So, I'm planning to purchase a set of wheels + tires from TireRack. My primary reason for purchase is that I want to pair up with some good all-season (non-RF) tires and I want to simply replace my OEM wheels + tires in doing so. I don't have enough garage space to store an extra set of wheels all year, so this purchase is intended to be an even replacement for my Crown Spokes.

Here's my question:
I don't have a ton of money to spend, so BBS and the like are not an option. If I can spend about $150 - $180 per wheel (assume tires are extra), it seems to limit me to wheels from Kosei and Enkei. Is either of these manufacturers significantly better than the other?

My current model choices are the Kosei K-1 TS and the Enkei RZ-5. I'm leaning towards the Kosei rim, but I'm undecided as of yet.

I'm not concerned about weight (though I do understand why it matters). My car's a commuter queen and won't get driven hard. Style and strength are my primary concerns.

Thanks for any insights ya'll can provide.

 

You have many more options than you think-

You have a 2007 R56 MCS. Search at tirerack for that with metal or rubber valves.

Then do the search for 2007 MCS JCW with winter wheels and you will find more sizes including some 15" wheels.
Kosei K1 TS 15x7 for $119 each
Sport Edition F2 15x6.5 for $81 each
Motegi Racing SX5 15x6.5 for $99 each
O.Z. Crono HT 15x7 for $185 each
O.Z. Ultraleggera 15x7 for $185 each

Within your price range there are many wheels including some that are 16" like:
ASA AR1 $109 each
ASA JH6 $139 each (classic minilyte or panasport look)
Borbet Type B $112 each
Borbet Type LS $116 each
Enkei Performance RZ-5 $124 each
Enkei Performance WDM $124 each
O.Z. Canova $179 each (machined with black accent)
O.Z. Michelangelo 8 $179 each
O.Z. Record $179 each
O.Z. Superturismo GT $189 each
O.Z. Superturismo WRC $189 each
O.Z. Titan $159 each
O.Z. Ultraleggera $189 each
Rial Flair $105 each


Some 17" rims in your price range
ASA AR1 $130 each
ASA JH6 $169 each
ASA JS5 $129 each
Enkei Performance WDM $149 each
Kosei K1 Racing $179 each
Kosei K1 TS $179 each
Kosei K3 $179 each
Motegi racing DV5 $153 each
Motegi racing SP5 $153 each
Motegi racing SX5 $153 each (Also in 15" for $99 each)
Sport Edition CD $119 each
Sport Edition D3 $106 each
Sport Edition D4 $109 each
Sport Edition E1 $109 each
Sport Edition E3 $106 each
Sport Edition F7 $104 each

Some 18" rims in your price range
ASA JH8 $166 each
ASA AR2 $135 each
Enkei Performance RZ-5 $169 each
Enkei Performance WDM $169 each

If you choose 15" wheels then for street use look for 205/55-15 tires
If you choose 16" wheels then look for 205/50-16 tires
If you choose 17" wheels then look for 205/45-17 or 215/45-17 tires
If you choose 18" wheels then look for 215/35-18 tires

Even on a budget you will find good deals and fairly light wheels in the 15" and 16" sizes. If you need tires that can handle snow then look for Ultra High performance All Season tires- They also will work in wet or dry and last a bit longer but they may not handle quite as nicely as Ultra High Performance Summer tires.

A good street tire at decent price would be General Exclaim UHP.

 

A buddy of mine has those Kosei wheels on his Integra. Super light, good looking and he drives them hard. He shows up and a track day, adjusts tire pressure and runs. Then goes home. Good choice for the money, IMO.

 

thanks, guys, for the insights and info -- much appreciated.

 

This turned out to be a key bit of advice. I had been limiting myself to TireRack's "wizard" choices when setting up a wheel and tire package; effectively only looking at 195/45/16s to pair with 16" wheels. Using your recommended size above, I was able to get to the tires that I really wanted.

Thank you!

 

Ive bought enkei RS5 for my civic before, and I have their RS+M for the MINI. Both sets I was very impressed with the quality of the wheels. Seem to hold up very well over time too.

 

I have had a set of RP02 in the past and the wheels were excellent. The craftmanship on Enkei wheels are very reliable. That would be my choice, IMO.

Leo Barrios
leo@edgeracing.com
800-489-5353 x211
http://www.edgeracing.com

 

Turns out I have a need for new rims today too. (bent one bad today one a run) and was looking at the RZ-5's in black (I have the pure silver).

My question...

What is the big difference I will encounter with the weight difference on rims?

Why should I care over a few pounds?

Thanks!!!

 

What size RZ-5 are you intersted in?

Leo Barrios
leo@edgeracing.com
800-489-5353 x211
http://www.edgeracing.com