Help with Enkei RPF1 Type RC size decision
 

For the past few weeks I have been looking for a set of wheels for my recently aquired FD. After alot of searching and reading through stickies ( along with the help of Jimlabs excel sheet) ,Ive become pretty familiar with sizing needed, but basically wanted some confirmation before I made my purchase. Ive decided on the Enkei RPF1 Type RC wheels:

http://www.enkei.com/RacingSeriesSpecs/RPF1typeRC.html

They are available in a 18x9.5 with a 45mm offset, and a 18x8.5 with a 42mm offset. My original intention was to run the 9.5s in the rear, and 8.5s up front. But looking at it, I may be able to run the 9.5s all around in the 45mm offset. This is where it looks to become very close, and I wanted to ask some questions for verification. Would the 18x9.5 work all the way around, and if so, what size tire would you recommend? If not, and I need to go staggered, what is the max tire I could fit front and rear with these sizes and offsets? Thanks alot, I appreciate the help!

With RB springs, I would definitely NOT run 18x9.5 up front, in ANY offset. You could run a 18x9.5 +45 offset up front with 265/35 18 tires if you ran a reasonable ride height and rolled the front fenders. You would really want the stock suspension or coilovers for this setup up front.

Definitely stick with the staggered setup with your current springs....

Normally I would recommend 235/40 tires for an 18x8.5 wheel, but with those springs, I would suggest running 245/35 18 tires up front. For the rear wheels, you can run 255/35, 265/35, or 275/35, with 265/35 being the "ideal" tire size for that wheel (as well as not being too tall).

Thanks, I bought the car with these springs on it, and the previous owner had bottomed out his last set of wheels from a pothole, cathing the edge of the fender on the passenger side. I would not be opposed to also purchasing coilovers and getting the fenders rolled if I could run the 9.5s all around, and keep my current ride height. Do you recommend coilovers to adjust the ride height higher, or just for the stiffer spring rates so I dont catch the fender again?

BTW, I applaud you for taking the time to research this topic before posting!

With coilovers, you will be running higher spring rates and can adjust the ride height so that the car isn't drastically lower than stock. The problem is that the Racing Beat springs are VERY soft for the amount they lower the car. People running them seem to have problems with rubbing or hitting the fender liners even with the stock wheels.

Instead of resorting to coilovers, you could run different springs like the RSR Race Springs, but fender rolling will be a must. 18x9.5 +45 is a very aggressive fitment up front, more so than 18x10 +50 (because the 265/35 tire is taller than the 285/30).

Another issue to consider is will the wheels clear the front brake calipers. Usually this isn't a problem with 18" wheels, but is something to ask your Enkei dealer. BTW, you should give Rishie or Dana at Auto RnD a call, they are a large Enkei dealer, know FD fitments well, and have good pricing for RX7club owners.

Thanks alot, tons of help! I just Emailed Rishie to see what he can do for me for some 18x9.5s all around. I bought from him when I got my RPM2s for my FC. Id much rather stick to symmetrical sizing, rather than staggered. I feel it keeps the car a bit more balanced, plus I could rotate tires. I had 17x9s and 17x8s staggered on my FC, and even with about every suspension mod done, and coilovers, I feel it understeered too much for my liking. Anyway, thanks!