02_ABP_CL-S

Everyone has been extremely helpful as I worked out the suspension for my CL-S. Along the same lines, I want to replace the factory 17x7 rims with something a little nicer and lighter.

I am looking at 17x7.5 or 17x8 rims (5x114.3). I want to retain the ride comfort of the 17" rims/tires if possible, but will go 18" if necessary to get the right look, weight, and offset.

The wheel choice will dictate the new tires as well. I would like to be able to run wider tires for better performance: 225/45-17, 235/45-17, 245/45-17, or even 255/40-17. I am not sure what will fit the fender well without rubbing. I also do not want them so wide that they look completely out of place.

I know the RonJons, Montegi, Advans, etc wheels are really nice, but for weight, survivability, looks, etc is there a particular brand to stay away from or one to look at more so than others. I want the wheels to "fit" the car. With ABP, the silver and chrome wheels seem to look the best, but I am open to other options.

Anyone have some tips, suggestions, recommendations, red flag warnings, etc?

fuzzy02CLS

iTrader: (2)

With either rim run 235-45-17. Either one doesn't matter either just get the correct offsets. You want a +48 or higher for 8" wide & a +45 or higher for 7.5. You may be able to get by with lower offsets, but it depends on your drop & car.

However if your not dropped & have no plans to, you can run pretty much anything down to a +38 offset.

monkeybutt

First of all you really need to decide between the 17" or 18" size. Seems like Fuzzy and I like 17s for streetability and w/ our stock 17x7 size and 55 offset there is never a chance of rubbing. Saying that, I personally needed to experiance the look and feel of 18s for myself. I will say that they do have that 'right' look and w/ 235/40/18s and adjustable shocks and reasonable drop/spring rates they are pretty liveable unless your streets are really bad. I will still stick to my guns that 17s on my CL-S give me superior ride and performance. But, I just want to limit your chance for buyer's remorse or being like me w/ three sets of wheels.
Wheel selection is so much of a personal taste thing. Maybe try here: http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/MiniW...d=true&sw=1024 to compare the look of some wheels on your car.
Very important is sufficient offset 'cause rubbing kills cruising and performance fun. Cars can have a bit of variation even in the same model. I've gotten 235/40/18s on 18x7.5 wheels w/ 48 offset on advice gleaned from this forum. This was supposed to be conservative/safe. Guess what, left rear rubs w/ people in the back or cornering w/ bumps. And yes I've cut the fender liner tabs and rolled - still rubs. That is why I love my Acura wheels. Happy shopping.

fuzzy02CLS

iTrader: (2)

How slammed are you? That setup shouldn't rub normally. You sure the offset was 48?

dru2

What about 17x8 45 offset with no gap from the wheel to the fender.

Will they rub? or should I say, how badly will it rub?

02_ABP_CL-S

monkeybutt -- I agree on the 18" wheels. The few vehicles I have ridden in that +sized the tires/wheels have ridden rougher/stiffer than stock. This was the reason for wanting to stay with a 17x7.5 or 17x8 if possible. Every company is different, but I am finding in my research that most of the wheels for the Acura CL/TL and Honda Accord seem to be centered around 18x8 or 19x8 with appropriate offsets. I would rather buy an 18x8 with proper offset and ligher weight than a 17x8 with an incorrect offset that is heavier than stock.

fuzzy02CLS -- The maximum drop will be 1.9" front and 1.5" rear. I am looking at 1.7" front and 1.3" rear or there about.

From the information you guys have provided, it sounds like a 17x7+55 would be the best option then with the 17x7.5+48 or 17x8+45 as viable options?

The cost is not a factor in the wheel choice per my wife ("the rims must look good, be the right size for the car, and be what you[meaning me] want" --- don't you wish your wife was like that?). I have been looking at TireRack as well as a few other places, and have seen some wheels that look good on the car. However, the mass for most of the wheels is heavier than the stock wheels by anywhere from .5 to 4 lbs. This is a large performance difference over stock. I would like to find something maybe .5-2lbs lighter. The ASA, Advans, Motegi Racing, and a few of the others are really sweet wheels, but either don't offer the right offset, don't offer the wheels in a 17", or don't have a wheel that looks right with ABP.

I like the 235/45-17 tires. They are ~3/4" wider than the 215/50-17 wheels They look good, have great performance characteristics, and still ride well while keeping within the +/- 2% variance on circumference that Acura/Honda permits.

The 245/45-17 is 1.18" wider than the stock tires. Are those too wide for the fender wells? They are .9% larger in circumference versus the .5% smaller circumference of the 235/45-17 tires as compared to stock.


EDIT: Corrected spelling.

02CLNOS

would a 350z wheel fit if they are 18x8 with a 30mm offset?

monkeybutt

Yeah, it should have fit. 235/40/18s on 18 x 7.5" Damn and I did a lot of research too. Must be my 4" drop - naw, just kidding, oddly I'm on mere H-techs!

monkeybutt

[QUOTE=02_ABP_CL-S;10223755]monkeybutt -- I agree on the 18" wheels. The few vehicles I have ridden in that +sized the tires/wheels have ridden rougher/stiffer than stock. This was the reason for wanting to stay with a 17x7.5 or 17x8 if possible. Every company is different, but I am finding in my research that most of the wheels for the Acura CL/TL and Honda Accord seem to be centered around 18x8 or 19x8 with appropriate offsets. I would rather buy an 18x8 with proper offset and ligher weight than a 17x8 with an incorrect offset that is heavier than stock.

Okay sounds like you will be happy w/ 17" wheels.

From the information you guys have provided, it sounds like a 17x7+55 would be the best option then with the 17x7.5+48 or 17x8+45 as viable options?

Optimal would be 17x7.5 or 17x8" as those wheel widths are in the recommended manufacturers ranges for 235/45/17 tires. Research says rubbing on fender lip will be avoided w/ offset of 48 in 17x7.5" and 50 in 17x8" using 235/45/17 tires.

The cost is not a factor in the wheel choice per my wife ("the rims must look good, be the right size for the car, and be what you[meaning me] want" --- don't you wish your wife was like that?).

Your wife is awesome - keep her.

I like the 235/45-17 tires. They are ~3/4" wider than the 215/50-17 wheels They look good, have great performance characteristics, and still ride well while keeping within the +/- 2% variance on circumference that Acura/Honda permits.

Use 235/45/17 size.
I have not read of anyone using a 245 wide tire successfully.
Have fun shopping.

monkeybutt

Oh yeah, search says stock 02 CL-S wheels weigh in at 25 lbs. Should be pretty easy to find a number of significantly lighter wheels of say less than 18lbs., especially if you have deep pockets.