spyder

Okay, I'm looking to get a set of Rota C8's, but I can't decide between the 15x6.5's and the 16x7's. According to a chart I have the 15's weigh 11.5 lbs per wheel and the 16's are 15.5 lbs per wheel. I am looking for good handling as well, so want to keep the sidewall to a minimum, but I'm having a hard time finding a balance point between weight and sidewall height. I'm leaning towards the 15's because I have a gut feeling that taking away 4 lbs of rotating weight per wheel will be more satisfying than the marginal benefit of the shorter sidewalls, but I'd like a few opinions to back it up.

Also, the 15x6.5's have an offset of +38, is this what it should be? Thanks guys!

93LSivic

I run 15" c8's and love em. The offset doesnt seem to hurt at all. I also run 195/50 AVS intermediates. Too bad they arent available anymore The only this is, you should run a 195/55. My speedo is off about 7-8 mph at the end of the quarter mile. My trap speeds are around 92-93 and my speedo says 100. I would go with the 15's for 2 reasons. 1 being they are lighter. 2 being tires are cheaper. Hope this helps.

WAFFLES

also, you can always put a 45series tire on the 15s in racing situations

spyder

pardon the ignorance, but what is a 45 series tire? I've researched a lot of other stuff, but I haven't gotten to tires yet.

DragII

I know what you mean, I have 15's, but I would love to go a size up for a lower sidewall...anyone know of some 16's that are under 15lbs?

RacerXI

THere are some 16's under 15LB's, but they aren't cheap. It's been tested time and time again. 16's seem to handle the best, but if you're looking to save weight.....stick with the 15's. I plan on going with 15's.

MrDX

I'm swapping out my Si 15's for lightweight 16's... since they both come in at the same weight... I can fit the wider tire on the 16 giving better cornering and handling.

DragII

Same thing I'm gonna do

B18C-EJ1

Don't forget the weight of the tire. Sure you may have light wheels, but the tire is the outside rotating mass, not the wheel.

My, K1's weigh in at about 13lbs, but with the tires, the entire setup weighs about 31lbs.

Just for S&G, stock 14's with 185/60/14 tires weigh about 33lbs ea.

MrDX

The 16" rims weigh less than the 15's... and combined with the tire weight, the 16" combo comes in at a hefty .2lbs heavier. ). I'm using the Khumo's, their is a site somewhere around here that have the exact tire weights. I'm thinking of going with the Enkei RP01 which are 14lbs for the 16"... 2lbs lighter than my 15" Si wheels.

SkyeC

DragII

that may be true, but in my case...I had 205/40/16s, and they handled WAY better than the 195/55/15s I am running right now.

MrDX

But did you use the same tire company and style? Certain companies have their bread and butter tire and size which is what higher performance cars use. Like the NSX use a directional tire that is left and right biased.... since those tires are bought in bulk by Honda, they make that specific size to be the best. It all comes down to sidewall flex and tread surface contact percentage. If more tread makes contact to the road then another... it will offer more grip!