Want 17x8... Will 17x7 Do?

[MearCat]

I have been looking around for the past 3-4 weeks trying to find a set of 17inch rims for my (silver) R33 SII but have not had much luck finding anything I like. I am after something like the Volk Racing Challenge (thinnish 5 spokes) but all I can seem to find is places selling 17x7 rims not 17x8/17x9. Those places selling 17x8 are usuallly offset for FWD and Commonwhores! I want to stick with 17's and not to go to 18's.

If I go with 17x7 rims, my tyre width on those would be ~215, 20mm narrower than the 235 on 17x8 on the front & 40mm narrower than the 255 on 17x9 rears.

In terms of grip and handling, would I be better off keep lookng for a set of 17x8/17x9 rather than settle for 17x7s?

P.S. - I am on a budget (max $1500) too, which also makes it harder to find what I want.

Edited January 11, 2006 by MearCat

[MANWHORE]

I would stick with the wider wheeels quality wheels. I'm not a fan of those heavy chromy narrow ricer wheels e.g. tempe tyres wheels.

1500 will be pretty tight if you want to run good tyres.

This is how i'd do it: every now and then you see decent jap wheels for sale on sau for cheap. e.g. just a few days ago, a set of avs lookalike wheels went for 500$. i'd do that, and then spend 1k on tyres.

falken fk451 - in 17" ~250 each at tempe tyres.

Edited January 11, 2006 by 97r33gtst-typeM

[Wink]

The reason you're getting thin sizing is because those 17" wheels are made for cars like Lancer/Civic.

To get the right sizing in 17" you're pretty limited unless you get some JDM rims.

[predator]

you should be able to fit up to about 225's on a 7" width rim..

[Adrian Knack]

Check out the JDM Imports website - Charles might have something 2nd hand in the size and price you are looking for.

Save up and keep looking for something you will be happy with - otherwise you will waant to change them again down the track.

[NateR31]

i ran 245s on 7inch rim once, had no problems

[Abo Bob]

You can definitely notice the difference in grip between what you can fit on the larger rims and what will fit on the 7's. I too would recommend you buy second hand off the forums. I have done so 3 times with no worries. Maybe someone it upgrading from 17's to 18's and will sell you the rims and tyres for a good price. It does happen.

[MANWHOR3]

I would not fit 245 on a 7" rim. Wider is not better. This fitment will just give floppy bouncy sidewalls.

I would fit as follows:

6.5" - 205

7-7.5" - 205/215

8" - 225/235

8.5" - 225/235/maybe245

9" - 245/255

Edited January 13, 2006 by MANWHOR3