Enkei RPF1 correct size
03-15-2015, 10:12 AM
#11
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I noticed that a lot of people are talking about that 17x8 F and 17x9 R both with 45 offset, do you know if that fitment hampers performance (its not even close to the OEM AP2 size).
Why would it hamper performance? It should be an improvement over stock due to extra width and weight savings. You are right about offset not being close to stock, that is why you roll the fenders.
Also, it seems like people are saying the 17x9 and 45 looks better because it has the concave look.
I agree, which is why I changed from 8"/9" +45 to 9" +45 all around.
i thought the concaveness was just a factor of offset. Also, if the 17x9 and 45 looks good, why not go 17x9 and 35?
No, in the case of RPF1 it is based ONLY on width, any wheel 9"+ has the same lip/concave. You can do 35 but more fender work is required.
But as far as looks, wouldnt the 17x9 with an ofset of 45 have less concave look than 17x8 and 35?
Again, no. 8" has the dreaded convex face, 9" has the flat/concave face.
9" +45 is already much more aggressive than stock and requires a fender roll. IMO there is no reason to go +35, especially in front. This was my old car on 9" +45, 225/255 staggered tires:
And this was when I had 8"/9" staggered:
Why would it hamper performance? It should be an improvement over stock due to extra width and weight savings. You are right about offset not being close to stock, that is why you roll the fenders.
Also, it seems like people are saying the 17x9 and 45 looks better because it has the concave look.
I agree, which is why I changed from 8"/9" +45 to 9" +45 all around.
i thought the concaveness was just a factor of offset. Also, if the 17x9 and 45 looks good, why not go 17x9 and 35?
No, in the case of RPF1 it is based ONLY on width, any wheel 9"+ has the same lip/concave. You can do 35 but more fender work is required.
But as far as looks, wouldnt the 17x9 with an ofset of 45 have less concave look than 17x8 and 35?
Again, no. 8" has the dreaded convex face, 9" has the flat/concave face.
9" +45 is already much more aggressive than stock and requires a fender roll. IMO there is no reason to go +35, especially in front. This was my old car on 9" +45, 225/255 staggered tires:
And this was when I had 8"/9" staggered:
Since you changed the 8s to 9s all around, did you notice any difference in performance/handling characteristics?
03-15-2015, 10:18 AM
#12
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No fitment problems with the 7" front or 8" rear Einke wheels that came on the '06 car I bought last summer but another inch may have problems. You'll be good if you stick with the stock rim size.
Car was otherwise stock, no fender roll.
17x7J 45mm on the front with 215/45-17 tires.
17x8J 45mm on the rear with 245/40-17 tires.
Car was otherwise stock, no fender roll.
17x7J 45mm on the front with 215/45-17 tires.
17x8J 45mm on the rear with 245/40-17 tires.
03-15-2015, 11:30 AM
#13
If this was my car -- which it ain't! 
-- I'd put AP2 wheels on the car. And Bridgestone RE-71R tires. If your car is otherwise "correct" get the right wheels for that model year, otherwise I think the 2008 wheels are the best looking. I didn't fit them to my 2006 though as they're not "correct."
I went from aftermarket back to OEM. Tires sizes did not change. I put Bridgestone RE-11A tires on the new wheels so any "handling" differences are probably attributed to the tires. The Bridgestones handle wonderfully. Some rim width and offset math tells me we're talking about track differences in fractional inches anyway.
The fact I went back to OEM wheels tells you I don't see any benefit, cosmetic or performance, in aftermarket wheels. Certainly not for spirited street driving in good weather where tires are the main performance item. A one second faster lap time doesn't translate well to back roads where you've not practiced the corner hundreds of times. The OEM wheels look wonderful on the car. Since everyone is fitting RPF1 wheels -- or black wheels -- the OEM wheels add a "custom" look.
-- Chuck
-- I'd put AP2 wheels on the car. And Bridgestone RE-71R tires. If your car is otherwise "correct" get the right wheels for that model year, otherwise I think the 2008 wheels are the best looking. I didn't fit them to my 2006 though as they're not "correct."I went from aftermarket back to OEM. Tires sizes did not change. I put Bridgestone RE-11A tires on the new wheels so any "handling" differences are probably attributed to the tires. The Bridgestones handle wonderfully. Some rim width and offset math tells me we're talking about track differences in fractional inches anyway.
The fact I went back to OEM wheels tells you I don't see any benefit, cosmetic or performance, in aftermarket wheels. Certainly not for spirited street driving in good weather where tires are the main performance item. A one second faster lap time doesn't translate well to back roads where you've not practiced the corner hundreds of times. The OEM wheels look wonderful on the car. Since everyone is fitting RPF1 wheels -- or black wheels -- the OEM wheels add a "custom" look.
-- Chuck
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