serbj

iTrader: (1)

I'm currently in the market of wheels, and I propose to install them on this black TL.

18x9.5 Rota Grids and 17x8 OEM Type-S wheels are both appealing options to me. In my opinion, the Rotas, as replicas of Volk TE37's, give the car a more serious performance-look, while Type-S ones have lower moment of inertia and higher strength. However, I find Type-S ones somewhat look like waffles.

I have estimated the costs of both options (shipping included for each item):

Flat gunmetal Rota Grids, 18x9.5 5x114.3/e20/73:
A set(4) of new Rota Grids: $1,070
A set(4) of like-new 18' summer tires on EvoM market (link): $730
A set(4) of Volk φ73.1/φ64.1 aluminium hub rings: $60
A set(20) of Volk L31 M12x1.5 BK 17 hex nuts, with an adapter: $120
Wheel balance and alignment: $160
Total: $2,140

Photoshopped look:


Carbon grey (Enkei) OEM Acura TL Type-S, 17x8 5x114.3/e45/64:
A set(4) of used Type-S wheels with Michelin PS2 (link): $1,250
Retain lug nuts: --
Wheel balance and alignment: $160
Total: $1,410

Photoshopped look:


I have difficulty deciding because I'm in love with the sleek look that Rota Grids bring to the car. TL stands out as a more pronounced Japanese tuner car with these wheels. However, regarding performance, I argue that the OEM Type-S will be much better. They are light (17'), strong (better casting technology), and not excessively wide (for better MPG).

If I go for OEM Type-S wheels, the few hundred dollars cash saved will slightly improve the quality of my social life and allow me to take a couple of more public speaking courses this summer. If I go for Rotas, these will be my opportunity costs. But as you see, it's just a small amount of money, so it make a small difference.

As I have clearly stated my situation, I would like to request for your opinion. I have always appreciate this community as people have a great taste and sometime quote Shakespeare. Thanks in advance.

CLtotheTL32

iTrader: (3)

I like the stock 5-spokes more than those two options

Otacon

iTrader: (1)

Are you going to looks, performance (weight) or price?My vote is always for OEM Type S.

Undying Dreams

iTrader: (3)

lol I like the Rota's, I love the TE37's so I would for sure go for Rota. But as they said, if you're going for performance then leave the lighter wheels on.

P.S. You can get a set of Hankook Ventus V12's for very cheap. They sell for $149 on Tire Rack (for a 235/40/18). I went to Discount Tire and they are willing to price match with free shipping PLUS the $80 coupon from Hankook.

imj0257

iTrader: (1)

Both look good. Buy both, keep the set you like best and give me the second set.

myron

iTrader: (4)

wouldn't go with those rotas because the spokes curve past the lip so when you're looking at the car from thr front, you can see the spokes sticking out on the side.
Type s wheels I am not a fan of either, so I say stay with stock, or get something else

Mo05TL

I like the rota's better than type s, but think the 5 spoke looks better than both.

Turbocoop

iTrader: (3)

those rotas look sweet, but only because the offset in the photoshop is from another car it looks like- so they wouldnt look that good on a TL as stated above

serbj

iTrader: (1)

That's a good proposition, lol. Unfortunately I find out that the flat gunmetal Rota Grids are out of stock, so I will have to get the Type-S ones for my first set now. The second set is in the wind.

I'm very fond of my stock 5 spoke wheels as well, but they have recently decided to take a vacation. So in order to go for grocery runs, I find myself having no choice but to get another set of wheels.

serbj

iTrader: (1)

I photoshopped it from a black Evo X wearing 18x9.5 +20mm Rota Grids, which are exactly the ones I want to buy.

