I’m looking for a set of 17x9.0 wheels to run some 255/40/17 race tires. I’m currently looking at the Enkei RPF1 17x9.0 +45mm. Should these pose a problem for clearance?

My current wheels are 17x8.0 +40 with 235/45/17 in the front and with my previous suspension (Tokico shocks w/H&R springs) the tires would rub the fenders while at Mid-Ohio or at local autocrosses. I upgraded to Tein Flex coilovers (10kg/8kg springs) and haven’t noticed a problem at autocross (haven’t been to Mid-Ohio yet with this setup).

The way I see it, my current setup pushes the front tire outward about 15mm from stock and the new tires/wheels will move the tire out 20mm (maybe 25mm since the tires are a touch wider than listed). Given the additional tire grip, do you think the body will roll enough to contact the tires?

I still have stock sway bars front/rear and my ride height in front is 25-3/8” w/driver. (I’d like to keep this height so I don’t have to borrow scales again!)

Also, has anyone had experience with the strength of the RPF1’s in this size? My OEM wheels had cracks in them and I’m a little worried about using a cast wheel with R-comps. I’d like to get a forged wheel, but can’t justify the price. I’d like to stay around $250/wheel, but if I can get a forged wheel for a small amount more I’d be tempted.

Thanks for your help and I look forward to the feedback!

Mark.

(Sorry if this should be in the Sus/Wheel forum, but I thought it would be more pertinent in the Race section given the tire compound and intended use.)

 

Oh, and I did do some research:

According to the wheel/tire sizing spreadsheet posted elsewhere on this forum I should have approximately 0.25” clearance to the fender w/255’s (or 0.05” if the tires measure ~265). However, my current street setup (w/235, +40mm) yields 0.44” of clearance and I was rubbing.

Basically, I’m looking for some input on whether I will have problems running the Enkei RPF1’s with R-comps or should I be looking for a different wheel. I know I’ve seen someone run 285’s in the front, but I’m not sure what their wheel offset or suspension setup was.

Thanks again!
Mark.

 

17x9 +45 will be fine with 255's. The Enkei RPF1 is also a good wheel. A lot of people use them for track wheels with r-compound or racing slicks without issue. For the price, you probably won't find a better track wheel.

 

Thanks for the input, Mahjik!

 

Why not run 17x9.5 +38 instead?

 

I have a set of forgeline rs wheels I was thinking about selling. 17x9.5's all around with +50 offset, they have 255/40/17 and 275/40/17 toyo ra-1's with 3 track days. I do have an extra pair of 255/40/17 ra-1's as well. The wheels weigh ~17lbs on my bathroom scale. These will fit a stock fendered fd without a problem.

Got a kid on the way, work is slow and doing some work on my garage= taking a year off from the track! I'll take 1100 for the 4+ shipping

 

im assuming this is for a fd, i run 17x9 +45 front and rear with 275 40 in the back and 255 40's in the front, no rubbing issue as of yet, car ride height is about 26 inches or so from ground to bottom of fender, thats runnin NT01 r comps with no issues as far as the wheels are concerned nice, light wheel.