Junaid K

Hi guys,

I'm from South Africa and have an Evo IX with oem VIII Enkei wheels. I like the wheels, apart from the offset and width. I think they sit much too far in, more especially at the rear.

Other local Evo owners have advised against the use of spacers, as they apparently adversely affect the handling dynamics of the car, and are dangerous. Initially I had considered maybe a 10/12mm at the front, and 15/20mm at the rear.

I have been searching for several months without luck, as there is limited choice locally in the spec of wheel I'm looking for. I don't want to affect performance, so I'm looking for a 17 rather than 18", 9j all round, et30 wheel. I'm going to use Bridgestone Potenza 245/40/17.

To this point, this is the closest I've found to a decent wheel. It's 17", 9j all round, et25. Looks a bit like an Evo7 wheel I think. I'm not sold on the design though.

I need opinions on both the look, and if it'll fit with no rubbing issues. My car is lowered on a set of Tein coilovers.

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iTrader: (3)

17x9 +25 will fit providing rear fender work is done

The +25 is what will make this wheel tough to fit. The 9" also helps in fitment vs a 9.5" wheel.

The wide standard tire would be the 255/40 which will require a fender roll & pull (running stockish rear camber)

Regarding spacers. I dont run them & dont really like the idea of using them but many do & even track their cars w/them

BTW, Im a true 17" enthusiast & run 2 different sets w/no spacers

Junaid K

Yes, et25 is my concern. I was looking for et30.

I don't want to roll the fenders. Nobody will guarantee doing it without ruining the paint.

I plan on using 245, not 255 tyres, if that'll help?

I had even carried a vernier along hoping that there would be enough meat on the back plate to mill 5mm off, but the point from which the cone for the bolt ends, to the flat surface at the rear is only 7/8mm.

How about the look though? I wanted to paint them matt black.

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iTrader: (3)

Ok, ran your no.s as follows 17x9 +30 running a 245/40. IMO, a rear roll will definitely be needed to fit this properly.

You would have to run a +35 to possibly avoid the roll.

Dont fear the roll If the paint does crack at the roll site, have it sanded down & touched up to protect. To me, the benefits of running the wide rubber out weighs the roll issues
Also, Run the 255 please

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iTrader: (3)

Since you seem to be fan of black wheels, heres a pic of my street wheel / tires

Rota P45R 17x9.5 +30 / 275/40 Tyres

Sorry, its a grainy pic after resizing

Junaid K

That's an awesome looker!!!!

Rolled fenders?

I have no choice but to use the 245's as I have them already.

I did the research however. 245 is fine from 8 to 9.5j. 245/255 is actually the ideal size for 9j, although 235 is minimum and 265 maximum.

If I used a 35 offset, wouldn't that sit pretty much like stock?

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iTrader: (3)

Yes Sir, Rear fenders have had the full treatment (roll, pull, bumper bolt & few other tricks to get those 275's to tuck w/zero rub

For sure the 245 is Ok to use, but I like the aggressive look & the performance behind it so I always push for wide

The +35 is mathematically 3mm further outboard than stock but running the 9 inch pushes it further outboard than if the wheel was 8.5"

Junaid K

How do you guys do a fender roll, with that tool that attaches to the hub? Nobody around here has one. They'll use a bar or glass coke bottle & wedge it between the tyre & fender to roll it.


What's meant by pull?


I'd also go 255, but perhaps only when it's time to change tyres.

MinusPrevious

iTrader: (3)

Some use the Eastwood roller & some shops do it the old school way of leather hammer while heating the roll area

Pull is really a push depending on how you view it. Basically its a very intrusive use of a porta-power inserted into the rear fender well (must be done w/extreme detail as to not over push & create a real eyesore)

Junaid K

Not certain what an Eastwood roller is, but yes, the hammer method I do know.


The wheels below have come up. They're R32 GTR oem wheels.


17", 5 x 114, et 30.


Technically checks the boxes from a fit perspective, but I'm not sold on the look.


Any pics of this wheel on an Evo?