Funks

iTrader: (3)

Trying to get some advice...

I'm trying to buy some dedicated wheels and tires for my "spirited" driving events from time time and was looking at the new Star Spec 2's. I currently have the stock BBS's (GR) wrapped in General Ultra High Performance GMAX-AS-03 All Seasons which are great for the daily drive..

If I were to get GD 17" BBS Wheels and wrap it with with the appropriate tire (circumference and width) - would it pretty much have the same performance as a tire made for 18inch wheels? (don't care about the looks). Tires made for 18inch wheels should have shorter sidewalls at the same circumference but don't really know how much that matters.

The older GD BBS's (can be had for a good price) and was hoping I can wrap it in 245/45R17's ( should be pretty close to the stock tire circumference and width wise so no rubbing) and I believe it clears the Brembo's without isues (saw some posts about the wheel weights may hit the caliper?). I don't want to roll my fenders, and I'm basically on Bilsteins so not as much space as coilovers.

245/40R18 - Circumference is 80.7"
245/45R17 - Circumference is 80.6"

Tire width is basically the same for both..

I'm looking at the new Dunlop Direzza ZII Star Specs for 175$ each at tire rack..

JourdanWithaU

iTrader: (39)

The advantages of 17 or 18 is weight and tire options. 17 will be lighter, but there aren't great tire options wider than 255. 18 will be heavier, but tires go up to 285. IMO, you can easily get a 255 or 265 under the fenders.

Sidewall height does influence handling. But I only know of a handful of people who actually experiment with different sidewall heights. Unless you're trying to be super competitive, I wouldn't be too concerned about sidewall height.

Funks

iTrader: (3)

Thanks for the info, I really don't want to roll the fenders and I'm on Bilsteins (w/ RCE Blacks) so I don't have the same clearance as a car on coilovers (and with fenders rolled). The 245/45/R17 looks like the perfect drop in circumference and width wise (ignoring the sidewall height)..

JourdanWithaU

iTrader: (39)

Who said anything about coilovers?

Struts actually offer more space than coilover in the same location. But the notion is usually lost since most coils come with adjustable tophats. Any space that's lost is made up with the tophat.

Brfatal

245/45/17 is fine. GD BBS wheels are a good bit lighter than what you have now. There won't be any clearance issues. Technically you'll have more clearance inside and out than you did with your stock wheels.

Funks

iTrader: (3)

Thanks guys, bought the 07 GD BBS STI wheels - picking it up next week. Gonna pair it up with 245/45/17 Direzza II Star Specs..

The owner powder coated it black / blue, hoping it doesn't weaken the wheel.