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SakeBomb Garage is proud to introduce our re-worked variant of the ultra-rare RZ wheel, featured only on the Special Edition 2001 RZ. To our knowledge, only 250 of this Special Edition RZ's were produced (fewer produced than even the Spirit R!).
We chose to start with the limited edition RZ wheel as a basis for our race-designed wheel due to the inherent strength characteristics of the design, as well period correct aesthetics. Being one of our favorite wheel designs here at the shop, we started with an original RZ BBS wheel from Japan to 3D scan, then optimize in CAD for increased strength and reduced weight due to the inherent strength benefits of a forged wheel (Stronger and Lighter!). We designed the spoke architecture from the ground up to be compatible with both all of our track-ready brake kits (AP Competition kit and Wilwood Track Day kit), with a wheel that is durable enough for harshest track use. We then increased width to 9.5 inches (+45) for a 255 square tire setup, and added knurled bead seats for track use! The end result we named the RZ+ !
Wheel Specs:
17x9.5 +45 5x114.3
Estimated weight: 17.86 lbs, 8.1kg
Hubcentric @ 67.1mm for a direct fit on the FD (no hubcentric rings required)
Load Rated and strength optimized specifically for the FD
Knurled Bead Seat to prevent tire slippage under hard braking and acceleration
Optional Forged RZ+ Centercap
Designed to seamlessly fit all 17" compatible SBG BBK's! (Wilwood and AP) - no guesswork or fitment templates required!
Gunmetal or HyperSilver Colors - centercaps color matched
ETA for first batch to ship - estimated late June! Limited quantity available. Payment in full via pre-order will be required to hold your spot. Very limited spaces available.
Additional Coupons:
Every pre-order for wheels comes with a complimentary $125 off gift certificate towards a SBG Wilwood Track Day Brake kit OR $250 off gift certificate towards a SBG AP Competition BBK - (*valid for 30 days after purchase, can not be combined with additional coupons). Please email us after purchase for coupon Info@SakeBombGarage.com
I imported a genuine gunmetal RZ set from RCrew racing early-mid '00s. I've owned many high quality JDM wheels but these BBS were special, and for good reason. I personally don't support anything that is a replica. The literal definition is to copy an original work.
I have the originals but I wish to go wider so 3 questions:
1. Does the gunmetal color matches the original?
2. Will the original center cap fit?
3. Can I buy only 2? (I'll use the OE rears 17x8.5 with 255's up front and 2 of these 17x9.5 with 285's out back)
I imported a genuine gunmetal RZ set from RCrew racing early-mid '00s. I've owned many high quality JDM wheels but these BBS were special, and for good reason. I personally don't support anything that is a replica. The literal definition is to copy an original work.
Thankfully these are not replicas. They're inspired by, but not the same. Here are the key differences:
-Wider (9.5 vs 8/8.5)
-More aggressive offset
-Lighter and stronger - designed for Race Use (due to modern forging techniques, and FEA testing / weight optimization on the spokes, barrel, and backpad)
-Knurled Bead Seats
-Forged RZ+ Center Cap
In zero ways is this wheel a replica. Consider it a homage to the RZ wheel, but it's better in every way. We wanted to make the perfect track wheel, that was direct bolt on for the FD... that's why this exists. If it makes you feel any better I personally have two sets of original RZ wheels... I don't feel like this project devalued them in any way... to the contrary, they're probably worth more now being an original. But at the same time, I'm not going to cry about other people having something similar.. this isn't a club to see who has the most exclusive and rare parts. I would argue, the point of SakeBomb (and what we do) is to innovate for the FD as a platform and keep it relevant while remaining period correct.
I have the originals but I wish to go wider so 3 questions:
1. Does the gunmetal color matches the original?
2. Will the original center cap fit?
3. Can I buy only 2? (I'll use the OE rears 17x8.5 with 255's up front and 2 of these 17x9.5 with 285's out back)
The color is similar but not an exact replica. The center caps are not interchangeable. And, we only sell these in sets of 4. Sorry, struck out three times on this one haha, but we can sell you a full set.
Remember to run a stagger vs square tire setup only needs the correct suspension requirements. If you'd like we can help swap your main spring rates to help accommodate a square tire setup, or if you dont already have suspension hit us up and we can help spec out a set for a square tire.
I posted this in the group buy thread, I might as well post my review here.
Here are some more pics I took this morning before I put the car away for winter, she's hibernating early since my 2nd child is on the way. The center caps have arrived and installed. As you can see, I LOVE transformers. My car is full of Sakebomb Garage love...
Quick review of these wheels after putting some miles on them.
Coming from the stock wheels wrapped in Toyo T1R 245/45/16, these are the RZ+ wheels wrapped in Hankook Ventus V12 Evo2 255/40/17 with Eibach Pro 10mm Spacers and extended studs in the rear. This is a combination of new wheels and tires so my review might be based on the tires. Ride quality has decreased, due to a smaller sidewall (I think). The ride felt stiffer, I can feel the bumps on the road more than before. Because the wheels are heavier than stock (again, my assumption) I need to grip the steering wheel a little more because it feels as though the road is steering me (my weak arms) when I go on the bumpy roads. So far, I didn't notice and noise increase or decrease from new tires/wheels. Grip has tremendously improved (from the increased tire width and new tires), I love this new setup and it can handle the power my car put down (conservative 1bar psi 325 rwhp on an EFR 8374) where previously my tires would slip. Because grip has improved, handling has also improved and the car is more predictable. I drove some windy roads pretty quick and it was gripping all the way. I was planning to Autocross this car tomorrow but the event got canceled due to the weather, it would have been a great comparison. In my old setup, the car felt loose and the rear end kept kicking out and oversteering, grip wasn't that great either. I hope to try it out next year, the car now has Tein Flex Z Coilovers, Tripoint Front Sway Bar with SBG Competition Sway Bar Mounts and of course the new wheels and tires. And finally the aesthetics, these wheels are just plain gorgeous and pics just don't do it justice. For the price, these are probably one of the good bargains for an aftermarket wheel if you got a stock body FD.
Hey looks like a car took 1st place at SevenStock with the RZ+ Wheels! We're super happy with the results and excited at how much support we're getting!
05-21-19, 08:34 PM
SakeBomb Garage - Forged RZ+ Wheels
