Best size for rims? 15", 16" or 17"

[Miranda]

Hi guys and thanks for all your help with my question about springs - I decided on the Eibach Pro Kits for now. I'm getting them installed next week.

Here's the question: what is the best all around size to buy new after market rims in for the Honda Si HB??? I would like to get new rims for the spring. I am thinking 16's... what do you guys think???;)

[Lucid Moments]

I've got 17's on my car, and like them for the looks, and for the handling, but we have pretty smooth roads down here. You might want to go with 16's cause a little taller sidewall will give you a better ride on rough roads, and also will help to keep you from damaging your new rims.

[Type X]

i prefer 17's with low profiles
BUT
if you've NEVER had low pro OR 16+ rims

buy used for your first set
so if you bend them up
u dont care ;)

[BlasTech]

To me, 17s look good with some tire, and 16s too, but since I go through my tires every 10K or so autocrossing, I stick to 15's, because it makes $ense.

[2003EPHatch]

I'd go with a 17. But with you starting out like mentioned a 16 with a bigger sidewall an profile on the tire will give you a better ride.

[Civicvtec1ps]

I am happy with 17". wheels.

[Peking]

Originally posted by mlkelley68
I've got 17's on my car, and like them for the looks, and for the handling, but we have pretty smooth roads down here. You might want to go with 16's cause a little taller sidewall will give you a better ride on rough roads, and also will help to keep you from damaging your new rims.

Same here, also if you want to upgrade the brakes. It helps to have bigger rims.

[K20A3Si]

i am going with the work cr's 16x7.....i am friends with alot of auto x drivers and they always tell me the feel the most stable with 16's...so i am going to take there word for it

[mancalvo]

It all depends what you want and what you intend to do with your vehicle! Some people like bigger rims so they can show off there wheels. The bottom line is bigger rims and tires the more expensive. When you go with bigger rims you will require lower profile tires to maintain the aspect ratio. In other words, in order for the speedometer to read acurately when you go with bigger rims, your tire side walls get smaller if you want to maintain the same overall circumference. The lower the profile the better it handles in dry surface or on the track ,and at the same time your ride gets stiffer and more succeptible to bumps. When you go with lower profile wheels and tires, the cavity around the wheel might look larger, but if you maintain the same aspect ratio is the same. To make is look asthetically pleasing may want a set of springs to give it a European look.

If you set up your mind and want to give it a different look,and you want to improve the handling, I recommend you go with some 16 inch wheels.

I myself have 17"... That is all personal preference. Don't forget aspect ratio and wheel offset ratio (how far the wheel sticks out from the hub or how far the in into the fender).;)

[johnnydanger]

i'd do 17"... that's what i have... had 18",but they were too rough... ;)

[johnnydanger]

wow... i actually posted a pic... my dumbazz couldn't do it before....:D

[myeverlovinsir]

johnnydanger,

I think your ride looks very clean, would you consider tinting?;)

[johnnydanger]

actually i thought about that, but i'm not sure yet... btw, thanx for the props... :)

[31102si]

16 ;)

[rswbrixton]

16" . Good meaty rubber . Just sold my Rota Subzero 17" . Setting the car up more for handling and track .

Actually good performance rubber in 16" is usually more money than the standard 205/40 - 215/40 - 215/45 x 17's .

And more options with 16 as far as the weight requirement goes . Do not fall to much below a tire rated at 86-87 .

[word...booty]

Originally posted by Miranda
Hi guys and thanks for all your help with my question about springs - I decided on the Eibach Pro Kits for now. I'm getting them installed next week.

Here's the question: what is the best all around size to buy new after market rims in for the Honda Si HB??? I would like to get new rims for the spring. I am thinking 16's... what do you guys think???;)

Nice choice with the Prokits. I recommend going with 17's with a 45 series tire for that drop. I've seen those springs with 215/45/17's on our car and it fills the gap pretty well.

Also, are you planning to keep the rims on year round or use the stockies for wintertime?

p.s. Nice rims johnnydanger!!!

[Miranda]

What kind of rims are those? Who makes your wing?;)

[Peking]

Originally posted by Miranda
What kind of rims are those? Who makes your wing?;)

He has the VIS Mugen Style Carbon Fiber Wing (alot of us have it, including me). Great wing, easy to put on.

