Just getting some information on wheels and tires. I'm running a 91 convert and I want to change to lightweight rims. I'm not sure if material makes a difference if I eventually want to go up to around 300+ hp.

I'm looking at XXR wheels due to low cost. I'm not worried about material b/c I work a detail shop and can maintain them no problem. I run only on solid roads and don't do rain or snow (ever). I would like to have set up that would be slippery, but not catch enough traction to where laying down full rubber would lead to fishtailing.

Can I go with 18's by 7 wide? What's a decent set up?

From what I've heard... smaller w/ wider is better because of less tire to cover per rotation, should I try to find something that's like a 16 or 17 with a wide 7.5-8.5 base?

Edit: Sorry if this is in the wrong section, couldn't find the info I was looking for in the tires or FAQ areas.

 

The stock converible wheels are high-quality German BBS wheels that only weigh 11 lbs each. I don't think you will be able to beat that on a budget.

 

OOHHHH BOY!!! The natives are not going to like this thread. Let me be the first to advise you to use the search function and read up some on wheel offsets.

Are you aware that the OEM vert wheels weigh 11lbs each and are made by BBS?

LOL Aviator beat me to it

 

Low cost and lightweight don't often go hand in hand, though there are some relative values to be had. Light weight is less about materials and more about construction - forged rims will be stronger than cast rims pound for pound, which in turn means they can be lighter. But forged usually means mucho spendy.

18x7 is pretty skinny in an 18" rim (stock factory turbo rims were 16x7, with 205 tires) - I'd tend to suggest smaller diameter rims; as diameter increases weight tends to increase, and that weight is more concentrated further from the wheel centre, increasing it's inertia, and therefore decreasing rwhp. That said, it's your car, just be aware of trade offs. If you've turbo'd your vert, you can always find more power, but na cars have limited options in that regard.

This provides a guide on offsets and widths. Diameter is a matter of choice, but too wide a rim or tire with the wrong offset either won't bolt up (if it hits the brake caliper or strut), or may rub fenders or suspension components at least some of the time http://fc3spro.com/TECH/MODS/RT/rims.htm

No need to mention the stock BBS vert rims, already been hit 2x - picked up a set myself for my track tires. I could spend a lot of money to get a similarly light and well-made rim, even though they're just cast.

 

Hmm, couldn't find the stock weight on OEM rims... I only knew they were BBS, but I didn't think they were that light. Now I know, I see... thanks for the advice there Guess if I want em looking nicer I'll just get em repolished and coated over. Thanks for the advice.

 

https://www.rx7club.com/2nd-generation-specific-1986-1992-17/frequently-asked-questions-2nd-generation-rx-7-faq-fc-494667/