For occasional street racing, not "so flossy they can't perform" rims, what's the best size? I'm told "18s run the risk of blowing at high speed, being taken out (relatively) easily by bunps, debris, etc. Lotsa horror stories- any thoughts?

 

The main reason people stay with smaller wheels is because of the ride. The larger the wheel, the less tire sidewall. The less tire sidewall, the bumpier the ride. In my opinion 16" is an excellent size for everyday driving, 17" is sportier looking but still not badass, 18" is very sporty and looks large, and 19" will fill up our huge wheelwells and look great, but bend EASILY with the size tire you have to run. I think 17" is what you're looking for but maybe 16" will do as well.
-Cyrus

 

I would go with 17's.
Improve handling and not as fragile.

 

Blowing easily at high speed? What idiot told you that?

And for everything else on that list, 18s are just fine as long as you buy STRONG ones. I've had 0 problems with my 18in TE37s over the past 2 years I've had them. I go over some of the crappiest stuff, Downtown LA, K-town, Westwood, San Francisco, all extremely horrible. Many other weak, imitation rims might bend under potholes, but it takes a LOT to bend a strong rim.

And these rims DO perform too. At only 17lbs a rim, they are amazingly light. But then again, you pay up the a** for rims that are both light and strong. TE37s are dream rims for most people for these exact reasons, even for me. Luckily I found a cheap seller and was able to pick some up for myself.

 

Yeah, for the most part, 17"s would be good for your purposes, enough sidewall that the ride is comfortable, but not so much that they'll flex during cornering.. just make sure to lower the car, unless you like offroading.

 

17x8, that's what I have had my sights on for a few months. Have to be light too...