I am looking for opinions from CL(P/S) owners who have installed 18'' or larger rims. I'm concerned about the tires sticking out from the fender wells - not so much about rubbing.

Here's the math:
Stock: 17 x 7, +55mm offset
1 inch = 25.4mm

Most 18'' aftermarket wheels are either 7.5 or 8 inches wide. In addition - not too many options with a +55 offset - I'd say +45 is the average.

Therefore, if I put on a 18 x 7.5 with a +45 offset I will put the outer sidewall of the tire further toward the outside of the fender well. In this example:

Wheel 0.5'' wider (~13mm) and offset is 10mm lower - so the wheel will be 23mm or nearly 1 inch further out.

Will I see the "skateboard effect" with this set-up? I have seen some nice wheels on the forum, but from an angle many look like they are pushing out pretty far. How wide/low offset can you go without landing your picture on ricecop.com?

Also, I've been looking for a while now - specifically for an 18'', silver(ish) 5-spoke or split-5 spoke rim and haven't found the perfect one yet. Opinions are welcome. Favorite so far has been the ACE Manta:
http://customwheel.com/custom_wheels...roducts_id/373
It is 18 x 7.5 with a +48 offet.

 

Sorry - not a math major. Only half of the increased wheel width will be toward the outside so 6.5mm vs 13 in my example. In any event - wheel sidewall will still be ~17mm further to the outside (2/3d inch).

 

between +45 and +52 offset is what you should shoot for.

 

That's exactly the kind of feedback I was looking for. I knew that if you guys could lay down 13 posts in a day to help someone decide whether or not to put $20 worth of LED bulbs in their interior...you could definitely help me before I spend a grand on a set of wheels that I can't return.

Keep up the good work.

[no offense, 01S. At least someone answered this week.]

 

haha thats so funny about led interriors.

as for your question, look at pics of guys running 3g TL wheels. they are 17x8 +45.
from what i gather, this is the limit to the fender well and the skate board effect becomes quite noticeable.

here's how mine look with 235/45 tires and stock ride height. http://home.comcast.net/~v.b/temp/f1.jpg
(should look tremendously better with a drop, search if you are interested)

also, those wheels dont seem like they would look good on a CL. could be just me of course. my favorite designs are simple 5 spokes. if i wasnt a poor college student, id rock a set of volk gt-v's. other favorite wheels include SSR GT1s, 3g tl wheels, and ron jon out of production devotions.

 

Thanks, smokendsm. Are you running the 235's on the stock rims, or aftermarket?

I am torn on what to do with my rims. Half of me says to refinish my stockies (or buy a refinished set) for <$550 any day of the week. The other half says go up to an 18. I'm trying to pace myself on expenses right now since my car needs new paint ($$$$$). Most of the rims I like will show a lot of the rotor/brake assembly and the stock brakes aren't that much to look at.

 

What does the "skateboard effect" mean? I've only heard the "skateboard effect" term used when people heat or cut springs. The most extreme width I've seen (without having a widebody) is 10". The lowest offset I've seen is close to +40. I would assume 99% of those who have anything past 8" width/+45 offset have rolled their fenders/shaved their bumper tabs. The perfect width and offset you're looking for is 8"/+50.

The ACE Manta wheel you are looking at will fit just fine. It's definately not my cup of tea in regards to style/construction, but it's your car, not mine. I would suggest looking at Volk GT-V/GT-S.

With those ACE wheels, a 225/40 series tire should keep you from sticking out too much.

 

235/45 on 3g TL wheels (17x8). May look like a skate board, but I love how aggressive it looks.

random wisdom: dont buy anything until youre 100% sure you are happy with the wheels. its better to rock the stockies for a little while longer and save up for something better than to buy something you "sort of" like and then regret it later down the road. I most likely wouldn't spend money on refinishing stockies (my stock CLP wheels are in pretty bad shape, but I only kept em for winter driving).

as for showing rotor/caliper assembly, you're right. theres not much to look at. my tl wheels cover that up pretty well, but if i went with something more exposing, id prolly paint the caliper and bracket black.

 

Just a quick look at the Ace Manta's on an SSM CL (credit to unknown forum member whose picture I downloaded some time ago.) I think they look pretty sharp, actually, but as you can see they will show quite a bit of rotor and brake. I would definitely have to paint the calipers.

I don't know if "skateboard effect" is a standardized term or not. I use the term to refer to nig-nogs/ricers who put 20-series rubber on a chrome 14'' wheel sticking out about 4'' from the fender-well of their Dodge Neon.

