Johnny_Cracker

iTrader: (1)

Hi guys... I'll be upgrading my wheels and tires soon and have decided on Enkei92 gold mesh 15x7 for my SE with BF Goodrich Radial T-A 205/60 RWL.






Is this (17X5 w 205/60) the BEST sizing combo for my SE considering my wheel/tire choice?

My car is stock height and isn't gonna be getting lowered any time soon, if ever. I want a fairly flush look, but don't need hellaflush or anything. Basically as far out as I can go without rubbing. I don't auto-x and am looking for a good compromise between handling and comfort. It's not a DD and only sees good weather.

I've read all the offset/fitment threads and am still not 100% confident since I seem to be the only guy left not running coilovers My suspension is 100% stock SE.

I'm really hung-up on the RWL Goodrich old-school tire look with the classic mesh combo.. the BFGs go no lower than 60 series BTW, and while I'm sure there are better handling, uber-cornering tires out there I'm more of a spirited driver than *****-to-the-walls hard-G cornering.

So to summarize:
Are the Enkei 15x7 et38 a good choice or would you go with the 15x8 et25?
What's a good choice for tire width (195,205,215,225) considering 60series?

I'd run a spacer if I had to. Wanna fill the fender but nothing extreme needing flares. I'd roll fenders if I absolutely HAD to.

Local shop is quoting about 1300USD for the whole shebang.

OH BTW the OEM SE sizing is 14x5.5 205/60 et45

THANK YOU ALL!!!

ps sorry for size of enkei pic

Johnny_Cracker

iTrader: (1)

Not much interest apparently, but I know this topic has been beaten to death...

Anyway, I've decided to run the 92s in a staggered setup: 15x7 195/60 in front and 15x8 225/60 in rear. Was gonna go with a 215 on the rear but the tires aren't officially spec'd for that, so forced to go with the extra weight and height of the 225.

From the other threads I've read on SE fitment, I'm fairly certain the rear will be fine, but I'll need to use a spacer up front to clear the spring perch. This is likely the reason every online wheel-tire shop is saying this combo won't fit and doesn't let me add them to my shopping cart.

If I'm wrong or anyone with experience can see problems with this setup please chime in before I'm sleeping in the garage for wasting fat cash.


For other fitment noobs, the calculators at rimsntires.com and willtheyfit.com have really helped me out in getting a visual grasp on whats happening under there.

elwood

iTrader: (1)

If you're willing to forego the RWLs, 50 series tires will put you closer to the original wheel diameter.

Stevan

iTrader: (17)

+1

Lower profile will handle better and look better (profile wise. I do like the RWL)
The Enkie 92's look great on 1st gens. Not a fan of the staggered look, but that's just my opinion.

Johnny_Cracker

iTrader: (1)

I've been heavily considering it and possibly either scrapping the RWL look all together or going DIY with the white paint pen. ...Adjusting the fitment around white letters just seems to not be worth the potential headaches after days of deliberation and mental question marks.

It sucks more tire cos don't have RWL versions available. meh

Johnny_Cracker

iTrader: (1)

Yeah I'm reconsidering it now. Thanks for the feedback guys...

As for the staggering I'm really just looking for more lip and a little more lateral grip in da butt, not so much the width differential between the front and rear.

The difference in lip between the 7" and 8" version is quite noticeable and looks good IMO. AFAIK I'll still need the spacer with the 7" +38 up front, so hopefully that'll even out the offsets a little and reduce the hot-rod effect.

Johnny_Cracker

iTrader: (1)

Decided to go in a slightly different direction with black Apache IIs instead of the 92s... Kept the 7/8 stagger and went with 205/50 and 225/50 Falken 912s. Gonna just use a paint pen if I go for the RWL look.

I'll get some pics up once they're on.

Johnny_Cracker

iTrader: (1)

So Here they are on the 7 taken today at a car show benefiting the local YMCA sponsored by Best Buy and Red Robin...

(Cracker JR for scale )

I went with staggered Enkei Apache IIs running 205 and 225/50. I DID need the 1/4" spacer on the front to clear the spring perch. I used an oil based white Sharpie brand paint pen on the tires. Need to find a better paint though since this flakes with quickness with any amount of sidewall flex.

I can say with 100% certainty for anybody else out there with fitment concerns on a stock height SE, that up front a 7" +38 will require a spacer but otherwise fit nicely and look good. Doesn't stick out and no rubbing. The +25 8" in the rear fit without any issues or spacers and is pretty bad ***. Glad it isn't sticking out any farther.

The judges must've liked it too since I took 1st in both Sport Compact and Mild categories Woot!

ioTus

iTrader: (5)

wow that looks GREAT!

try the hot tires paint at O'Reiley's. I got a tube but havent tried it out yet.

Johnny_Cracker

iTrader: (1)

Thanks ioTus... I'll give that a try some time. Painting is such a PIA unlike the overpriced vinyl custom inserts. If I had the cash to burn I'd give them a shot tho.