Hi all, first time poster. Just about to order my MCS, and the whole rim/tire issue is keeping me up at night.

In the great 16 vs 17 debate, I'm reasonably certain that I'd like to get 17s. But the R90/run flats from Mini USA seem too heavy and, from what I understand, offer poor ride quality. However, I really like the look of those rims, sooo:

I am thinking I'll order my MCS with the stock 16s, then replace them with 17" ASA AR1s and Yoko AVS ES100s. If I've done my homework well, I think I'll save around 9 pounds per corner with that setup over the R90/runflat combo.

But, since I'm not too knowledgeable on the whole rim-quality issue, are the ASAs a good quality product, or am I better off sticking with the heavier R90s (made by BBS, from what I hear). At $179 each, the ASAs seem a bit on the cheapo side. The BBS RGRs are out of my price range, though I like the weight on those puppies. :smile:

Thanks.

 

I myself am quite fond of the ASA AR1s. Looking at purchasing them for my CR/B MCS sometime in the future. Reasonable weight, great style, faux two-piece, polished lip - for a practical price $179 for 17x7.

As for quality concerns, don't be, they are licensed by BBS, even says so on the wheel. Plus ASA uses several of the same techniques as BBS. The price I assume is do to manufacture in Korea. Go to tirerack.com, then shop by brand for a short bio of the company, and close-ups of the subject.

Additionally, if you choose the route of ASA wheels you save weight and a significant amount of money. Consequently you will accelerate quicker, handle better, brake shorter; with that extra money you can buy another set of high performance tires after the first set wears out. Lastly, the ride issue will be greatly helped without the presence of runflats, although Yoko AVS ES100s do have a relatively stiff sidewall for performance. Nothing comparable to runflats.

If you do buy the ASA wheels please post pictures, whenever you get them. I would greatly appreciate it.

Good luck and I wish you great fun with your MCS.

 

Grimace - another option you have is the ADR M Classic. They go for about $150/wheel i believe and look just ask good (or better IMO, of course I'm biased as they're on my car) as the R90s. The wheels weigh 20 lbs and I went with Eagle F1 DS-G3's for rubber saving over 10 lbs per corner.

:smile:

 

I almost forgot the customary welcome. Where were my manners? Therefore welcome to northamericanmotoring.com Grimace. Enjoy and feel to ask questions and explore.

 

I just finished the same research. I love the R90 but the price was just too high. I have a 2004 MCS CR/W with stripes, chrome mirror covers and love it. I ordered from the tirerack (am a repeat customer, they are good), the ASA AR1 rims, and Goodyear F1 DS-G3 tires size 215/45/17. The whole package mounted, balanced, delivered was $1269, less than the price of the R90 wheels alone. I think the ASA wheels are very nice and have heard that they are a bit higher quality than the ADR's that look very similar. The Goodyear F1 tires, look Great and drive great and are MUCH better than the factory run flats. They look much better than the factory tire/wheel package on the car. Don't think you can go wrong, but if you chose different wheels, I would still recommend the Goodyear tires as your best bet for the price.

Good luck,

BTW, my factory S-Lites and runflats with 26 miles on them are for sale!

 

Thanks everyone, for the input, and for the greetings. I've been lurking here for about 3 weeks, and this site has been a huge wealth of info.

I think the ASAs are the winners. Since I have a possible hookup at Yokohama, the ES100s are likely the tire of choice. Otherwise, the GYs are tempting as well.

Ordering this coming week; been lusting for almost a year now. Look for my stock 16s to go on sale in the Marketplace once my MCS arrives. :smile:

 

Grimace,
Aloha and welcome to NAM.
Your plan is fine. The ES100s should work well, good dry and wet grip, low road noise, smooth ride and reasonable tread life. Just rotate them every 5000 miles.
Enjoy.

 

so, what did you decide on?

 

>>so, what did you decide on?
>>
>>

Ordering Monday or Tuesday. It's going to be a MCS Indi Blue/Black roof (like yours ), bonnet stripes, premium package (sunroof and MFSW, dontcha know), fogs and xenons, HK stereo, leatherette/anthracite, and that's it. I'll then swap out the 16s and get the 17" ASAs with the Yokos.

Thanks again for the advice and feedback. It's much appreciated.