Rota wheels?

[ScotcH]

Ok ... based on the advice here, and various internet sources, I think I'm going with 16x7 with a 225/50/16 tire. There's tons of choice out there, but Rota slipstreams seem to be super cheap, and light (12lbs). Anyone using Rotas? I did a search, but didn't come up with anything.

Also, I'll need tires. I'm leaning toward the Kumho because of price, and these will be my first R-compound tires. Any thoughts on this?

Thanks for any advice!

[pacivic]

hello

i just put a set of rota circuit 8s on my car and am going to try them out this weekend and the WOSCA event... so far i have notice quite a difference in acceleration ... i'm running on ventus plus right now... will let you know how it goes after sunday...

:)

[pacivic]

hey scotch

just finished the final event of the wosca winter slalom series... re: rotas... i have to say that the car is much more nimble no complaints here (i had momos before)... :)

(i have heard from some people that the rotas are not strong enough and some have had them brake on the big tracks though... curbs(?!)... ) .... still no complaints so far...

:)

[roooo]

I think it was only one .. or maybe two specific models of Rota and mostly in the Subaru fitments.

I saw an explanation from someone who said they were representing Rota/Cosmic on a Subaru/Impreza board and they said what had happened is that one version of the Attack wheel was originally created with hollow spokes and given a lower load rating which did not end up being strong enough for Subaru. Could have been the same thing with the Tarmac model.

The rep explained they were chaning the design and process and re-testing the wheels to the 690 Kg load rating. (Is 690 the high number for load ratings? .. whatever most oem wheels are rated at... )

So .. with so many people using them, or at least it seems that way in the US .. I have seen relatively few complaints.

[GregR]

The major "culprits" were the SubZero rims, and the Attack in one or two cases. They'd probably all be just fine for street use, but one look at how skinny the Sub's are makes me cringe - you just KNOW the casting isn't strong enough for autocross and track use for very long!

I'd SERIOUSLY consider some cheap ugly-ass light strong race-only rims if I were you. Preferably something forged that will bend when overstressed instead of cracking like a casting does.

[roooo]

hahahah you used "cheap" and "forged" in the same sentence ;)

[ice/solo racer]

He also said cheap-light-strong,not much out there to meet those requirements.Oh yeah forgot wide and readily available!:)

[GregR]

Circle Racing.
Relatively cheap, forged centres, quite light, all sorts of widths, blah blah blah.
Ugly as hell too, but for racing rims who cares!

[ScotcH]

Thanks for all your input, guys. Here's a few choices I came up with after much searching. I'm still leaning toward the 17x8 with a 225/45/17 tire, since I got a heavy ass car.

1. OZ Superleggera - LIGHT, but cast ... might not be the best. After takling to afew people, seems they'd be ok for track, but too easy to bend on streets. Look good, too

2. Circle Racing - a bit pricy for the 17's ... 16's are not bad. You're right, though .... UGLY :)

3. Work Emotion CR - these are the favourites so far. Look great, forged, strong. Not too light (20lbs) but not crazy either.

I'm getting my car measured this week, I'll know exactly the sizes I can get. Any other suggestions for under $500?

[roooo]

Enkei RP-F1
Black Racing Pro-N1
Team Dynamics Pro Race 1 / Pro Race 2

[GregR]

If you CAN go with 15's then the Circle Racing stuff isn't that pricey since they're not as specialized / low-volume runs as the 17's and are thus a fair bit cheaper. Plus, you DO get more tire choices in 15's than 17's (235/40-17 is a nice size for a 17x8 or 17x9 and should be quite common).

Work wheels? Good luck! Seriously, the ONLY place I found that could get with Work stuff was WheelOptions in the US, and they gave me a hard time when it came to pricing. They also do Wed's (the TC-005 is SWEEEET: hit the squigly link to the left of the pic of the wheel at http://www.weds.co.jp/products/wedssport/tc-005/index.htm), but even harder to get through them - maybe new distributors will open up?

If you INSIST on 17's then try the 5Zigen FN01R-C which are now available in 17x8 and 17x9, or some Racing Sparco NT-R also in 17x8 and 17x9. There's also Racing Sparco NS-II Python, available through Discount Tire. Enkei RPM2 is also available, but be sure to get the Bortex variant since it's quite a bit lighter than the normal RPM2.

How deep are your pockets to support purchasing 17x9's and 17" rubber?

[FLTegra]

I managed to pick up 15'' Circuit 8's in bronze to match my car, also wrapped them in Falken Azenis 205-50-15