Hi

I could really do with some help regarding the mentioned wheels.

Has anyone been adventurous enough to buy 18" SSR GT3 and run them without any buckling after traveling over potholes. I read so many story regarding the SSR Comps buckling that spending the money for these beauties may give me a heart attack if I ended up screwing them up after running over a small pot hole. My coil over supports 550lb spring rate on the front and 450lB on the rear which I consider to be a hard ride. Also supports Koni’s all round which are set more towards firm setting. Due to the flexibility I have with ride height with the coil over kit I am hoping that I will get around any rubbing by adjusting the height.

I would be really grateful for any feedback regarding the SSR GT3 18".

I am thinking of running 18 X 8.5 on the front with 235 X 40 18" tires and 18 X 10 on the rear supporting 265 X 35 18" tires.

What offset should I be aiming for?......is it 45?

Thanks

Bally




Here is the URL for the wheel

 

You should post this in the suspension forum, SleepR1 and ARD T2 will help you.

As far as I know, if you have aftermarket coilovers, you are good to go. I would run 18x9 up front with 255/35 or 245/35. In back, go 18x10 with 285/30. I believe you will want 45-50 offset in front and 50 in back. I think Johnny is running something close to this as well.

 

For as much as its worth, my friend has had 19 inch GT3's on his BMW 5 series for about 6 months and hasn't had any problems yet. However, the roads where he normally drives are relatively well-paved. They are really bad ***, especially on the 5 cause of the deep dish look.

 

FYI, Tirerack is the sole distributor for SSR GT3s in the US (and the other SSR wheels listed on their website, with the rest of the JDM stuff (SSR Decolte/etc) distributed thru Eurosport in Hawaii strangely enough.

Tirerack's recommendation for 18X10 FD fitment in the SSR GT3s is +41, which is too far out in a 10in width IMO. I've three different sets of 18s on my car, with one set being 18X10 +44 (285/30/18s) and it was flush with the outside fender. +41 10in width will push it out that much more.

I spoke briefly to them about importing the right offset (a plethora available in Japan), with +49 (in 18X10)being what I would use. Keep in mind that there is a matrix of offsets and three different centers with high, regular, and low pad heights available in the SSR three piece line.

A high pad center provides more clearance for the brakes (such as a big brake kit) but you lose the all important lip depth. Conversely, a low pad height center gives you more lip, but less brake caliper clearance. The rear of the FD can take a low pad height center, but cannot remember what you need up front for a stock caliper set up as that I have lost interest in getting the SSR three piece (I want to say regular, but do not quote me on that).

What you need to clear the front stock calipers will vary by car of course. MKIV Supras and late model 3000GT VR4s have very little clearance between the stock caliper and wheel spoke, and therfore need a high pad center. I'm pretty sure that you will not need this unless you get a (very) big brake kit for the FD. (again, confer with experts before ordering) Don't bother asking Tirerack - they're clueless about this kind of stuff.

FYI, + 49 in 18X10 is a low pad center - where as the +41 Tirerack recommends is a regular pad height (again, less lip but a bit more caliper clearance).

Hope that helps!

 

Oh, and as for durabilty - it's been said that old SSR three piece wheels were darn light, but bends easier then others. Supposedly the new three peice wheels (like the GT3s) are more durable, but more heavy. The average weight for an 18X10 three piece wheel from most reputable manufacturers seem to be right around 25lbs, which is what I remember hearing what the GT3s are in 18X10.

I had an old set of 18X8.5/18X9.5 Decoltes a couple years ago that use to belong to Adam Saruwatari - that weighed 20lbs flat. Light for a three peice. I did hit a pot hole and it did put a slight dent on the front. If I can hunt down the guy I sold them to though, I'm gonna buy them back. Minor stuff like that can be fixed.

Daniel

 

Last post on this subject, I swear:

Fronts, I'd do 18X8.5 + 40ish (I remember they did not have a +40, but +38/+39 in a high pad center) or 18X9 +45ish up front (+44 is what they had if I remember correctly), and the afore mentioned + 49 in 18X10 (low pad center for da lip!)

Tire size selection is critical, and is the last mile when it comes to fit. You can have the right offset and size wheels, but the wrong size tire will ruin it for you. W/O delving into details, I suggest 245/35/18s front and 285/30/18s rear, which will work well with typical lowering.

Best of luck!

*edit* mixed numbers, all better now

 

Hey Guys

Thanks for all the information I will have to do my homework to make sure that I end up with the correct pad and offset.

I will keep you posted and when I get it all sorted I will post some pictures.

Thanks.

Bally

 

Bally:

What did you finally end up with for these wheels and tires? Fitment ok? Did you stay with stock brakes, suspension? Would love to see pix, if you have them.

Thanks.

 

I know of a guy with 18 GT3 and he f*cked it up after driving 101.

So 17 might be a better option.