Wheel search - getting closer I think

[SteveO]

I'm getting kinda burnt out on finding wheels, but these might be the ones. I wanted to get some feedback good/bad/whatever on these.

http://www.wheelstudio.com/view-whe...bolt-pattern-all/wheel-price-all/vehicle-2746

This is for a 2010 MZ3 hatch. The wheels are 22lbs and would be going with the 17x7.5 - 5x114.3 - 45 offset. Will be running 225x45x17 rubber (that's the next thing to figure out - Toyo Proxes 4?). From what I can tell the fitment should work and from the wheel calculators, appears to stick out .7in~ from stock. I'm not sure if this will be an issue with a mild drop - still looking into that.

The one thing I have a question about is the "universal" bolt pattern - I see a lot of wheels like this. Is there a concern for structural deficiency / premature stress in that area with this design or is it merely a weight savings of sorts? Anyone have any experience or heard of this brand?

Thanks!

 

[mndsm]

I've always like the 5 Axis stuff, and this new more blocky line they have is pretty solid. If you get a nice center dish out of those like they show in the pics, those could be pretty fresh. The 2g cars look pretty good with some chunky spokes under em.

 

[dmention7]

Universal bolt pattern is mainly a cost savings in only needing to produce 1/3 or so of the number of wheel designs that are required if you design specifically for a single bolt pattern. Weight savings are negligible especially that close to the axis of rotation. I wouldn't be concerned with strength, but I personally don't care for the look.

 

[mndsm]

Also, you should have 0 problems with clearance issues on a mild drop. I've got a wheel that's an inch and a half wider, running a 245 tire, and i'm -3 offset to that (+42) and I have plenty of the room in the front. Granted, I am at stock height, but the 2g cars have slightly larger wheel arches anyhow IIRC... I forsee no issues.

 

[JohnnyT]

Universal bolt patterns just scream cheap to me, and personally don't look good if uncovered.

What color is your MZ3?

Personally, my favorite couple genpu's have been this silver one with HREs

and this white one with RPF1s:

 

[Workdawg]

I agree with the univeral bolt pattern. If there's another option that's close enough to the same with only one pattern, I'd pay a little bit extra for that.

 

[SteveO]

Universal bolt patterns just scream cheap to me, and personally don't look good if uncovered.

What color is your MZ3?

It's the white pearl or whatever its called.

OK, I admit the universal pattern isn't my favorite either, but like the Five:AD design.

I really like the RX8 type though, but do not want the added weight: I just CANNOT find a suitable model.

Another killer wheel from the UK (Borbet LV5)

Which brings me to a something I don't understand - why do people adding aftermarket wheels not consider the weight part of the equation? I mean to each his for sure, but isn't adding a 25lb+ wheel when the OEM is say 21lb going to affect performance first and foremost among other things?

If you have a ZR1 it may not be a big deal but I would think on these stock MZ3's it would be? I dunno so that's why I'm asking

 

[SteveO]

I agree with the univeral bolt pattern. If there's another option that's close enough to the same with only one pattern, I'd pay a little bit extra for that.

Yep, I agree. I'll spend the $$ for a quality wheel that I will be happy with. IF I can ever find it though.

 

[dmention7]

Which brings me to a something I don't understand - why do people adding aftermarket wheels not consider the weight part of the equation? I mean to each his for sure, but isn't adding a 25lb+ wheel when the OEM is say 21lb going to affect performance first and foremost among other things?

If you have a ZR1 it may not be a big deal but I would think on these stock MZ3's it would be? I dunno so that's why I'm asking

Troof. I am not overly concerned with wheel weight to the point where I'd quibble over a 1lb difference. But stock wheels are generally quite heavy compared to comparable aftermarket wheels, so I see no reason to settle for a heavier wheel than stock. I don't know if you'd notice the difference between 21lb and 19lb, say... but I would think going from 21 to 25+ would be quite noticable if you ever get on it or toss it through corners even a little. That said, people do it for the same reason they go hellaflush with 10 degrees of camber... looks.

 

[SteveO]

/\ Got it.

FWIW - Here is a contender I came across this weekend. New for '11
http://www.enkei.com/ammodo.html

17x7.5 : 45 offset : 20lbs : Hankook V12's => I'm gonna chew on it for a day.

 

[mndsm]

That's not bad at all, and Enkei makes a great wheel. Has sort of that old skool meshie look, but with a new...twist as it were.

 

[JohnnyT]

Looks fun to clean too.

 

[mndsm]

Have you looked at my DPT's recently? Those Enkei's he's got are a LOT easier than what's on my car. (Of course that would imply i actually clean my wheels....)

 

[Picklz]

I would argue that the DPT's are easier to clean, and your car is NOT clean 99% of the time so your argument is invalid

 

[JohnnyT]

Yeah...Picklz beat me to it. Cleaning in between the outer spokes looks like a lengthy process. I know it's an odd thing to consider when purchasing wheels, but I actually do think about it and it could sway your decision. Just thought I'd throw it out there...

 

[SteveO]

All valid points on cleaning for sure.

BUT, if you have one of these, not too big of an issue. Purchased one last fall - well worth it (except for the spray back in your face)

http://www.autogeek.net/ezdebrfca.html

What I find interesting is the designs the wheel manufactures have for the euro market v.s. here are much more pleasing to the eye (IMHO of course) I don't get it. I have spent a good portion of this task trying to track down euro spec wheels that all of a sudden "turn up" during a search => "oh what's this, that's cool"........type in model......."Oh its model 1223, UK only"....frustrating.

Or a model that looks promising is too bleeping big etc.. All part of the fun I guess.

 

[Tuner-11]

I want those RPF1s..those looks amazing IMO