I am looking for some cheapie track wheels that I can throw R-Comps on and not feel bad about scuffing up. I narrowed my choices down to 17x9.5 +44 Enkei NT03+M and 17x9.5 +22 Gram Lights 57C. The Enkei wheels are obviously proven and are a nice motorsports wheel. Has anyone run the 57c in a "high grip" configuration? Will I experience any issues with a cast wheel or any sort of spoke flex? ANy other comments about this particular wheel in a track setting?

Thanks in advance.

 

I wouldn't consider either of those choices "cheapie" wheels . The Gram Lights are a strong wheel that you shouldn't have any flex problems with. I run 17x8.5 with 245/40 A032R's. You might also look at the Enkei RPF1's. They are REAL strong. Don't ask how I know I also have RPF1's with Hoosiers. I don't think you could go wrong with the NTO3, RPF1, or 57C/S for an affordable track wheel.

 

I like the RPF1 but Robi and others say that when running *x9.5 + R-Comps the spokes flex, which is why I was wondering about the Gram Lights.

 

I never had spoke flex, but I also run the 8.5's with 245 Hoosiers. I'm sure they experience higher grip levels than I have running 275/285 rubber. Even with 9.5's and 275 r-comps I'd be surprised if the "average" driver and average track setup Evo would need to worry about spoke flex.
Are you an experienced racer that is going to push the absolute limit like they do? Remember they drive at a level most wouldn't be comfortable. When they get their Evo up on two wheels like I've seen I'm not surprised they get some wheels flex

 

This should help show you that the RPF1's are plenty strong and spoke flex should be very minimal. If you like them they will work just fine.

 

Here is the Sparco Evo on Gram Lights. They are 57f's though. Nice pic.

 

Hey, I own those tires! ^^^^ If I was buying a set of track wheels (and I really should), it would be the NT03+M no question.

 

You should be fine either way as long as you have a few mm clearance on the spoke and caliper. Make sure you leave a little room for the lower rear trailing arm since that tends to rub under compression. Good luck!

Mike Ko

 

well... wouldn't say you'd be fine... cuz flex could cause break... and rpf1s have been broken before at the spokes.

the 57s should be plenty safe from flex. flex occurs when you have thin spokes in an unfavorable geometry which is what the rpf1 has...

you'll notice that the rpf1 spokes are all in the same location cuz it's a lip wheel as opposed to a concave spoke wheel. the spokes actually sort of curve. that makes them weaker. or at least more prone to bending.

if you have a concave style wheel you'll get less bend as the geometry doesn't favor it. notice that the nt03s that robi has switched to are a sunk spoke style... and there's many more spokes. notice a ce28 has may spokes and has a sunk spoke style also, althought the spoke connects at the rim in a parallel to rim fashion as opposed to a perpendicular "direct" fashion.

with this stuff in mind you should be able to make a better decision.

 

I'd go for the gram lights because their JDM index factor is a tad higher.