I know the RPF1 is played out, but I need to narrow my decision down, and I like these options! This is my daily...so Im thinking the 18's will be out. Seems like to much of a hassle to have to worry about what pot-holes to avoid.

Also, mine is the same White/Tan combo on the last picture.

What do you guys think?

17x9 RPF1 - 255/40/17 - Minor fender rolling, no biggie.



18x9.5 RPF1 - 255/35/18 - More intensive fender rolling on the rear. (Picture features 285/30/18's)


18x8 Exel Ennio - 235/35/18 - Heavy rim....would by 16x8 RX7 wheels for track.

 

Option 1.

 

Option 2, the 18" RPF1
17's look a little too small on the mx5 TBO, but that's just my

 

Option 3 ftw

 

Daily driver = Option #3

 

Of course you aren't going to daily with g-Force R1s but I would go with the 17x9 RPF1. If you plan on driving your car hard and want the most performance, 17" wheels are the best compromise of low unsprung weight, while maintaining enough of a sidewall to give you a cushier ride, and in addition the additional sidewall will still have enough give in it to help you launch and put the power to the ground coming out of corners. Plus it sounds like you'll be flush with no problems with fender rolling

Most of the time, fender rolling looks like ass because the bumper doesn't line up perfectly with the rear fender lines if you don't care about that, then go with what you want.

 

daily option 3
followed by option 2

 

Option 2.

 

OP should have posted a poll.

 

option #2 > #1 > #3

 

jk

 

MX5 looks the best with performance rims

 

I like the design of #3 but don't like the brand

 

RPF1 of course.

 

17"
So #1 FTW

 

1 and 2 look silly for a non-track car, let alone a DD. 3 is much more conventional.

 

I guess Volks must be silly on cars that never see track time.

I never even heard of the RPF1 until I needed to put new wheels on my Integra. They are a great wheel for the price. And for the price, they are much more lightweight than what you'd get for wheels that cost the same.

A 15" RPF1 weighs less than a most, if not all, 15" Volk wheels.

On the track wanting a lightweight wheel makes obvious sense. IMHO, I think the same applies for a DD, less weight, better gas mileage.

 

You should go for the 18" RPF1, the 17" looks silly with all that rubber

 

18" RPF1 FTW.

You're going to regret getting 17's just like Anil

Just kidding Anil.

 

Those 18" RPF1s do look pretty sick...

 

The guy with the MX5 with the red stripes actually lives about 30 mins north of me. He's agreed to roll my fenders, just the rear actually. The front fender is pretty flush already, so no need to roll.

 

I should have been more clear....

It's my daily that I track/autox in.

Im not so much worried about ride quality per say. Coilovers, strut braces, and massive sway bars really have softened the ride.

 

Lol. If you do track/autox it, then option #1 is definitely a no-brainer. Options 2 and 3 are for "show". 17's will give you better performance at the track than 18's.

 

More 18" RPF1's. I would NOT go with 285's. Most likely 245's or 255's.

 

Actually its been proven, at least for the MX5, that the wider contact patch provided by the 9.5" rim on the 18"s that they yield better performance. That 18" setup weighs about the same as the stock 17s.

Granted I wouldn't go with a 285 for the street, the contact patch for the wider rim and the 245 will still be wider than the 17". The grip created by that combo is rediculous.

I've seen the car with the stripes, literally, run circles around every S2K/Elise/Vette out here at the Motor Ranch in Cresson. Its def. got the go to match the show.

 

Have you considered the 949racing 6ul's? They are coming out with a new 15x8 version soon. MrHeelToe carries them.

Edit: just read the thread, doesn't look like you're looking for 15's, nevermind. Enkei it is.

 

15" rims wont clear the stock brakes.

 

 

option #2 please

 

My thoughts exactly.

 

poll added

 

You can't go wrong with one or two.

 

Actually I regret going that big and now want the 15/16" rim, but instead I'm thinking about picking up a second set of the RPF1 in a 15" size to use a track set when the car is ready to be taken there. Wifey has given the to taking the car to the track. But before I do that I want to do more to the car in preperation of that.

 

I agree with the OP that the RPF1 is played out. That's why I didn't consider them for my S. If you're going to pick one, though, #2 would be the way to go. The Exels look good, too, but you would indeed have to have an extra set of wheels for autocross.

 

I voted option #1.

 

Seriously.....those Exels weigh in at near 28lbs w/o the tire.

Stock 17s are about 17lbs, and the 18" RPF1s are about that.

 

More 18" RPF1's

 

Dang, those look monstrous!! (in a good way)

 

The blue car has the same size tire I would choose, as its fairly common.

245/35/18

 

Actually, not even close...



I just sold my 18x8 Exel Ennio wheels, so I figured I'd weigh them to see just how heavy they are. 22.8lbs, not considered lightweight by any means, but definitely not 28lbs. But... I'd get the Enkeis since the whole reason I sold the Ennios was to get a lighter wheel. You'll be happier in the end going with a lighter wheel, but there's no doubt the Exels look killer style-wise.