I have this set of Enkei RFP-1s (18x9.5 +38) that were shod with RA-1 (275/35/18) that were great for the track. I used a 10mm spacer up front and everything cleared nicely.

Enter my new Stoptechs up front. I neglected to check clearance and now have some nice little scrapes on said new stoptechs. I've doubled up the 10mm up front for some spacing fitment, but they're sticking out a little now. I just ran up and down the twisties in my neighborhood terrorizing anyone that saw me, but I don't think I was able to build up enough pressure to really test of they'd rub. Anyone have any input on how I'm going to clear my new brakes but keep the 275s up front? Let's just say I enjoyed the lack of understeer with them, and running with my street 245 GSD3's last week was a little underwhelming.

Thoughts?

 

hm...I think you need to make sure 100% they don't rub first. You can always try running more negative camber as well but Im not sure thats what you want. You can always give them to me I'll give you my stock Evo BBS to run with it...they clear BBk

 

I've run 275's up front w/ an effective + 20 offset...no rubbing (including autoX events). I'm at -2.5 camber up front.

*I also run a 295 w/ an effective +23 offset...this rubs some during hard cornering, but I don't mind.

 

Rahtok, did you solve this issue yet?

 

Not yet. I think I'll try some 20mm spacers up front and abuse it a bit to see if I can get rub. Hopefully not -- then I don't have to buy new rims. I got a quote for a new set of RA-1s. 1600 for the set -- they've gone up in price. It's almost as if they're made of oil or somethin... :P

Does anyone have any 20mm spacers they'd like to let me borrow?

 

just swap them out and get some new wheels You can become the next wheel ***** like Pat and Alvin.

 

dude ... wheels never end.... im at 5... oem 18's, momo 19's, oem 17's, oem 18's, works...

ya its alot of oem... but seriously ... the battle is never over

 

bah, I would have just been on 2, but someone decided they wanted my old wheels more than I did.

 

Yeah I know what you mean. I was watching the prices of 275/40-17 RA-1's on Edgeracing all winter considering using them in the summer as street tires. Then in March they bump 'em up more than $20. Enough to make me reconsider and probably choose RT-615's instead.

18" R-comps are too pricey for me. They're best left up to guys that make good use of 'em like you and First350.

I don't have 20mm's but I got a set of 5mm floating around the forum somewhere, if you could find some use outta them. I think Frist350 might have 'em.

 

I do have them....they're in a large pile full of all the parts I've borrow from you

I also have 10/15 mm spacers w/ build-in studs...but they're currently on my Z - if you can find a day where I'm around the house, you can swap them onto your car and go for a test drive...but w/ autoX season in full swing, I can't let them go too far (my autoX wheels won't fit w/out them)

 

Hrm. Well, I've got extended lugs, so I don't know if I could even take advantage of the ones with built in lugs without the real ones causing issues.

Maybe I should switch back to 17" if I'm getting new rims anyway. It's one of the reasons why I bought the 13" stoptech kit instead of 14". Tires I think would be a bit cheaper, and I'd have more options.

Anyone have any idea for super light, super cheap rims that'll fit well? The Enkei's were +38 and needed a 15 to 20mm spacer to clear the brakes. I don't care what color they are or how fugly they look.

The difference in cost between 275/40/17 and 275/35/18 is $240 vs $360 or so. :/

 

17's or 18's?

For budget; the 17" MB Motoring Competitions are pretty popular. And they'll clear the Brembos. Probably flex's like a wet noodle w/ all the Z's mass and power but at $150 for a 17x9, 18 lb wheel, you can't beat that. I have a set now that I'm waiting for summer to put tires on.

for 18"s you're already there. The RPF1's are the best bang for the buck IMO.

 

what about the 18" RE30's?

 

Well, hurry up and put yours on and try them out. It's summer -- for Seattle. Snap to it and let me know how they go!

 

^ Remember from years back when you, me, Dr Volkl and the '3 other Brians' that also drove Z's use to autoX; I use to come out w/ a set of MB Motroing wheels w/ Avons on as my practice set. The wheel worked great then and I regerted selling 'em. I'm wondering how much flex they're going through though. Frist350 sent me an article once on the stiffness of wheels and how they effect performance and in the test that they conducted, stiffness turned out to be a greater advantage than weight.

Ahhh yess... the Volk RE30's are VERY nice. All Volk wheels are nice, sturdy, light and high quality. But there is a price for that quailty. Admittedly... I am too cheap to spend that kinda $ for performance for my 'running shoes'.

Another set of budget wheels come to mind... the 5Zigen FN01R-C's. I think they have 17 & 18 sizes that work well for the Z. I think First350 is rock'n both FRN01-C's and RPF1's for his R-Comp sets.

 

+1 to the FN01r-C's...you can find them for a decent price too.

*both of my R-comp wheels are enkei's...RPF1's and RP02 (looks similar to the 5 spoke design of the FN01R-C)

 

Gah, well what offsets and spacers are you using up front first350?

 

I went out and snapped a couple of pics with one of the rims on w/20mm spacer.

 

Hoosier A6 295/30/18
Enkei 18X10 +38 (w/ a 15mm spacer)
lowered 2.5", camber -2.0, slight toe out.