I know I'm always blabbing off stupid questions on this forum, but at least they are less common questions =). Anyways I was looking at the SSR GT1 racing rims, and I think they are beautiful, but they only come in 17x7.5, and I'd like something around 17x9 =). They also weigh approx. 17.5 lbs a peice, which seems very heavy to me for a "racing rim". So my question: what is a good weight for a 17 inch rim? Also what size tires (max) could I put on rims with 7.5 in width. Thank ya... any other info on lightweight rims would be appreciated........


-Brian

 

Ok... first, 17.5# for a 17" rim is pretty decent. Not the absolute best, but probably in the top 20% or so. Racing Hart has some lighter ones, for example.

As for tire sizes: Stock on my 'vert is a 205/60/15 on 15x6.5" rims. 225s go on nicely. Those rims are 1" wider... so a tire that is 1" wider than a 225 would certainly be ok. 225 size refers to the width in mm, so 225mm or 22.5 cm wide. 1" = ~2.54cm, so a 250 width would equate. 245 would fit easily, 255 probably. Now, you need to worry about clearance... 245 is NOT gonna fit an FC with stock front fenders, but shouldn't be a problem in the rear... however... a narrower tire that fits the rim with less "bulge" will actually handle better anyway- it will be more responsive. Also, shorter sidewalls are less tolerant of rim width differences- in other words, a 245/50 may be ok but not a 245/45. Different manufacturers will recommend different rim widths for a specific size too, but they are usually close. Look at the websites for various manufacturers to get a better idea.

Brad

 

Brian,

If you haven't searched the susp/wheels/tires section, I believe there are a bunch of posts on wheel sizes and offsets.

Let me know if you are planning to get rid of your stock rims, I may want them for racing autocross!! Forgive my stupidity, but they are 5-lug aren't they??

Mike

 

HOW HEAVY ARE THE STOCK RIMS.