More pics of his

http://www.ephatch.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=22666

Pic of mine

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid90/p26c43e5a4da3aab1e28ece7ac342449f/fa733285.jpg

here is a link where you can see more pics and also Eric T.'s
http://www.ephatch.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=25138

Jon

[johnnydanger]

yeah that's a vis wing... the rims are racing hart gt5/nitto neo-gen tires too miranda... btw, i wish you were near here, cause from that avatar, u seem FINE.... ;)

[pedzola]

Hands off johnnydanger. Me and fsugatorbait got first dibs. :D

But yeah I like that wing too. And I'm thinkin about eibach sportlines... you'll have to post picture of your ride w/the prokit so I can see if its low enough. :D

Hi Miranda :*

[johnnydanger]

heh heh heh...

[irrational]

16 inch for better weight and performance. 17 are good too but a bit more for looks i think. i have 17s with 215-45-17 tires. if i did go with 16s i would get 215-50-16 tires. go for a 7 inch wide rim with an offset between 42mm and 45mm!

[Miranda]

Nice ride hun!!!;)

[johnnydanger]

thank u "hun".... ;)

[2003EP3]

ground control with Volk Le-37's

[pedzola]

Originally posted by Miranda
Nice ride hun!!!;)

I never got a "hun" for all my help in the other thread. :'(

[Btrthnezr3]

I dunno...I had 17's on my 4 Door and after experiencing driving that car on a daily basis through the rough streets of Houston, it's almost like a "been there-done that" type thing. It all depends on the conditions of the roads you drive on the most, how much you are willing to spend, etc etc. But I would take Type X's advice...If you decide to go with 17s and haven't had any before...definitely get a used set first. I'd hate to see you posting a thread about bending some Volks (or other nice rims of the sort) cuz you slammed over a pothole. :'(

For me, if I get rims...they will be 16's though (sad, I know). I just can't handle the torture that my 17's put me through. Though I loved them dearly. :'(

Edit: When I bought new rims for my 4 Door, I bought 15" Rota C8's. I love them, though sometimes I wish I would have went for 16's.

[BlackCivi02]

I've got Volk TE37's 16" X 7.5"

[Az02Si]

Im my past expierences 17s ride like crap and ROTATIONAL ENERTIA is not your friend...Besides,i think 17 look like some damn dubs on a civic...They give the car a covered wagon look IMHO..Ill stay with some lightweight 15s....Better performance than 17s on and off the roadcourse,and rubbers way cheaper to boot....

[johnnydanger]

Originally posted by Az02Si
Im my past expierences 17s ride like crap and ROTATIONAL ENERTIA is not your friend...Besides,i think 17 look like some damn dubs on a civic...They give the car a covered wagon look IMHO..Ill stay with some lightweight 15s....Better performance than 17s on and off the roadcourse,and rubbers way cheaper to boot....

i like my "covered wagon"... ;)

[Az02Si]

Ill let yours slide ;)

[johnnydanger]

heh heh heh... :D

[HondaMan]

Originally posted by BlasTech
To me, 17s look good with some tire, and 16s too, but since I go through my tires every 10K or so autocrossing, I stick to 15's, because it makes $ense.

I agree...that is my situation now as well.

[StrangeShadow]

ctr stockies are 17"
perform and look good.

[ep pilot]

I think I might be the only one, but I think small packages, like our Ep3

[ep pilot]

I think I might be the only one, but I think small packages, like our Ep3

[Brettnyt]

Im gettin 18"s, because, uh, i want em... These ones have less tire than stock (well, less weight than stock tire) and the wheel weighs less than the stock wheel. All in all, the circumfrence it very close to stock, so it should not affect performance much...

[johnnydanger]

just will ride rough as f@ck... watch out for rough roads. i bent 3 outta 4 rims just on rough roads.... :(

[FckdUpPup]

Welcome Miranda.

Where in NY are you located ? I am trapped on staten island with type x. Personally I would go with 15's or 16's. I bent 2 17's on my last car from hitting a pothole. Had a blowout too. Not good when driving 70mph on the highway. Go with 16's to avoid this. We all know how bad NY roads are.

Good luck


Doug

[StrangeShadow]

Originally posted by FckdUpPup
Welcome Miranda.

