Recommendations for track/summer wheels

[justinco]

Howdy all, I am wanting to get a dedicated set of summer wheels/tires that I can use for track/autocross as well. I'm not worried about being competitive with this car, so I don't care that a wider wheel bumps me out of stock (autocross) classes.

I am curious what the consensus is on wheel sizes and widths. I was planning on getting a square 18x9" setup (I don't think 9.5" wheels fit?). However, I have read that the 17x9" wheels can work as well.

Is there a benefit to a 17" over the 18" wheel? Other than you can fit a taller tire and have a softer ride potentially on the 17"?

[M0nk3y]

Well, the 330 ZHP can become a very competitive car within STX, that is what you'll bump to when you upgrade.

Benefits to 17"? Lighter weight, which means less rotational mass, and better acceleration. You typically have a cheaper tire cost as well.

Unfortunately, the 17" APEX wheels GB just ended, but the 18" APEX GB is currently in the feeler phase. Great way to get (IMO) the best track wheels for free shipping plus money off!

[justinco]

Well, the 330 ZHP can become a very competitive car within STX, that is what you'll bump to when you upgrade.

Benefits to 17"? Lighter weight, which means less rotational mass, and better acceleration. You typically have a cheaper tire cost as well.

Unfortunately, the 17" APEX wheels GB just ended, but the 18" APEX GB is currently in the feeler phase. Great way to get (IMO) the best track wheels for free shipping plus money off!

Thanks for the input. I saw the GB for the 18" APEX wheels and that is what I am thinking I will go with. I just don't think I will like the look of a 17" wheel on the car, and the 18" will still be a good bit lighter than my stock 135's.

I'll be co-driving in an RX8 this year in C-Street since my Miata is gone :) Just want the ZHP to have some good tires and wheels so it will be fun on the track and occasional autox.

[M0nk3y]

Thanks for the input. I saw the GB for the 18" APEX wheels and that is what I am thinking I will go with. I just don't think I will like the look of a 17" wheel on the car, and the 18" will still be a good bit lighter than my stock 135's.

I'll be co-driving in an RX8 this year in C-Street since my Miata is gone :) Just want the ZHP to have some good tires and wheels so it will be fun on the track and occasional autox.


For me it is Function > Form....my APEX wheels will be purely for track, and I'll dismount in between the week.

18" are still around 18-19 lbs IIRC, and that is still some serious weight savings.

Have fun with the RX-8, you'll have a good fight with the FRS

Sent from my XT907 using Tapatalk

[justinco]

For me it is Function > Form....my APEX wheels will be purely for track, and I'll dismount in between the week.

18" are still around 18-19 lbs IIRC, and that is still some serious weight savings.

Have fun with the RX-8, you'll have a good fight with the FRS

Sent from my XT907 using Tapatalk

Yea I debated doing the same, leaving my 135's on for daily driving and swap the others when at track/autox.

Anyways, I think I know what wheel I will get :)

[QC_ZHP]

Just out of curiosity, does anyone how much an 18" OEM M3 wheel compares to the 135 in weight? I have a chance to pick up a square fronts set for cheap. I'd plan on fitting some good tires on their for potential track/auto-x use

[derbo]

I am rocking 17x8.5 ARC8s for track days.




I found a post on M3forum

E46 OE 18's (Gravity Cast)
Style 67M Double Spoke
Chrome Shadow
Manufacturer: Ronal
18 x 8 = 24.7 lbs ET47 Part # 36 11 2 229 950
18 x 9 = 26.9 lbs ET26 Part # 36 11 2 229 960

E46 OE 19's (Forged)
Style 67M Double Spoke
Polished
Manufacturer: Fuchs
19 x 8 = 27.8 lbs ET47 Part # 36 11 2 229 650
19 x 9.5 = 29.2 lbs ET27 Part # 36 11 2 229 660

E46 OE CSL/ZCP 19's (Flow-Formed Cast)
Style 163M Cross Spoke
Silver Paint
Manufacturer: BBS Germany
19 x 8 = 23.0 lbs ET47 ZCP Part # 36 11 2 282 895
19 x 8.5 = 23.5 lbs ET44 CSL Part # 36 11 2 282 650
19 x 9.5 = 24.2 lbs ET27 Both Part # 36 11 2 282 999

E9x OE 18's (Flow-Formed Cast)
Style 219M Double Spoke
Silver Gray Paint
Manufacturer: BBS Germany
18 x 8.5 = 23.2 lbs ET29 Part # 36 10 2 283 550
18 x 9.5 = 25.0 lbs ET23 Part # 36 10 2 283 551

E9x OE 19's (Forged)
Style 220M Double Spoke
Polished
Manufacturer: Fuchs
19 x 8.5 = 23.4 lbs ET29 Part # 36 11 2 283 555
19 x 9.5 = 25.4 lbs ET23 Part # 36 11 2 283 556



ZHP is:


OE Style 135 M Double Spoke - bolt pattern 5 x 120 mm

Front - 18x8
Overall Diameter 19.56" (497 mm)
Overall Width 8.88" (226 mm)
Backspacing 6.31" (160 mm)
Offset 1.85" (47 mm)
Weight 28.16 lb (12.77 kg)

Rear - 18x8.5
Overall Diameter 19.56" (497 mm)
Overall Width 9.38" (238 mm)
Backspacing 6.69" (170 mm)
Offset 2.01" (51 mm)
Weight 28.20 lb (12.79 kg)

[justinco]

Anyone happen to know if I will need spacers with an 18x9" wheel, ET 42?

I am getting mixed opinions in my searching and asking elsewhere...

[QC_ZHP]

Thanks Derek:thumbsup

[derbo]

Anyone happen to know if I will need spacers with an 18x9" wheel, ET 42?

I am getting mixed opinions in my searching and asking elsewhere...

I fitted a 17x9 +42 (same offset and width) and I didn't have any problems. However that being said, I did roll my rear a little and my front has -3 camber. I don't know personally what the stock front shock spring perch will have clearance or not.

[Das Stig]

I have OZ Allegeritta HLT's that are 18X8.5 and 9 in the rear. The Offset is 43 and the fit isliterally perfect. No spacers needed and the are perfectly flush. I can find pictures later if you would like. I'm assuming yours will be almost the same because its just a 1mm difference.

[gvcmel]

I have Apex ARC 8 in 18 x 9 ET 42 with 255/23 tires. you have to roll the rear fenders just a little and you will end up rubbing the rear bumper cover clips to pieces when you get the car hooked up. Otherwise, no problems in the front.

[derbo]

I have Apex ARC 8 in 18 x 9 ET 42 with 255/23 tires. you have to roll the rear fenders just a little and you will end up rubbing the rear bumper cover clips to pieces when you get the car hooked up. Otherwise, no problems in the front.

are you lowered?