Wheel-buying dilemma

[OptionZero]

I've run casually in a coupla AutoX, just trying to get the hang of it and learn...

My tires have been absolutely shit ($35 used from Big O), and I believe I'm beginning to hit the limit of how fast I can go on them. I know now that Tires + Driver are the biggest determinants of how well you do.

I found some awesome rims that come in 17x9 +17, for really cheap ($140 each), it would look awesome, i could slap some 245/45/17 Falken Azenis SPorts on them and get a major looks upgrade and a major GRIP upgrade.

Then I look on SCCA AutoX classifications for Street Touring. My Q45 calipers already bump me up to STX (any brakes allowed almost), but the max size for the STX wheel restriction is 8inch wide!!!

Now the rims come in 17x8, but in a weakass offset, +25. If i'm gonna go to 17inch rim, i'd want the benefit of a wider wheel, 9 inch, right?

Getting the 17x9 +17 would probably put me in a higher class...where i'll just get killed by better cars (instead of getting killed by only slightly better cars =P)

Ideally I'd look for a 16x8 +low low offset,...but those rims are'nt available in that size.

So:
Buy 17x9 +17, get the new tires, run in a higher class or even same clsas noncompetitively (car's an Auto for now anyways...) but have the cool looking wheels w/ a slight, very slight stretch...

or

Buy 17x8 +25, live with less than flushness and a thinner wheel...
stay in the right class

[hurleyboi514]

you can run STU...., or get another set of cheap wheels and throw some slicks on...

[OptionZero]

whats STU? i didn't see it next to STS or STX?

[Bbandit]

What rims are you talking about now? 17x9 with that kind of offset.. I'll buy some too :)

anyways... if you have nothing against 16 inchers...
you can custom order one
www.diamondracingwheels.com
They can make you some 16x8 with whatever offset you want for 100 bux each.

But yea, scca has STU(street tire unlimited) now

[eyustfu]

he's probably talking about the MB Motorsports one, knockoffs of the gramlights 57c and 57s

http://www.discounttiredirect.com/direct/findProductCategoryDetailBrnd.do?tpc=MBMWEA&tp=Car%2FMinivan

http://www.discounttiredirect.com/direct/findProductCategoryDetailBrnd.do?tpc=MBMCOM&tp=Car%2FMinivan

[TurDz]

The first link is the one he was referring to.

anyway, Jon, might as well compete in DSP because you might regret the size of your wheels in the long run...heheh, prepare to get owned!!

[ch1873857]

yeah there was that thread were the guy worked for discount tire and was selling those wheels for $350 plus shipping used but you can get them from the same place he worked at for $150 cheaper. the link was in the thread so thats how he "found" those wheels. they are bad because if you enlarge the pick its actually a 17x9 4x114.3 wheel. pretty sweet for $140. weighs 20.5lbs

[98sr20ve]

I have not looked at the scca rules in a couple years but I thougth any upgraded brakes (not pads) put you in SM.

[pruto]

no, DSP and STX allows brake upgrades tho. only difference is as stated, STX is only 8 inchers or smaller. yuck.

[jmauld]

You have to have stock brakes in DSP.

STX allows for brake upgrades.

[Mikes14240sx]

I run 17x8 +25 fno1rc's with 235/45 es100's all around in stx and its not that bad. With -3 degrees camber I have no problem with the outside edge of the tire rolling over in corners.

I plan to go with 245/40's next with a degree or so less camber in back. Either kuhmo mx's or the redesigned falken azenis if there out by then and they offer that size.

[TurDz]

or the redesigned falken azenis if there out by then and they offer that size.

could you elaborate on the redesigned azenis?

[OptionZero]

i was originally going to run a 235/45/17, but all AutoX'ers run Azenis Sports, which dont come in that size. THe 235 would have been slightly stretched and had far more clearance, but oh well, a little fender rolling never hurt anyone.

Just scrapin together the birthday money to buy me some wheels...fuck the rules, 17x9 +17 it is...buahah

[Mikes14240sx]

could you elaborate on the redesigned azenis?

A new tread design. I heard it's going to be something with better wet grip but that is just rumor. More size are also planned.

I heard about all this from a local autoxer so I emailed falken and got a resposnse similar. If I still have the email I'll post it.

[Mikes14240sx]

This was all the info they would give me at the time.

Yes, we are currently developing a new tread design for our Azenis Sport tire and yes, we will have plenty of more sizes compared to what we currently have. As of now, the release date has not yet been set in stone but the new tire may be released to the public early next year. Keep a look out for them!

Sincerely,

John Choi
Falken Tire Corporation
PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT
www.falkentire.com

[OptionZero]

it will come out exactly one day after I buy tires. Such is Murphy's Law.

[DRFT180]

you can still fit that 245 azenis on the 8in rim

[Mikes14240sx]

true, but with a 25.7" overall diameter its a little to tall for my taste.

[KwKouki]

a little more info about these wheels he posted. I like the first style but I only see 5 lug. Do they make a 4 lug or what??

[HaLo]

Yeah, you can run STU... but the index in stupid in that class... My girlfriend runs that class with her supra and she gets destroyed since in our region, STS/STX/STU are all ranked in the same classe, indexed together...

[AKADriver]

I'd run the 17x8 +25.

With that offset you can set the camber where you want, instead of being forced to run minus a million degrees just to fit the wheel. STX allows rolling the lip only, no fender mods.

[OptionZero]

i couldn't set the camber if i wanted to, i don't have camber plates...i run a spring/shock setup

[cinci_s14]

yeah there was that thread were the guy worked for discount tire and was selling those wheels for $350 plus shipping used but you can get them from the same place he worked at for $150 cheaper. the link was in the thread so thats how he "found" those wheels. they are bad because if you enlarge the pick its actually a 17x9 4x114.3 wheel. pretty sweet for $140. weighs 20.5lbs

So, are you saying that these MB Motorsports wheels are available in 4x114.3? I haven't been able to find them.