Where in NY are you located ? I am trapped on staten island with type x. Personally I would go with 15's or 16's. I bent 2 17's on my last car from hitting a pothole. Had a blowout too. Not good when driving 70mph on the highway. Go with 16's to avoid this. We all know how bad NY roads are.

Good luck


Doug
were those 17" you mentioned forged or cast?

[FckdUpPup]

they were 17" ADR DV8's I would say they were cast but am not exactly sure. Anyone know the answer to this ? Either way I bent one so bad I lost air and the other one I cracked and had a blowout. Not cool man.

[EP3ME]

Anything greater than 17" is RICE!!!:p

[EP3ME]

Anything greater than 17" is pure RICE!!!:p

[Eee Pee]

From this article

http://asia.vtec.net/article/CivicRX/index.html

I found these to be quite appealling

http://asia.vtec.net/article/CivicRX/wheel.jpg


a virtual direct clone of those used on the EP3 Civic Type-R but in 4-lug PCD-100 configuration

[Peking]

Originally posted by EP3ME
Anything greater than 17" is pure RICE!!!:p

We got you the first time :D When it comes to size I like 15's and 17's, wouldn't go any bigger. If someone was rolling on 18's and they were clean, not to much bling. Then I don't see how that is rice IMO.

[johnnydanger]

dood, those were eighteens on my car on the avatar and i thought they looked tight... as far as rice goes, yes some look bad and make your car look ricy, but the right ones will make the car look good...

[NBP_03Si]

17" with a low profile is the best combination at leat for me.

[dofu]

i agree that 17's are a good comprimise for weight and looks, but you'll still feel the extra weight of the 17's anyways. i dont care how light they are, they still take more power to turn. race with your stocks or get lightweight 16's to race in, and look good in 18s or 19s. naw... i dont think size = rice. bad taste does. clean 18's or 19s w/ 35 series tires are fine. they're not much bigger than 16's w/ 50 series tires, they jus look it.

[dofu]

Originally posted by EP3ME
Anything greater than 17" is pure RICE!!!:p

so are 24" spinners on an escalade rice? lol

[BSEVEER]

Originally posted by dofu
so are 24" spinners on an escalade rice? lol

No, it's bling.:D

[Low Rider]

I'm just curious, what does a chick have to do to get banned from this site? ...is that even possible? WTF?

[02SilverSiHB]

15's are the best imo...light weight and less rotational mass...I'm buying some as soon as I can, then selling my 17s

[chunky]

15's or die. there's nothing that beats the look of an ep3 squatting low over a set of WIDE 15" tires.

[valley _boy]

16's work cr wheels or 16's spoon rims w/ 205/45/16 or 215/50/16. either one is good. straight jdm style!

[KeNnYtAkEr]

I think I'd want 17" for shows and stuff but for daily driver I'd prefer 16" more ecnomical. if ur tire pops or whatever cheaper to replace the 16" tire/rim then the 17. but if ur going for bling factor 17 is prefect but I've seen some crazy ass 18" I think they look to big but whatever.

[graham]

I'm on lightweight 15"s with wider tires ... I think they look great.

I would not go any bigger than 16"s ... but that's just my opinion :)

[DumbNewB]

I got 17's and now that I put my stock wheels back on I wish I had gotten 16's because I think 15's are too small but the ride is much better and I just feel like 17's are too heavy for me

[KeNnYtAkEr]

16" if ur even thinking about track without upgrading to a big brake kit and 17" if u plan to upgrade. 15" are just to small and 18"+ is just to big.

[STP03BlueSI]

16 inch Spinners!!:D

[SHAKEnBAKE]

Originally posted by STP03BlueSI
16 inch Spinners!!:D
LOL
Anyone saw the coke commercial with the "playa" guy with spinner hubcaps?

[Brettnyt]

I love my 18"s... Do they look rice?

CLICK ME (http://www.cardomain.com/id/brettnyt)

[02SilverSiHB]

Originally posted by Brettnyt
I love my 18"s... Do they look rice?