You've seen them - you know you have! Well, I haven't seen one in a while, but they used to be pretty common. To me, that is a "skateboard effect."

My earlier post was a little tongue-in-cheek when I said "skateboard effect." I am just concerned that wheels which stick out too far toward the outside of the fender-well will look...cheesy.

 

I like the wheels that others have suggested, but...call me crazy: I don't like 2-piece wheels or cast wheels masquerading as 2-piece wheels. I just don't care for the look of the bolts on the rim. I much prefer a 1-piece cast wheel.

I honestly don't know what the advantages of a 2-piece wheel are - but I have never cared for the look. To each, his own I guess.

 

http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html

you will not look like a 4x4 if u go with 18x7.5 45+ offset (what i got)

 

Difference between methods of wheel construction

 

I get the impression that, before some of the advanced casting methods were available, a 3-piece or 2-piece rim might have had advantages in weight and/or design.

IMO - if the rim is to be made to a standard auto spec (diameter, width, bolt pattern)- there is no advantage other than the looks, if you like them.

Thanks for the link, though.

 

Lol

 

You should by htown's C5's.

 

I know irony when I hear it! I actually would like them if they weren't 3 piece. As I said earlier: to each, his own.

I'm sure I'll find some eventually. I will say I am disappointed in my local wheel stores. Unless you are in the market for a 20'' (or larger) rim, it's really tough to see any of the rims in person. I like the visualization tools on TireRack (and others) but, honestly, I've seen some rims that look good online that don't look so hot in person.

Sometimes the depth of the rim or the angles of the rim create shadows that you just can't see on a computer. We'll see. I appreciate everyone pitching in.

 

i don't understand your hatred for multipiece wheels?

 

I wouldn't go so far as to call it "hatred." More of a personal preference for single-piece cast wheels. I do have reasons, but there's no good way to explain to a zucchini-fan why I don't like it either.

I like the look of cast wheels because they are cleaner-looking in my opinion. Fasteners (bolts, etc) take-away from the look of a wheel - again, in my opinion.

I also like things which are functional and necessary. I especially dislike things which are not. I am not here to start a flame-war with anyone, but in my opinion - on a car like the CL - there is no reason other than appearance to choose a multi-piece wheel. I think that's why there are so many single-piece rims masquerading as 2-piece rims by adding fake bolt-heads. If someone likes the look of multi-piece wheels - then it's a good reason to buy them. If you don't, like me, then there is no good reason.

Now, if multi-piece wheels were significantly lighter, stronger, or more appealing in design (e.g. if there were shapes/designs that could only be produced by multi-piece production) then it might be a different story. If there were a technological limit that kept cast wheels to a maximum size of 17 inches or a minimum weight of 25 pounds - then I would be willing to buy a multi-piece wheel to get an 18'' wheel that weighs 19 pounds.

However, as I see it, the single-piece cast wheels are in the same size, weight, and design categories of multi-piece wheels. So, there is no reason to accept a look that I don't care for to upgrade my wheels.

I feel the same way about the spoiler on the CL. I personally think the car looks better without the spoiler - many people don't agree but, to each his own. If the spoiler were functional (like the movable spoiler on the Porsche Boxter) and actually contributed to the driving experience - I would be willing to accept a look I don't care for. But, it's just for show - and I don't like the show - so I didn't get a CL with the spoiler.

 

Function > Form

 

Nobody makes a multi-piece wheel disguised as a cast wheel, but they do make cast wheels disguised as multi-piece.

All I'm saying is that there is no significant difference in weight, size or form between cast and 2/3-piece wheels. And even if there was, there is no way you can realistically exploit that difference with the CL. No matter what you do to this car you will never reach a point where the limit to your performance is the wheels on your car (tires, maybe, not wheels). If you had a Ferrari F50, it might make a difference.

CL - no.

I have had my CLS to 150mph on the Autobahn (although it starts cutting-out at 147.) I've gone into an (unmarked) hairpin on a back road in Germany doing 45mph - with the wheel full right to the lock and both feet on the brake pedal. If that didn't fail a rim or tire, then nothing you will ever do with this car (other than wreck it) is going to over-task a cast wheel.

Ergo, it is my opinion that most people buy multi-piece wheels purely for looks. If you like the look - good-on-ya! If not, why buy one?

 

Check this out...it really helped me understand what different wheel widths and offsets would do to a car.

http://www.1010tires.com/WheelOffsetCalculator.asp

I also really liked the way you explained why you don't like the 3 piecers....a fair stance considering your explanation.

