Hey S2ki,


I want to purchase a new set of wheels and tires for my S2000. It is a 2003 AP1 and it is currently bone stock though I do plan on adding Ohlin's Coilovers and BBK over the course of this year.
I am currently very much set on running a square setup of RPF1's however I am torn between going with 17x8+45 and 17x9+45...

After doing a lot of research I think I would prefer going with the 17x8 +45 setup because then I don't have to worry about clearance issues for my BBK upgrade. I am planning to get StopTech ST40 and am aware that the 17x8 +45 will require a 2mm-3mm spacer (not an issue).

So here are my questions:
1. I know that 245s will fit on the 17x8s but can I run 255s in the future (or will I be pushing my luck)?
2. Will I have to roll my fenders (on stock ride height, I assume I will once I'm lowered) to fit a 17x8+45 rpf1 w/ a 245/40/17 tire? (re71r)
3. Conditional question... IF 17x8+45 RPF1's can run with a 255 tire (seems most people run square 245 or 255 on 17x9) and they can clear most BBKs (but 17x9 can't) then why do people love 17x9 so much? Why isn't 17x8+45 the RPF1 of choice?

Sorry if these questions have been asked, tried to search and couldn't find much on 17x8 RPF1s... Also I don't mean to bring up any controversies (lol), just trying to buy some damn wheels!


Thanks

 

Why are you set on a square setup? Thats the one thing you don't explain.

As for why people don't run 17x8 square is because you would be losing .5 of an inch in the rear from AP2 wheels which is the spec most people go off of if you are putting aftermarket 17's on the car regardless of AP1 or AP2. 17x9 is more popular because both a 245 and 255 fit much better on it than an 8.5 or an 8. Also most people don't run a BBK since it really isn't needed unless you are tracking a lot and you are finding your brakes are failing. Most will try to add ducting and other mods before doing a BBK because of the added costs of a BBK and the issues it causes with wheel fitment. The 17x8 +45 needs a roll in the front at least as well so if you are already going to do that may as well go with the wider wheel.

I would recommend looking at other wheels if you are dead set on a square setup and a BBK since the RPF1 will require a compromise on something. There are other 17x9 wheels that have BBK clearance like Advan, Volk, etc just takes a little more research and they tend to cost more (Volks cost a lot more).

 

Plan ahead, run 17x10 +53 6ULs.

Signed,
Someone who made the mistake of going 17x9 +45 RPF1s

 

Yeah running a BBK and just a 8" wheel is a bit of an oxymoron when you consider the reasons for needing a BBK ie heat management - from high levels of tire adhesion, putting strain on your braking system that proper cooling ducts cant keep up with. Unless your planning on running Hoosier slicks, An 8" wheel isn't wide enough to ideally accommodate enough rubber to tax the stock braking system, unless you are say in the top 1% of drivers on an aggressive high speed braking track. 245's are pushing it on an 8" wheel if you want good handling. The 10" +53 URL's mentioned would be a good off the shelf option that is relatively inexpensive. Or get over the idea of running a square set up and run the Enkei's but in a 8/9 +45 or the slightly wider more aggressive 8.5 +40 up front which require no spacer for BBK clearance and are a better match for a 245. Run the 9 in the back with a 255.

 

Thanks for this advice! Had to sit down and think it out but realized I was trying to ask for an impossible compromise. I ended up ordering square 17x10 +50 ADVAN RSII's from EvasiveMotorsports, going to wrap them in 255/40/17 RE71R's.

 

Good choice. That lets you run the 255 easily.

 

Well, that's one way to ball out

 

yeah I definitely went a bit outside my budget but I came to the decision that I would compromise on my budget a bit in order to get wheels that met all my needs!

so due to a small mixup actually going to go with the Advan RSII (as opposed to the RZII) 17x10 +50 gloss black. no big deal though, still love the design, the sizing (clears BBKs np!), and the color.

It's going to take about about 7-10days to get everything done:
- first going to lower the car on swift spec-r sport springs
- then wait a couple days a couple days/drive a bit to let the suspension settle
- get the fenders rolled and tabs relocated
- new tires mounted/balanced/wheels aligned

Thanks to @EvasiveMotorsports!


Will post pics when it's all done