I want to get a new set of wheels and tires for my EP3. I am currently debating 2 things: whether I should get a 15 or 16 inch wheel and whether I should buy cheaper rims like Rotas or expensive rims that I really love like the TE37/CE28N.
My car is my daily driver, and has yet to see an autocross, but I've only had it for 6 months so that could change....regardless, I doubt it'll be seeing much autoxing. I go dragracing maybe 3-4 times a year, but other than that, my car just serves as a spirited daily driver.

I am trying to save money for Volks, but it is tough coming up with $1600+ worth of discretionary income as a student. This is where I get sidetracked and start thinking about cheaper rims. Will I be able to tell the difference between an 8-9lb Volk wheel vs. a 12-13lb Rota rim? If there is indeed a noticeable difference, I might just tough it out somehow and get the Volk rims...

This sort of ties into the other question of whether I should go with a 15 or 16" rim. I was originally thinking of getting an extremely light wheel, but if that isn't going to be of much use to me, I'd consider getting a 16" wheel. Do you guys think I should stay with a 15" wheel/tire combo or just get the 16"

I'd appreciate all input from you guys, and my decision will most likely be based on the feedback.

 

I'm hardly a wheel expert, but when I switched from 16lb. 15x6 94-95 GSR wheels to 11.5lb. 15x6.5 Slipstreams, I noticed a world of difference. The steering input was improved the most, but tire grip felt like it also was improved. I don't think I could go back to the GSRs actually. For a daily driven wheel, TE37s are a bit over the top. Also, with a wheel as light as the Volk, you risk bending it on potholes. Slipstreams are a cheap and lightweight wheel that performs excellent for the price IMO.

 

to pander to the desires of GR, i'll be nice.

however, if you aren't really planning on doing much autocross, but spend more time drag racing (porportionally), don't you think this question would be better aswered in the drag racing forum?

nate

 

I'm no expert either, but I was assuming that I wouldn't have to worry about bending issues with a forged Volk wheel. That doesn't sound good at all. And to be more specific, the wheels I'd get would be used 6-8 months out of the year, with the stockies going back on in the winter months.

what do you guys have to say for 15 vs 16" ?

 

i suppose, but i've noticed more talk/knowledge of wheels in this forum. And the proportion could even out or turn in the favor of auto-xing seeing that I am not doing too much of either at this point

 

If you have to have aftermarket wheels on a street car, get something that looks nice, is easy to clean, and is affordable (and theft-unattractive). Take what you would have spent on Volks and put it in a new savings account so you will money to go racing when you get a job after you graduate.

K

 

never thought about it that way, thanks for the suggestion

 

Honestly, if you were to bend the Volks, you would have bent the Slips. I would venture to guess that the Volks would actually be stronger. The question is do you really need a forged wheel? Probably not. While it is an undeniable fact that the lighter wheel is a better choice from a performance standpoint, you must weigh the cost/benefits. Do you realize that for every 1/2 lb you save you will be spending $500 (assume $500 for a set of Slips & $1500 for a set of TE37). Now if you were @ the highest level of driving ability & that was the main impediment for going faster, than it might be worth it.

15" -
There are a lot more choices in tires in both street & R compound tires. The 15" wheel/tire combo is lighter, better able to absorb rim bending impacts & almost always cheaper.
16"-
IMO, these wheels look really good. They fill up the wheelwell really well. The response is just a tiny bit faster for lateral inputs.

Shameless plug: Auto Innovations still has some 15X7 Rota Slips with hubcentric hub bores. Price is $500 ($538 in CA) for a set of wheels, lugnuts & frieght.

 

Since, you said it yourself, that you aren't racing, where one could argue that the Volks would make a noticable difference. Why do you need the Volks, then? Get the Rotas. It makes zero difference on the street (if it does, you need to slow down a bit and go to the track).

I'd like an extra set of street wheels (Rotas are pretty chill ).

 

What's with the double thread?