 

I think I'm going to get a set of Enkei LM1 18's.
http://www.discounttiredirect.com/di...4.3&vid=007034

They are pretty close to the stockies in appearance, which I know will beg the question: why didn't you just get new stock wheels? Well, I actually like the look of the stock wheels, but I'd like an 18'' wheel and these are slightly more open than the stock rims. I think they will look better and still not reveal too much of my stock ("Don't look at me, I'm hideous!") brakes and calipers. I've also seen pix on the forum here of CL's with these wheels and I think they look sharp: simple and elegant.

Downside: they are 3 lbs heavier than stock. However, I am beyond the point of considering a supercharger or other measures to make the car faster. It's a grand touring coupe, not a supercar!

Thanks to everyone who replied. Again, no offense to anyone for their personal style/tastes. It will be a couple of weeks, but I'm getting the car painted and ordering the wheels soon. I'll post up some pix when my baby is pretty again!

 

so the enkei is almost 30 pounds per wheel? doesn't seem like a little much for any wheel that isn't 22 inches or bigger?

 

28lbs, actually. And yes, they are a bit heavier than I would like - although they are closer to the weight of the stock tires than they are to 30lbs. Of course the increased weight is magnified since it's an 18'' wheel.

Man, these cast-wheels are crap...maybe I should get a 2-piece!

I think I just jacked my own thread...

Well, as it turns out the LM1 was initially hard to find...which gave me time to reconsider. I am considering the Konig Crosshairs, which is pretty similar [or not]:
http://www.konigwheels.com/catalog_p...ID=1&ss_id=444

I have looked at literally hundreds of wheels over the last few months - and none of them have been "perfect." The Konigs aren't either, but they do have the advantage of being...well: unique [if that word can be applied to a mass-produced item]. They are definitely lighter than the Enkei wheels, that's for sure.

They are a pretty radical departure from what I had been looking at. Maybe that's what I need. I'm beyond help at this point. I think I'm going to call the tire place and just tell them to ship me an 18 x 7.5 45-55 offset - something - and just make it a surprise!

 

i to am considering geting some new wheels i have looked and they are several choice bu to keep within spec look and a cool new look i decided i should get RON dog wheels, maybe u shud look at that i personally ont like the look of the servo but there's quite a good selection or choices if u got the mula neros $$$

 

Until you bend a rim so bad that it can't be repaired, after the wheel has been discontinued, and all you need to do is buy a new rim and have your face riveted back onto it.

Also, most multi-piece wheels utilize a forged rim section. Much, much harder to bend.

And in 5 years, if you get bored with them? Just buy a new face.

 

I didn't even bother reading this whole post because lately I cringe after seeing you post. Stop taking everything to heart, we are your friends, and most try to help. If we hurt your feelings, take the advice in your signature and grow up.

 

The above was posted - quite sarcastically - because after 2 days there was only 1 reply to a legitimate question and it didn't even answer the question. [again, no offense o1S!] There really were, literally, 13 replies on the LED thread and I was trying to use sarcasm to generate posts and it worked - in spectacular fashion!

As for taking things to heart - let me give you my philosophy on that. Personally attacking someone on the internet is chicken-s%^t. Anyone can be a tough-guy online or via e-mail. I don't play that game. Not even in response to someone else.
In person, I have been told "the only things you did right on today's mission were that you didn't kill me and you didn't kill yourself." I have told others the same thing. No offense taken in either case.

However, I go out of my way to be polite and considerate online because I know I'll never look any of you in the eye. I find it incredibly frustrating because: 1) I don't really care what Mr. "ur rims look stoopid!" guy thinks of me. 2) I know they'd never say the same if they were standing in front of me and 3) I refuse to stoop to the same level.

There are a lot of people on this forum with beautiful cars - whose advice I value. I have only just begun to work on my CL because I've been overseas for 6 years and it's very difficult to get parts shipped or work done. I was hoping the "been there, done that" crowd would have been more helpful and a little less high-and-mighty.

To those who have offered advice - I really appreciate it. To those who lurk on these forums just to insult others. CMH.

and 4ank - I put you in the former category, not the latter.

 

Great info, BTW, on multi-piece rims from several in this thread. I ended up buying a single piece wheel - but hopefully others will now have these considerations available when they research the topic.

I hadn't considered the damage-repair aspects or the ability to put a new face on an old wheel over time. You don't always find this kind of advice on Tire/wheel sites.

Ironically, I have my new wheels in the garage, but my car is in the paint shop for another week. They shipped faster than I though they would!

I'll post up pictures in a week or so.