CLICK ME (http://www.cardomain.com/id/brettnyt)
not rice, just too big for me! :D

[Brettnyt]

Originally posted by 02SilverSiHB
not rice, just too big for me! :D

There you go! That is understandable. But i feel that when someone says "Rice" it is not just their own opinion but an actual point at which it turns from not rice to rice. Damn the word rice... I love my 18"s, I would not be as happy with a smaller wheel, but once again, thats just me. :D

[02SilverSiHB]

Originally posted by Brettnyt
There you go! That is understandable. But i feel that when someone says "Rice" it is not just their own opinion but an actual point at which it turns from not rice to rice. Damn the word rice... I love my 18"s, I would not be as happy with a smaller wheel, but once again, thats just me. :D
who said it's rice? that word is so overerly used now.

[graham]

Originally posted by KeNnYtAkEr
16" if ur even thinking about track without upgrading to a big brake kit and 17" if u plan to upgrade. 15" are just to small and 18"+ is just to big.

Why are 15"s too small for the track? I did a couple lapping events last year on lightweight 15"s with ES100s ... even with the pressure down to 31 psi, I didn't get any roll-over ... of course the ES100s have fairly stiff sidewalls. I can understand why 16"s would be better (especially since they are usually wider as well), but I don't think it's fair to say that 15"s are impossible on the track ... or maybe it's just me :)

[02SilverSiHB]

Originally posted by graham
Why are 15"s too small for the track? I did a couple lapping events last year on lightweight 15"s with ES100s ... even with the pressure down to 31 psi, I didn't get any roll-over ... of course the ES100s have fairly stiff sidewalls. I can understand why 16"s would be better (especially since they are usually wider as well), but I don't think it's fair to say that 15"s are impossible on the track ... or maybe it's just me :)
I wouldn't listen to that guy...the track..that could me so many things...for autox..15's are the best imo. you don't need a brake kit for autoxing.
I'm going with 15's also for autox with yoko es100s...225/50

[SpoonEP3]

if you got a 5-lug convertion or a 04 si, i would go with 17s... if 4-lug than i would go with 16s....

[BlasTech]

after 1.5 years.... all that matters is WIDER.

[PAPITUYO326]

16 inches on good rubber


lightweight



16 gunmetal polished lip rota slips=gangsta:D

[Low Rider]

Originally posted by graham
Why are 15"s too small for the track? I did a couple lapping events last year on lightweight 15"s with ES100s ... even with the pressure down to 31 psi, I didn't get any roll-over ... of course the ES100s have fairly stiff sidewalls. I can understand why 16"s would be better (especially since they are usually wider as well), but I don't think it's fair to say that 15"s are impossible on the track ... or maybe it's just me :)

I think that 15" and 16" are for people who are serious about driving. I might get in trouble for saying this but anything more is basically for show. Why lug around all the extra weight of 17's or even 18's? That just doesn't make any sense to me. After all, this is not a Lamborghini... we are talking about Honda Civics for crying out loud. If you like larger rims that is fine but just admit that it is for show and not for performance. ;)

[glw]

Originally posted by Low Rider
I think that 15" and 16" are for people who are serious about driving. I might get in trouble for saying this but anything more is basically for show. Why lug around all the extra weight of 17's or even 18's? That just doesn't make any sense to me. After all, this is not a Lamborghini... we are talking about Honda Civics for crying out loud. If you like larger rims that is fine but just admit that it is for show and not for performance. ;) my 17" volk ce28n's are 11.8 lbs. how heavy are your 15"/16"'s???

17's usually have a wider wheel width selection (7.5" or 8") that will give you a better contact patch with wide tires...

[graham]

Originally posted by glw
my 17" volk ce28n's are 11.8 lbs. how heavy are your 15"/16"'s???

17's usually have a wider wheel width selection (7.5" or 8") that will give you a better contact patch with wide tires...

My 15"x6.5" konig Heliums are 10.7 lbs. They were about $150 CAN each ... 205/55R15 Yoko AVS100s were $120 CAN each. how much were your Volks? ;) I can't argue the quality angle, because obviously 17"x7.5" Volks kick serious ass ... but for the money, lightweight 15"s are a REALLY cheap way to improve unsprung weight ... period. You can feel an immediate difference.

I can't argue the "looks" angle either, since it is completely subjective ... but personally, I love the look of race rubber on a lowered SiR ... it looks like business. Reference: BlasTech's ride.