FYI, the concavity of both Rota Grids and Volk TE37's are decided by the width, not offset of the wheels. Some special versions of Volk wheels, such as the ones for Corvette and Porsche, are a bit different of course, but what stated above is a general rule for these wheels. Otherwise, if you are talking about offset itself (the stance that the wheels sticking out), we can make a TL look exactly like the Photoshopped picture above by purchasing a low offset set of wheels or installing spacers or both. You can see the difference in concavity in this picture, where the 350Z needs different width for its front and rear wheels:



But, alas, 18' flat gunmetal Grids are out of stock. Minimum is 3 sets for custom orders.

Predatorbird

I think you answered your own question since you'll get more benefit out of the Type S wheels (lower cost, better performance, mpg, and money for classes).

Steven Bell

iTrader: (2)

Serb, I've never been a big 5-spoke fan, unless it's ZO6 style. But the Type S wheels are hard to beat....

JD TL-S

iTrader: (1)

I agree 100%.

I love the OEM 04-06 wheels
Lower that Beautiful car and those OEM wheels will be fine

Buy a set of Nice 19" wheels look Much better

serbj

iTrader: (1)

I love that kind of 5-spoke as well, and I especially love these wheels on TIKT Corvettes.

My Type-S wheels are on the way to my home now. I wish I will find them in great conditions and happy to meet me.


I know, right? Sometimes I have just answered myself by asking a question.

serbj

iTrader: (1)

Also I have a question: are the Type-S wheels better than base 5-spoke wheels?

They are both Enkei 17x8 cast wheels, and there seems to be not MAT used in casting process. Are they, in fact, exactly the same quality wheels?

ParaSurfer1979

I love concave wheels like the Grids. The wheels would sit as flush as that pic. the 18" concave Grids are +35 offset.

myron

iTrader: (4)

yea typs s and base are the same quality wheels. I didn't hear or read anything that would say otherwise

RU_JELLY

iTrader: (1)

the concave look does come from the offset. I have a +12 on my varrstoen te reps and my friend has the same size but with a +30 or something. way different looks.

serbj

iTrader: (1)

Thanks! That confirms what I thought.

myron

iTrader: (4)

get fifteen52 Tarmacs in 18x9.5

serbj

iTrader: (1)

I bought these Type-S wheels from member i_timmers in this thread^^^. Unfortunately, it came out that our friend, Tim, is full of it. Contract to what he said, these wheels are refurbished and repainted, and not even painted the same color (ghetto). The driver-side front wheel, if you look closely at the picture, is half OEM carbon (brownish) grey and half grey; the other three are repainted grey.

Also contrast to what he said, there is a number of curb rash on the wheel, the tires are worn unevenly, and one tire tread is below legal limit. There is at most 1,000 miles left on the wheels.

So I got ripped off. To you members looking to buy used parts, never pay before having personally inspected the parts.

i_timmers

WOW... what a professional way to handle you being "unhappy" with what you bought. You show 1 wheel that has the tiniest of scuffs on it. You never called me, emailed me, OR texted me there was any sort of issue. I see no color difference other than you took a picture of 2 wheels with one in the shade no less! You sir are full of it. There is NO uneven wear, there is 5/32nds tread on each tire... I CHECKED IT BEFORE THEY SHIPPED just to double check my facts since it was asked of a previous member. There was even a suggestion that you could have any member come to inspect these for a sight unseen purchase. I took a picture of each wheel and tire, and each picture was posted on the F/S thread.... so apparently you are having buyers remorse.

i_timmers

Whats even more humorous is that you can "SEE" the tread on the tire you took a picture of!!! Nice try....

Ron A

I'll get to work on this and contact both parties.

While I do this, the thread will be closed.

Ron A

After expending a great deal of time and effort, and carefully considering all of the facts and pictures and comments from both parties, I find that there is no substantial basis for the dissatisfaction of the buyer.

I have removed the negative ratings posted by both parties and advised both of them of my decision.

This thread is now open again.

Italiano

Hey OP,I used to have the grids in the specs u mentioned...here's the link.... https://acurazine.com/forums/showthr...ack+rota+grids