fine for the street, and should be fairly durable.

In addition to the place that has my wheels, we have some members with a hook up with Tirerack, or discount tires I think, so check them out.

[JoelK]

Well, I went ahead and bought a set of Lightstars. I'm not totally excited about the way they look in the pictures, but the price and weight are right. Will my stock lugnuts work with these rims or will I need new lugs? I know I need locking lugnuts, but I'm not sure about the rest.

[Dean]

Originally Posted by JoelK

Well, I went ahead and bought a set of Lightstars. I'm not totally excited about the way they look in the pictures, but the price and weight are right. Will my stock lugnuts work with these rims or will I need new lugs? I know I need locking lugnuts, but I'm not sure about the rest.

Definitely need "tuner" style luggs. If I had it to do over, I would get the ones that Scott has that are still Hex. My Spline drives aren't bad, but I like the hex better. I personally don't like single locks. Every thief worth a damn has all the locks, or a pair of big vice grips. I'd get 20 of the same thing.

Do not get the tunner lugs that are just tubes with a hex, star or square hole in the end. These do not have sufficient seating area IMHO.

[JoelK]

What lugs do you have, Scott? Got a link?

Please excuse my ignorance. This is the first time I've ever purchased wheels so I'm not very well versed. Am I correct in understanding that you prefer the type of lug nut that maintains its shape from the top to bottom rather than having a specific type of "driver style" imprinted at the top, changing to a smooth cylinder to the bottom of the lug?

There are so many options out there, I'm just not sure which is which. All I know is that I think I'd prefer a darker color since the rims I got are gunmetal.

[sperry]

Originally Posted by JoelK

What lugs do you have, Scott? Got a link?

Please excuse my ignorance. This is the first time I've ever purchased wheels so I'm not very well versed. Am I correct in understanding that you prefer the type of lug nut that maintains its shape from the top to bottom rather than having a specific type of "driver style" imprinted at the top, changing to a smooth cylinder to the bottom of the lug?

There are so many options out there, I'm just not sure which is which. All I know is that I think I'd prefer a darker color since the rims I got are gunmetal.

http://www.subydude.com/parts/details.php?36