I'm currently considering a set of rims that are lighter than the stock 17 inchers I have on my 02 SE. I want to stick with the 17" size so I can just use my current tires on them. I am running 225/50 r17 cooper lifeliners.

I'd like to get a much lighter wheel so I can see some performance gains. I've been to tirerack and have seen lots of different wheels, some as little as 13 lbs. Is there anything I need to know about new rims? Will the lighter rims be just as sturdy as my current stock 17s? The 17 inch stock rims on the 02 SE weigh 24 lbs each right? correct me if I am wrong.

Any help is appreciated.

 

I have to bump my own thread. How sad. First set of aftermarket rims and I need some help.

Too bad people in this forum are more interested in throwing a set of heavy chrome 22s on their max than putting on lightweight rims.

 

hey buddy, not all of us like the 22's!
I don't really know of too many light weight wheels. I plan on getting Rota Subzeros, which are pretty light. 17s are about 16.5 lbs. Check out machiii.com They have Rota wheels.
Good luck on the search

 

I have Kosei Penta RT's. They are 16.1 lbs and 17x7.5. I got them from org member maxed up for $650 shipped. Bad news is that I believe they are discontinued. They also look a little small on a 5th gen, but I can definitely feel a performance difference.

 

Where on the website do they have those wheels? I had just been looking for a good price on these wheels.

 

Here are several quality lightweight 17" wheels:
- Advan Racing RG (15lbs)
- Centerline RPM or Storm (17" only come in 7" width )
- IForged (custom forged wheels, not sure of the exact weight)
- OZ Superleggera (15-16lbs)
- Racing Hart CP-035R (13lbs)
- RH CP8R (12-13lbs)
- SSR Competition (13lbs)
- Velox PG-5S (12.5lbs)
- Volk CE28N (13-14lbs)
- Volk SE37K (14lbs)
- Volk TE37 (15lbs)
- Wed's TC-005 (13-14 lbs)
- Work Emotion (15 lbs)

I'm sure there are more but I can't think of others right now

***note: quoted wheel weights are approximate, check with the manufacturer for an exact measure. Additionally, you can check out www.wheelweights.net.

 

how much are you willing to spend?

 

I found a nice set of SSRs that weigh 14.6 lbs for $389 each. Those are pricey for me. I'm keeping my options open though. I don't want to buy a set of lightweight wheels and have them get bent from the potholes.

I'm curious what the stock wheels are. 17 X 7 ? 17 X 7.5 ? What does that stuff mean? Does that have anything to do with the kinds of tires you can use?

I was wondering how much of a difference people have felt going from stock wheels to lighter ones.......performance wise?

 

Machiii.com does not have anything related to wheels on the website.

 

I'm a little wary of Rota and Kosei b/c of past problems I've seen, but they are super cheap and pretty light for a cast wheel.

Ones that I'd consider, in order:
5Zigen FN01R-C
Enkei RP03 and various other Enkei racing line wheels
Axis Reverb

 

Sorry my bad. Machiii.net is what i was supposed to write. I assumed it was dot com. Sorry for that.

 

I have the Centerline RPMs (17x7) and they make a great deal of difference over stock. They are forged, too. I did bend one of them and need to get it fixed. Stupid azz manhole cover. I hit it going pretty fast and it is my fault for not paying attention.

Personally, I don't think aftermarket 17s look that great on 5th gens. I would look into some 18s or 19s for your 5th gen, even if they are heavier than 17s and will likely be about the same as stock 17s.