Enkei RPF1 17" vs 18" for speed3

[kunfu]

Originally Posted by Matt The latest issue of GrassRoots Motorsports covered 18s vs 17s. Their track times showed that 18s were actually faster (average and overall). They came to the conclusion that because the 18s have a shorter tire sidewall that the contact patch is larger, which equaled more even heat distribution in the tire and much better grip at the limits of the tires heat threshold. They used an MS3 for the tests too.

Thats very interesting, wonder what kind of track it was.

[bertrand_CX_7]

thanks for pointing this out. I know Mazda did improvements on the Gen2. The wheel size was also part of it.

So I always told my self, there may be a reason why they moved from 17" to 18" on the Genpu.

Don't give me wrong, I'll like to pay less on a 17" but I don't want to lose any advantage by doing so.

I'm looking to get a set of light wheels for my self and I've narrowed down my choice to the RPF1 seems to be where to go.

I was looking closer to this thread to see what will come out of the tips and inputs.

So I could definitely get a 18" set of RPF1 (silver <=> $$$$ ) and put them on my RS-3.


anyone knows the lowest price seen for the RPF1 so far on tire rack?

Thanks

Originally Posted by Matt The latest issue of GrassRoots Motorsports covered 18s vs 17s. Their track times showed that 18s were actually faster (average and overall). They came to the conclusion that because the 18s have a shorter tire sidewall that the contact patch is larger, which equaled more even heat distribution in the tire and much better grip at the limits of the tires heat threshold. They used an MS3 for the tests too.

[doubleflusher]

OAKOS Automotive - STi & WRX Performance Parts: RPF1 Wheels for RPF1's

[kunfu]

The Gen1 is not 17", its 18" like the pu.

Originally Posted by bertrand_CX_7 thanks for pointing this out. I know Mazda did improvements on the Gen2. The wheel size was also part of it. So I always told my self, there may be a reason why they moved from 17" to 18" on the Genpu. Don't give me wrong, I'll like to pay less on a 17" but I don't want to lose any advantage by doing so. I'm looking to get a set of light wheels for my self and I've narrowed down my choice to the RPF1 seems to be where to go. I was looking closer to this thread to see what will come out of the tips and inputs. So I could definitely get a 18" set of RPF1 (silver <=> $$$$ ) and put them on my RS-3. anyone knows the lowest price seen for the RPF1 so far on tire rack? Thanks

[bertrand_CX_7]

^^^^^ really I was sure GenWon was 17"

Thanks

[kunfu]

Originally Posted by bertrand_CX_7 ^^^^^ really I was sure GenWon was 17" Thanks

Yep

Stock MS6 Wheels: 18x7 | +55mm offset | 23.5lbs
Stock Gen1 MS3 Wheels: 18x7 | +52.5mm offset | ~24lbs
Stock Gen2 MS3 Wheels: 18x7.5 | +52mm offset | 24.6lbs

[Celestspeed3]

I can honestly say . . . The 17x9 RPF1's were the best thing I did for this car. Mine are pair with 255/40-17, you will need a roll to fit these but its totally worth it. 2nd gear barely hops when the tires are cold. If they are warm there is no slip.

[himurax13]

Originally Posted by Celestspeed3 I can honestly say . . . The 17x9 RPF1's were the best thing I did for this car. Mine are pair with 255/40-17, you will need a roll to fit these but its totally worth it. 2nd gear barely hops when the tires are cold. If they are warm there is no slip.

I was contemplating on 18x9 RPF1's with 255/35-18 since the runout should be extremely close to stock. I have the rear rolled, but I am wondering how much of an offset I need to barely clear the front STI coilovers with a 1/2" drop. Does anyone run this setup?

[Celestspeed3]

Just get +45 if you can and then run spacers in the front if you need to. This way you can still rotate the tires.

[RJD23]

with stock suspension whats the best set up with 18's i've never have bought wheels before what tire size also? i've looked into it but have only seen people with drops.

[M3MS3]

Originally Posted by Celestspeed3 I can honestly say . . . The 17x9 RPF1's were the best thing I did for this car. Mine are pair with 255/40-17, you will need a roll to fit these but its totally worth it. 2nd gear barely hops when the tires are cold. If they are warm there is no slip.

This thread is the only thing helping me make a decision on sizing w my rpf1's so, sorry to resurrect. Were you running stock suspension? If not, what kind of suspension or even better, how much drop?

I've got KW V3's and I'm not sure I can shove a 17x9 with a 245 or 255 since I already rub in the front sometimes on stock wheels and -1.5* camber

[Bautista]

Do you need to get hub centric rings with RPF1s?