I just picked up a black 03 CLS with 85K to replace my white 2001 with 175K. Im kinda digging the split 6 spoke wheels that came on this 03. I know the big blade 5 spoke wheels are everyones favorite classic acura look. But am I tripping if I keep the 03's and not swap them before I sell my 01?

 

wheels are very much personal/subjective.

if you like the 03's better, why not keep them?

its whatever you like....not whatever we like....because we can spend your money all day.

 

you're basically saying this:

I know most of ya'll like vanilla ice cream, but I kinda dig the chocolate.
would it be wrong of me to skip the vanilla and keep eating the chocolate?

NO!! if you like chocolate, keep eating chocolate ice cream!!!!!!!

 

I knew I'd get that response. So what, I'm asking opinions. Everyone who see those wheels is like ugh get rid of em. I'm not sure if down the road ill regret not swapping them. I like both styles, my 01 5's have a major curbing on one of them and I hate looking at it.

I just want to know what other people think. No harm in that.

 

^keep the 03s

 

i like the 03 better. Both look good when the car is dropped. 3rd gen TL rims look even better with a drop + they're wider. Then there are endless aftermarket rims that look better.

 

Yeah I like the 03 wheels better.

Myself personally I sometimes consider getting base 3rd gen TL wheels. Maybe if I can find a good set at salvage...

 

okay so more fans of the 03 wheels. I think they look more updated

 

I say get rid of them and get 04-06 tl wheels. Wider and better offset, and if down the road you get a bbk they will fit

 

Was rocking split 6 spoke CLs wheels on my 2G TLs. Thinks they look good but there heavy now rolling on 3G TLs wheels

 

is it s type 3g or just any of them. anyone have pics of em on a 2G?

 

Civicdrivr:



Not type s ones. Those are waffle pattern, and not as nice I think.

 

O yeah I'm digging that, 17 or 18s

 

Those are 17x8 +45. Will require a slight rear fender roll probably. They also clear the RL BBK which he has in that pic.

 

I've owned an '01 and '03 between those Oem wheels I like the '03s better.

 

Interesting. Seems like the real CL fans prefer the more updated less flashy 03 wheels. Most average joes are attracted to the 01/02 it seems.

 

could be. I'd say go aftermarket lighter rims or 3rd gen TL rims. the oem rims are only 7" wide.

 

I have Civicdrivr's old 6MT now, it came with the 3G wheels on it. Gotta say I really like them. I just put some 235/45/17's on them, the 8" width is an improvement.

 

Right now I only have the 2 different sets to choose from, but I'm definitely gonna keep an eye out for some of those 3G's. I like that CL though, almost has me thinking of painting the window trim flat black like that (plastidip I presume?) instead of gloss body color. Looks nice. I'd almost say paint the wheels black too, but thats kind of over-done these days. I've always like the way nice alloy colored wheels look.

 

^Thanks

yep, flat black plastidip

 

Correction: when I mentioned my preference for 3g TL wheels I meant the 07-08 base. I forgot they were different from the 04-06.

These are the ones I prefer

 

I like 3g wheels too..wat do yo guys think about these accord wheels?

 

But wheels aren't priority to me anyway. If you like them

For the OP: I like the stock 03 CLS wheel. I wouldn't be averse to a lighter 18x8 if handling is significantly improved but it isn't something I'd do unless I came across a very sweet deal. I might not do it then... other priorities.
I'm not sure I'd go for 17x8 TL wheels. I like them but I figure it would cost $800-$900 for the wheels and tires. That's a lot for an extra inch.

 

I agree that the cost of a set of 17x8 TL wheels + tires could be a bit expensive. There are still some cases where it's a viable option.

If you have stock oem 2G CL wheels with nothing wrong with them, then spending the money for a used set of the 3G 17x8's isn't worth it.

HOWEVER....lol. If you get lucky and find a set for ~$200, they could be a worthwhile investment. The 2G's could be used as a winter set, and throw on some high quality 235/45/17 tires. The grip is noticable over 2G Type S wheels w/ 225/215's.

Another thing to consider: not everyone has the expendable income to go out and buy aftermarket wheels. There are cheaper aftermarkets, like drags and so on. I'd trust my life with oem 3g wheels over drags any day.

There's also no need to worry about fitment with the 17x8's. The offset is perfect, and with 235/45/17's the speedo is very close to true speed @ 60mph. Lowered cars need not worry about rubbing / hellaflush camber in order to make things work. A fender roll is all you'd need. They also clear RL BBK's

Sorry for the rant lol. My basic point is that for people who can't drop big bills on Work/Racing Hart/etc, wider oem wheels are a good middle ground, and gains in traction will be seen. You'll be hard pressed to find a better wheel and tire package for $900 and under. I'm leaving Chinese Gravity Cast wheels out of this entire equation (I split two MSW Type 16 18x8's in HALF, right down the barrel on my S2000).

Full disclosure: I have the 3G 17x8's, and I just wrapped them in brand new Goodyear Eagle Sport All Seasons (W Speed Rated) 235/45/17's from Sams Club. Total Cost for the 4 Tires, Mounting and Balancing, and the warranty program was $500. A decent deal for daily driver, non-tracked 6MT. They are awesome, yes I'm biased lol.