I couldn't pick up a set before they closed shop and was wondering if any of you guys know whats going to happen? Rynberg said in another thread that Tanabe possibly bought them out. Is that true?

 

nobody?

 

Rynberg? Max? ARD? Damon?

 

I'm gonna bump this **** until somebody has an answer.

 

Keith Sweat!

BTW **** face, why don't you call Connor, the forum rep @ Tire Rack and ask? They, being exclusive distributors of some of SSR's wheels would have some information, right?

 

BTW Rump Ranger, I thought of that, but being the Tire Rack rep on the s2k forum didn't really know anything, I didn't bother.

 

On a similar subject, anyone know anything about Buddy Club?

 

Well supposedly Tanabe bought out SSR. We're uncertain as to when that will take affect and if that means they are only releasing new styles or keeping the old ones.

What would you like to know about Buddy Club, they are imported by AAI Motorsports to the US.

Rishie

 

When I dunno I keep my mouth shut

Your avatar scares me. Where do you find all these ugly woman pics?

 

I've noticed that I actually see more advertising now more than ever. They also have a decent website up now http://www.ssrwheels.com Glad to see somebody came to their senses and kept them around. Awesome wheels and good prices.

 

Oh, supposedly they've started a 'corporate restructure' and are unavailable in Aus anymore. Rumour was they'd closed up shop completely, which is a bummer cause I wanted some in the future.

SSRs are awesome though, so it's good that the wheels might last.

 

Thats a first.


It's not very hard to take pictures of my girlfriends.

 

Thanks Rishie. I hope they keep producing the old line.

 

How much do those SSR compeition rims weigh?

 

17x9.5 = ~15.5 lbs
18x9.5 = ~17.5 lbs

Light as hell, especially given their VERY reasonable price of about $1800/set.

And the 18x9.5 even comes in +50 offset, it doesn't get better than that.

 

That's practically the weight of magnesium wheels. Very nice!

 

FWIW, I spoke w/ a rep from Tire Rack today, and he assured me SSR wasn't going anywhere, nor were any of their wheels. He confirmed that another company acquired SSR (probably Tanabe, like you guys said), and he said there's the usual confusion and hussle & bussle w/ a diff company taking over. But they're not discontinuing their current wheels or anything like that.



W/ that said, why is it that every time I call Tire Rack I get a diff answer? I asked him if they had the GT3s in 10.5s in a 5X114.3 bolt pattern, and he said no. The last time I talked to them, the guy said yes, but it wasn't available under their list for FD's (because it's too wide for proper fitment they say).

I swear, I have NEVER dealt w/ a more frustrating group of guys than I have w/ Tire Rack when it comes to rims. ANY other shop, I can call and ask for a list of all the size options available in a specific bolt pattern, and they'll rattle 'em off for me. But Tire Rack...nooo...that's too much to ask! I understand they wanna make sure ppl don't do things wrong, and don't want to be held responsible for selling wheels that don't fit etc, but if I assume full responsibility, I'd want to be able to find out ALL sizes available in a certain bolt pattern. Don't tell me "I can't sir, these are the only ones that fit your car" crap. I know for a FACT that there are many plus sizes in various rims that don't come up as applicable for the FD, but will fit just fine...
end

 

Agreed, it is especially frustrating because you can't even see what sizes/offsets are available on their website....

That being said, the GT-2 is on closeout pricing, which leads me to believe that wheel is being cancelled. WTF does every classy looking 5-spoke wheel that SSR makes get discontinued?

If I wasn't already dropping five-figures on my build-up, I would pick up a set right now.

 

Off topic but why is bbs such a popular name? Are there products the best in the business?

 

Depends on who you get... they do alot of work w/ racers/autocrossers, so they CAN give you alot of valuable info. I guess you have to make the impression right off that you are an enthusiast, not a typical "consumer". I've gotten all sort of info out of some people there... others might as well have been selling from QVC.

 

Don't forget we have Connor from the Tire Rack around here. Don't forget to give him a call directly.

Connor
Performance Parts Specialist
877-522-8473 X269

 

Yea Peter I'm not much of a wheel enthusiast. I know what I want, I wanna get it. End of story lol. So yea, I don't think I give off the right vibe.

Damon, thanks for the info! I didn't know we had our own specialist. I'll def. give him a ring, and hopefully get somwhere

 

Yes, at $399 per corner the GT-2 looks nice; something like 17.6 lbs for 18x8.5, +42mm and they also have an optional wider rear fitment. I am thinking these would work well on the FD, and can also be traded off to my RX-8 if I end up selling the FD in the future.

Anyone know whether the GT-2s are any more or less suitable for track work than SSR Comps? The other rim I've been considering is Enkei's RPF-1. Looks as if both mfrs use a similar semi-forged process for these rims.

TIA,

 

I would run SSR GT-2 18x9.5 +50 offset at all four corners with 265/35 tires....tasty. They should hold up at the track very well, probably better than the ultra-light Comps.

 

rynberg, Im going to pick up a set of the GT-2. I want to run the 9.5 width in the front, as you suggested. Could you also suggest a tire that I should get the 265/35 in ? I now it will be close in the front and Im sure tire brand will be critical.