amadeus303

iTrader: (2)

Can any TSXers with mesh wheels post pics in this thread? I'm having a crap of a time finding mesh wheels (especially ones with a lip) in 18x8 with an offset that actually works on our car. I've found 18x8's all over the place, but with +40mm offsets... and I don't want to be sticking out past the fender. I've found 18x7.5's all over the place with good offsets (at least +45 and higher), but then I'm limited to a 225 section width, and I'd like to run 235-40/18 to stay in line with stock dimensions. Yes... I know many of you blokes run 235's on your 7.5" rims... and while I feel a little better after PM'ing with some of you, I'd still prefer to mount tires according to manufacturer recommendations --- if not for optimal performance, then definitely for looks, since a 235 on an 8" wide rim will make the sidewall look better IMO. I would consider that scenario as my last resort. Anywho, even if you're not using a 8" wide wheel, I'd still like to see pics just so I can see what other brands are out there in addition to the usual mesh wheel suspects (i.e., BBS, Volk, HRE, etc.). Cheers in advance.

Ontilt

18x7.5 with 225 will look really close to the 18x8 with 235's. So personally, as long as your offset is ok (42-48) then you should be fine.

TSX_Road_Warrior

I went through the same thing over the last several weeks. I too wanted mesh sport wheels, but was having a tough time finding them in 18X8 with a decent offset. I settled on PIAA 18X7.5/+48's in Hyper Black Finish.

I also went with Falken Ziex Ze 512 235/40/18 tires. The recommended fitment for that particular rim is of course 225/40/18, but everyone I have talked to from this board and others says the 235 does great and gives a bit more rim protection, etc. The main reason I did it was because I'm only lowered by A-Spec and I didn't want to increase the wheel gap any more than I had to. I ordered my wheel package from www.edgeracing.com . Tony was very helpful on the phone and even said I would be fine running the 235's. I went with an all season performance tire because I don't think I'm going to change out my wheels for the winter-that's the plan anyways. My wheels are supposed to be here by the end of next week. There may be some delay since Edge Racing is located in Miami and they are dealing with the mess created by Hurricane Katrina. BTW these rims also come in a silver finish also. They are not shown on the US Website, but if you view PIAA's Japanese site http://www.piaa.co.jp/ you can view them. I called PIAA USA Customer Service and they do have the silver versions in stock in the 18X7.5 +48 if you can find someone to order them for you. Good Luck. Chris

amadeus303

iTrader: (2)

Chris... that's great info --- I loved the PIAA wheels, but was hoping to find them in silver! I like gunmetal a lot too (especially on white and silver cars), but prefer the bigger contrast of silver on my black car. Please take pictures when you put them on. I'm dying to see how they look, and how big the lip is. Cheers mate

TSX_Road_Warrior

You know those actually are not nearly as dark as you think they are if you are judging by that particular picture. Here's a much better pic of what they look like in person with better lighting. This is a pic of one of the 18X7.5's with a different bolt pattern.

They are actually much more of a high polished type look with a black clear coat over them. Kind of like a "black chrome". I will definitely take some photos. I'm going to install the OEM Body Kit and lip spoiler at the same time I install the new wheels.
Chris

LannyM

Damn Chris; I though you changed your mind again! I know I got a PM saying you ordered Enkei's ......I just didn't realize that Enkei RPM2 was the same as PIAA Super Mesh ..............

TSX_Road_Warrior

Yeah Lance! I bet you weren't surpised-LOL. The offset was only a +42 on the Enkei's and that was not going to cut it. And there was a 60 day back order on them as well. The PIAA's are not quite as light as the Enkei's, but they are still lighter than the stock 17's. They are about $72 more each also, but I did a fair amount of reasearch on them and the consensus seems to be they are worth the money. Time will tell. Cannot wait to get 'em on though! Chris

TSX_Road_Warrior

Okay now I figured out why they are more expensive than the Enkei's...
It's this trick carbon fiber center cap

werd

These were my first choice but they don't make them in 19 anymore

http://www.worksuperwheels.com/wheels/termist_tm1.html

387

Those mesh would look pretty sweet...

TSX_Road_Warrior

Here's the pics! Well first off I'm very happy with my wheel choice. They are exactly what I wanted and the quality of these PIAA's are excellent. The Hyper Black Finish is indeed killer in person.

I'm a bit bummed that even with the 235/40/18 tires and the A-Spec Suspension Kit that the car still looks like it's sitting to high. The gap with the stock wheels with A-Spec before the installation this morning were 2 fingers rear and 3 fingers front. Now with the new wheels (18X7.5 ET48 PIAA Sport Mesh-Falken Ziex ZE512 235/40/18 tires) it's 2 1/2 rear and 3 1/2 front. I didn't expect the new wheels to close the gap any, but I didn't expect it to increase either. I just had the A-Spec installed a little over a week ago and now it looks like I will putting it up for sale immediately and going with one of the Tein Packages.

I just got the word this morning that the front OEM lip in NBP was being released from B/O so my OEM body kit should be here by late next week. I also have an M3 style painted rear lip to go with the kit. So I figure in the next 2 weeks or so I should have everything set-up the way I envisioned. If anyone wants to buy extremely, lightly,hardly used A-Spec Suspension Kit-it's officially for sale-LOL . Chris


front gap

rear gap

euroStyle

They look a lot like BBS RX wheels or RGR.

amadeus303

iTrader: (2)

Chris --- those look tight! The wheels are SO bright, they almost look chrome! Once you get the kit and Teins on, it's going to look 10x better. Can't wait to see it when it's all updated...

Alin10123

I think an OEM body kit should help it look lower as well.

McGriddle

The rims are awesome, man.

joerockt

Those are really nice! Now drop that shit.

TSX_Road_Warrior

I'm work'n on it! LOL
So are you still happy with your BASICS joerockt?

I've been trying to reach Mr. Heeltoe all day to get some pricing...

Tsx536

Looks good man.

If you're getting the OEM kit, take the mudflaps off ASAP. They will scratch the paint underneath. Mine got lightly scratched after only 5000 miles.

joerockt

Yea, I'm real happy with them. The daily ride is fine and their stiff enough to keep me straight through the turns. Love em...

Yea, Marcus is a good guy to deal with. Give him a chance, he's only a one person operation I think , but very knowledgeable...

TSX_Road_Warrior

You know it's funny you mention that. When we put it up on the lift today I almost pulled them off but decided to leave them on till next weekend when I install the kit. I won't be going much of anywhere in the next week so hopefully they won't make to many marks.