Wheel opinions needed...
#1
Wheel opinions needed...
I'm lusting after the BBS RZ wheels on Konky's ride, but there are no longer made in 17" Mini compatible size.
I'm looking to stay with the 17" size and want light weight (reduce unsprung weight and rotational mass) without paying a fortune. My MCS is a daily driver and for fun backcountry roads with the various local Mini clubs. Roads here are better than in New England, but the country roads still leave much to be desired. Seems like most are recommending 215/45/17 tires, so that's what I'll be looking for.
I've gone through almost every vendor in SandToast's excellent vendor thread, but I'm just finding a lot of bling and not much substance. I've also read about the horror stories from Edge Racing and I'm thinking I'd just be better off ordering from Tire Rack or a local vendor.
I fired up photochomp and used some images from TireRack (easy way to do a 5 lug nut conversion and a null brake kit ). I'd really like some opinions; what's your favorite? Bonus points if you have experience with any of these wheels (good or bad).
Weds TC005 Out of my budget range even on closeout pricing, but wondering if Alex at Tire Rack can make a great deal on these with tires? Since these are discontinued, what happens if I damage a rim; should I buy a 5th wheel just in case?
Gramlights 57c
Gramlights 57s
Kosei K1 Race
Kosei K1 TS
OZ Ultraleggera
BBS RZ What Konky's wheels would look like on my car. This is my favorite wheel style still, but no longer made. Has anyone seen something simillar to it in a different brand that makes a Mini compatible 17" wheel?
Thanks!
I'm looking to stay with the 17" size and want light weight (reduce unsprung weight and rotational mass) without paying a fortune. My MCS is a daily driver and for fun backcountry roads with the various local Mini clubs. Roads here are better than in New England, but the country roads still leave much to be desired. Seems like most are recommending 215/45/17 tires, so that's what I'll be looking for.
I've gone through almost every vendor in SandToast's excellent vendor thread, but I'm just finding a lot of bling and not much substance. I've also read about the horror stories from Edge Racing and I'm thinking I'd just be better off ordering from Tire Rack or a local vendor.
I fired up photochomp and used some images from TireRack (easy way to do a 5 lug nut conversion and a null brake kit ). I'd really like some opinions; what's your favorite? Bonus points if you have experience with any of these wheels (good or bad).
Weds TC005 Out of my budget range even on closeout pricing, but wondering if Alex at Tire Rack can make a great deal on these with tires? Since these are discontinued, what happens if I damage a rim; should I buy a 5th wheel just in case?
Gramlights 57c
Gramlights 57s
Kosei K1 Race
Kosei K1 TS
OZ Ultraleggera
BBS RZ What Konky's wheels would look like on my car. This is my favorite wheel style still, but no longer made. Has anyone seen something simillar to it in a different brand that makes a Mini compatible 17" wheel?
Thanks!
Last edited by speednut; 09-28-2006 at 09:07 AM. Reason: Added BBS RZ photo and subtext
#2
I like the OZ Ultraleggera best.
Next the Gramlights 57s.
Alex won't be able to make much of a deal on a set of wheels beyond what specials tirerack can run. There just isn't much flex room for dealing.
Tirerack is a great vendor for wheel and tire package purchases. Alex will give you excellent technical advice and support for your business. Don't hesitate to call him and leave a message if needed or email.
Next the Gramlights 57s.
Alex won't be able to make much of a deal on a set of wheels beyond what specials tirerack can run. There just isn't much flex room for dealing.
Tirerack is a great vendor for wheel and tire package purchases. Alex will give you excellent technical advice and support for your business. Don't hesitate to call him and leave a message if needed or email.
#7
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#10
OZ Ultras
I just ordered a set of the 15" OZ Ultras in Matt Graphite w/ Toyos. I ordered from Tire Rack off their website around 2:00pm and they shipped from Atlanta the same day and were delivered to me at 10:00 am the next day (Greenville SC). Edge racing had some great deals going but these were always at the top of my list, and at 12lbs/wheel I had to say yes. Sadly, haven't had time to mount them yet but they're going on this weekend. The matt graphite finish is much deeper and glossier than I expected, not a bad thing at all. The finish is flawless, but ultimately they were the best combination of weight vs strength I could afford. I wouldn't rule out Edge though, they had some greal deals on Enkei wheels. But I have absolutely nothing but good to say about Tire rack. My UPS driver, on the other hand, almost gave me a heart attack when he was unloading the wheels and jokingly said "Nice wheels, but why'd you only order three?" BTW, the package came with studs, hub rings and center caps, all ya need. Not everyone's wheel & tire package includes that stuff for free.
#11
Originally Posted by cooper99
Beautiful photoshop work.
I added a photo with Konky's BBS RZ wheels in the first post. Wonder if anyone has seen similar wheels from another manufacturer.
Potentially I'm still trying to find budget for the Weds. Are these wheels strong compared to other big manufacturers (BBS, OZ, Rays, etc.)?
Thank you everyone who's offered their $.02, I really appreciate it!
#13
I just ordered a set of the 15" OZ Ultras in Matt Graphite w/ Toyos. I ordered from Tire Rack off their website around 2:00pm and they shipped from Atlanta the same day and were delivered to me at 10:00 am the next day (Greenville SC). Edge racing had some great deals going but these were always at the top of my list, and at 12lbs/wheel I had to say yes. Sadly, haven't had time to mount them yet but they're going on this weekend. The matt graphite finish is much deeper and glossier than I expected, not a bad thing at all. The finish is flawless, but ultimately they were the best combination of weight vs strength I could afford. I wouldn't rule out Edge though, they had some greal deals on Enkei wheels. But I have absolutely nothing but good to say about Tire rack. My UPS driver, on the other hand, almost gave me a heart attack when he was unloading the wheels and jokingly said "Nice wheels, but why'd you only order three?" BTW, the package came with studs, hub rings and center caps, all ya need. Not everyone's wheel & tire package includes that stuff for free.
#14
Photochomp tools makes it really super easy. Big trick is to find a photo with the Mini's wheels at same angle at the ones on the tire rack site. Small tricks are to use Free Transform and to feather your selection before pasting into a new layer. ~2 minute job per wheel.
I added a photo with Konky's BBS RZ wheels in the first post. Wonder if anyone has seen similar wheels from another manufacturer.
Potentially I'm still trying to find budget for the Weds. Are these wheels strong compared to other big manufacturers (BBS, OZ, Rays, etc.)?
Thank you everyone who's offered their $.02, I really appreciate it!
Weds are VERY well known in Asia.. Known to be very light and strong.. so no doubt in their quality
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Thanks all for your opinions, I appreciated it. Got a bonus check from work and I'm putting it towards the expensive Weds TC005s. 14lbs/17" wheel is hard to resist.
Second thanks to all who've posted tire info that I was able to search for, also very helpful!
Cheers,
Dave
Second thanks to all who've posted tire info that I was able to search for, also very helpful!
Cheers,
Dave