Wheel recommendations?

[dnova89]

I've been searching around and I'm still not decided, so I decided to make my own thread, I hope nobody minds. :roll:

Before I begin let me just mention that I'm not running a 5-lug conversion so I'll need 4x100 and preferably something with the correct center bore (I heard if it's too big that could be a problem as the wheel could vibrate, but anyway I think the e30 centerbore was 57.1. I'm not sure but I guess if a wheel has the same center bore I could say it is hub centric to the e30? Correct me if I'm wrong I just wanted to get my terminology straight.)

Anyway I'm about a month.5 away from ordering my AST 4100 shocks/struts, vorshlag camber plates w/ HD double row bearings, HD rubber RSMs w/ reinforcements, and GTS package springs (hyperco 600/750). This car is going to be my DD and I hope it will see the track 3-4 times a year. I'm looking for some decent looking wheels that won't break the bank (because my suspension already did ) my price range is around $400-700max without tires. I want something lightweight no more than 15 lbs hopefully. I would prefer 15x8 but 15x7 works too. I'm not sure what the recommended offset would be, I would rather not use spacers but I guess I could, nothing wrong performance-wise with that right? Some offset advice would be helpful and appreciated here too.

I'm not really sure what more info to give, I'm kinda new to everything but I plan on being serious about the track (i'm just a beginner, but I went with AST because I only wanted to buy a suspension once and be happy with it, something that I can adjust as I get better, but anyway I've already made my choice about the suspension, this thread is a bout what wheels I should get) All I know if I'll be performance minded, I'd like the car to be pretty low but I don't plan on being hella flush or anything like that. I just want to have a good track setup (of course I'll have to improve my driving skills to put the setup to any use but that's the reason I'm going with 15's). Looks are important but they aren't everything, as long as they look decent I'll be fine with them. Leme know what you guys had in mind or vouch for one of the wheels I had in mind if you like.

So far I had in mind Kosei k1's and D-force LTW5's. I would like to stay away from ROTA and sportmax, not saying there's anything wrong with them, I just don't want them. I really like the ronal LS's but I can't seem to find any for sale.

Thanks for any info in advance. If pictures are not readily available on the internet, I would greatly appreciate some w/ your recommendation!!

[RainierHooker]

I'm a big fan of K1s on e30s (especially late-model e30s), frankly the LTW5s just don't look right to me.
With the K1s you will have to run hubcentric rings to bring down the cb to 57.1, but if you buy them from TireRack (if they still carry K1s) they will include them free. If not a set can be had for like $35, which is what I paid for my rings from 64.1 (Borbet) to 57.1.
Unless you can find the wheels with an ET of 20-25, if I recall correctly, spacers to bring them there really shouldn't be a liability.

[dnova89]

Thanks RainierHooker, I actually didn't realize that k1's were not a direct fit.. lol doh! That's one plus about the LTW5's, I think they are direct fit seeing as how they were made with Spec E30 in mind. Yeah if I had to choose the k1's would probably take my vote too. I REALLY want some Ronal LS though.. how often do those come up for sale?

[george graves]

Kinda long post - but 15" inchers right? K1's or euroweaves should do the trick.

If you are only tracking a few times a year, and it's your DD, then getting track focused wheels is kinda strange to me. Chances are they will be 10 other factors that make the car better/safer then what wheels you have on the car. Get the size/wheel you like year round. Just my 2 cents.

[C-T]

Here are some pics of my matte black LTW5s. 13 lbs, ET25, and while their aesthetic may not leave everyone impressed I personally like the look especially on my black car. My old BMW had expensive 3-piece wheels on it that used to kill me with upkeep and emotional overhead every time I'd drive on torn up roads, so for me it's nice to to be able to slam an errant pothole or two without worrying about a gigantic replacement cost.











Good luck whatever the final choice!

[RainierHooker]

Thanks RainierHooker, I actually didn't realize that k1's were not a direct fit.. lol doh! That's one plus about the LTW5's, I think they are direct fit seeing as how they were made with Spec E30 in mind. Yeah if I had to choose the k1's would probably take my vote too. I REALLY want some Ronal LS though.. how often do those come up for sale?

I know there used to be K1s that were the correct offset (I'm pretty sure they made them in 15x7 ET25, which is what I was gonna buy before I got rid of my late-model 325) but I haven't seen them in a while which leads me to believe that they have been discontinued. They pretty much all have the larger c/b though...

[dnova89]

Kinda long post - but 15" inchers right? K1's or euroweaves should do the trick.

If you are only tracking a few times a year, and it's your DD, then getting track focused wheels is kinda strange to me. Chances are they will be 10 other factors that make the car better/safer then what wheels you have on the car. Get the size/wheel you like year round. Just my 2 cents.

I understand what you mean, I just wanna get some starter wheels and when I get better I can get some nicer wheels maybe even 3 piece down the road.

[lennon]

get the tr motorsport wheel from tirerack. theres a big thread on it here, its made for e30s. 15x7 or 15x8. theres also the team dynamics wheel thats made for e30s in 15x7. and beyern has a 15x7 LM-style wheel made for e30s.

[dandrewg]

Here are some pics of my matte black LTW5s. 13 lbs, ET25, and while their aesthetic may not leave everyone impressed I personally like the look especially on my black car. My old BMW had expensive 3-piece wheels on it that used to kill me with upkeep and emotional overhead every time I'd drive on torn up roads, so for me it's nice to to be able to slam an errant pothole or two without worrying about a gigantic replacement cost.











Good luck whatever the final choice!

C-T, what are your tire specs and suspension setup in these pics? Love the look.

[C-T]

C-T, what are your tire specs and suspension setup in these pics? Love the look.

Thanks. I bought the car with the suspension on it, it has Bilstein HD shocks and H&R sport springs. I run Toyo T1-R tires in 225/50/15. I don't necessarily love the fat/soft sidewall on them, but they are comfortable for highway driving and perform acceptably when pushed into corners.