Well, I was waiting for TireRack to get the 2002 OEM replacement tires in because I wanted to give that combo a try and get some new SSR Integral wheels at the same time. Why? Well, I want room for bigger brakes without giving up the ability to run OEM tires. I was prepared to go with the 16/17 combination before the 2002 specs were released, and it seems like the 17/17 combo allows even more room for brakes plus a better selection of track tires without giving up the ability to run OEM spec tires. So I decided to wait.
Then the other day the SSR’s went on a special discount, but still no tires. I considered pre-paying the wheels and waiting for the tires, but now the underwear is showing all the way around on both my rears, so it was time to do something fast.
I decided to try the S03 since it gets mostly favorable comments, and besides, I feel like it’s time re-confirm that the OEM tires are still the right choice. I would have preferred to try the Toyo T1S, but that would have been much more hassle since those aren’t available from the same places as the wheels. So, I called TireRack and placed the order, and this is where I screwed up. I told the guy I wanted 17x8 fronts and 17x9 rears, (wider than stock to leave more options in the future, but still appropriate for the tires) and he came up with the recommended offset. He quoted me +38 fronts and +45 rears and although I asked him if he was sure those were the correct specifications for my car, I did not do the math myself. (Not a good idea to place an order from work when you’re in a hurry!)
Fast forward to last night. The weather was spectacular so I dashed out of work a bit early to go home and swap the wheels in time for a drive before dark. I was a bit disappointed by the amount of weight required to balance a couple of them, but hopefully it was tires rather than the wheels that were off. I’ll find out next tire change. The real problem is that the fronts stick out too far for my taste. At center they are pretty much dead even with the fender lip, but given the toe-out in the front and the slight taper of the nose, they actually stick out somewhat at the front. Besides that, the rears are visibly further in than the fronts which looks odd, although that is in part because I have 3+ degrees of negative camber back there so the tops tilt in. With the car a bit higher or the rear modified to reduce camber they would probably look OK relative to the fronts, and spacers are always an option there.
I realize this may be the popular look for most of TireRack’s customers, but it’s not what I wanted. I called them this morning and it turns out that’s the only offset in the 17x8 size. (I have not yet checked the manufacturer) The 7” version also has a +38mm offset, but that would still pull the outer lip in ½ inch, which should be enough, but would not be optimum if I someday decide to try 225s (or is that 225’s ?) on the front. And of course, there’s the hassle factor in changing at this point. Crap, nothing’s easy.
So now I’m stuck with two less than desirable choices, stay as-is, or go through the grief and expense to change. I’m tempted to change to the 7’s up front and live with that since I’m seriously considering getting a set of TE37s as well and mounting OEM tires on them.
Anyone want a good deal on some really neat wheels & tires?
Then the other day the SSR’s went on a special discount, but still no tires. I considered pre-paying the wheels and waiting for the tires, but now the underwear is showing all the way around on both my rears, so it was time to do something fast.
I decided to try the S03 since it gets mostly favorable comments, and besides, I feel like it’s time re-confirm that the OEM tires are still the right choice. I would have preferred to try the Toyo T1S, but that would have been much more hassle since those aren’t available from the same places as the wheels. So, I called TireRack and placed the order, and this is where I screwed up. I told the guy I wanted 17x8 fronts and 17x9 rears, (wider than stock to leave more options in the future, but still appropriate for the tires) and he came up with the recommended offset. He quoted me +38 fronts and +45 rears and although I asked him if he was sure those were the correct specifications for my car, I did not do the math myself. (Not a good idea to place an order from work when you’re in a hurry!)
Fast forward to last night. The weather was spectacular so I dashed out of work a bit early to go home and swap the wheels in time for a drive before dark. I was a bit disappointed by the amount of weight required to balance a couple of them, but hopefully it was tires rather than the wheels that were off. I’ll find out next tire change. The real problem is that the fronts stick out too far for my taste. At center they are pretty much dead even with the fender lip, but given the toe-out in the front and the slight taper of the nose, they actually stick out somewhat at the front. Besides that, the rears are visibly further in than the fronts which looks odd, although that is in part because I have 3+ degrees of negative camber back there so the tops tilt in. With the car a bit higher or the rear modified to reduce camber they would probably look OK relative to the fronts, and spacers are always an option there.
I realize this may be the popular look for most of TireRack’s customers, but it’s not what I wanted. I called them this morning and it turns out that’s the only offset in the 17x8 size. (I have not yet checked the manufacturer) The 7” version also has a +38mm offset, but that would still pull the outer lip in ½ inch, which should be enough, but would not be optimum if I someday decide to try 225s (or is that 225’s ?) on the front. And of course, there’s the hassle factor in changing at this point. Crap, nothing’s easy.
So now I’m stuck with two less than desirable choices, stay as-is, or go through the grief and expense to change. I’m tempted to change to the 7’s up front and live with that since I’m seriously considering getting a set of TE37s as well and mounting OEM tires on them.
Anyone want a good deal on some really neat wheels & tires?