If I were to do it again, I'd go for Volk TE37s in 15x7 ... under 10 lbs!!! ... but now that I have the heliums, I'll just sit back and enjoy watching the 42" HDTV I bought with the money I saved :)

[Low Rider]

Originally posted by glw
my 17" volk ce28n's are 11.8 lbs. how heavy are your 15"/16"'s???

17's usually have a wider wheel width selection (7.5" or 8") that will give you a better contact patch with wide tires...

Yes... there are always exceptions and I would agree that your setup is smokin':D . But, the same setup in a 16" would be lighter still and you could put the Bridgestone RE010's in a 215/45/16. My only concern is that, with respect to performance, lighter is better. In your case, you are way lighter than stock anyway which is awesome. I think 17" is kinda my limit... Regardless, you have made a good choice and rim choice is something that we all agonize over!!!;)

[Low Rider]

Re:

my 17" volk ce28n's are 11.8 lbs. how heavy are your 15"/16"'s???

I have the Buddy Club P1 Qualifiers on order in a 16"x7" with a 45mm offset. Apparently, they are 5.2 kilograms. Not sure what that works out to in pounds... I think it's around 10.5lbs. Then with the tires too, well, who knows... I guess it's all just splitting hairs anyways!!!:D

[johnnydanger]

15"X7" HAMMERS W/SPINNERS AND CHROME FENDER TRIM... NOW THAT'S THE SHEEEEEEEEEEOT! ;) LOL

[graham]

Originally posted by Low Rider
Re:

my 17" volk ce28n's are 11.8 lbs. how heavy are your 15"/16"'s???

I have the Buddy Club P1 Qualifiers on order in a 16"x7" with a 45mm offset. Apparently, they are 5.2 kilograms. Not sure what that works out to in pounds... I think it's around 10.5lbs. ...

5.2 Kg = 11.5 lbs ... that's pretty respectable for 16" ... nice choice!

[Low Rider]

Originally posted by graham
5.2 Kg = 11.5 lbs ... that's pretty respectable for 16" ... nice choice!

Oh Shyte... that's too heavy, now I'll have to got to 15's!!!;)

[irrational]

no shit the 17 inch volk ce28s are only 11.8 lbs? wtf i should have gotten those ah man! can you give me a link?

[abstrack]

id get 17's just for personal preference, even though the rims i want on the car would be 16's if i bought em:rolleyes:

oh yah... our bolt pattern is 4 x 100 righT???

[BarracksSi]

Originally posted by abstrack
oh yah... our bolt pattern is 4 x 100 righT???

Yup.

I got 16's Rota C8's myself. Still saving weight from stock, gaining an inch of width, losing an inch of sidewall, yet with reasonable bump survivability.

[rswbrixton]

16" with 225/45 . A good wide patch - strong wheel shoulder and just a plain meaty look . s2000 style.

[Satin 2k2 Si]

Still sittin on factories. I was considering 18" ADR M-Sport before reading this, but I live in Jersey. These streets are straight s#it. I did see a black si with 19" chrome Axis 7 mod with a 2" drop this pass weekend at the car show in Englishtown, NJ. It was not in the show but in the parking lot. It made the ride look so hot but I got to agree with everyone else, 17" would be the best choice.

Ah f#ck it... I still might get 18"s!!!
http://www.superhonda.com/photopost/data/519/6375799mph.jpg

[Mickey]

I have 17's right now wrapped in 215/45/17 Goodyear Eagle F1GSD3 And In a few weeks time I will be changing my wheels to 15 inch with 215/50/15
Gramlights 57c or Work CR. I think with this set up my ride will definitely improve.
Just my opinion.

[xsimplistikaznx]

Still sittin on factories. I was considering 18" ADR M-Sport before reading this, but I live in Jersey. These streets are straight s#it. I did see a black si with 19" chrome Axis 7 mod with a 2" drop this pass weekend at the car show in Englishtown, NJ. It was not in the show but in the parking lot. It made the ride look so hot but I got to agree with everyone else, 17" would be the best choice.

Ah f#ck it... I still might get 18"s!!!
http://www.superhonda.com/photopost/data/519/6375799mph.jpg

yeah i know what you mean about the roads. 19" hell yeah! but idk about chrome. like paul walker said "yo that too much chrome for me" AHAH :mtongue: oh yeah that pic is funny ahha. the boy on the hood. lmao

[CastorTroy2]

16"s are perfect!