WCM S2K Ultralite Wheel and Tire Recommendations?

[powerbookguy]

hi all,

just picked up a WCM S2K Ultralite which came with slicks only. i am looking for guidance as to street wheel sizes, bolt pattern and offsets. i am open to staggered width sizes or not.

as for tires i have run R888s on my my other car (lotus elise) and have been pretty happy with the performance but am open to other suggestions. ideally I would want something that could do both street and track duty until i am ready to move to slicks.

thanks in advance.

[Boxologist]

r888, Ra1, or yoko A048 would be the best bet to handle street and light track work. after that its the max performance street tyres like the bridgestone re-01r, re-11r Kumho XS, Dunlop Z1 StarSpec, or yoko advan a007/a008.

iirc the ultralights usually run 17" wheels so u should have a good selection of tyres.

[jwduncan]

Daniel,

I have an Ultralite S2K and I've been running 17x7.5 front, 17x8.5 rear, SSR competition wheels with R888 215/45/17s on the front and 255/40/17s on the rear for the street. I've been happy with the wheel/tire combination.

And 15x10 rims with slicks work well for auto-x

[WestTexasS2K]

Powerbook I have used several different sizes of wheels on my Ultralites. You will need a 5x100 bolt pattern 17x8 with 35-38 offset works very well on front and back and you can run up to a 255/40/17 tire on the rear with a 225-255 on the front. I have also used 17x9.5 with a 42-45 offset for the rear running 275/35/17. You will just have to do your research to find what you like brand and style wise. I just purchased a set of Enkie's from Tire Rack. You will just have to call them and tell them you have an odd set up. They will usually make you sign a waiver saying they wont gaurantee fitment upon your specs. I like the Team Dynamics 1.2 they take a few weeks to get in but are fairly affordable and well built.

[powerbookguy]

thanks for the helpful info everyone.

is there a center bore size indicated?

[WestTexasS2K]

center bore can be an issue. Kevin had to have the centers machined out on his wheels to go over the front hubs.

[powerbookguy]

Dunlop Z1 StarSpec



this looks like a great tire.

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Dunlop&tireModel=Direzza+Sport+Z1+Star+Spec&partnum=145WR7Z1SS

has anyone run it on an S2K?

TIA.

[WestTexasS2K]

I am not aware of anyone using them. I think I would go with the Falken RT615 over the Bridgestone. If I were to use a Bridgestone it would be the RE01R

[powerbookguy]

I am not aware of anyone using them. I think I would go with the Falken RT615 over the Bridgestone. If I were to use a Bridgestone it would be the RE01R

thanks. these are dunlops. i was especially intriuged by:

"The Direzza Sport Z1 Star Spec is for . . . drivers of lighter weight vehicles who are often confronted with the task of working tire temperatures up to the point of generating peak grip."

i am looking at the RT615s as well, was wondering about the dunlops as they have had better reviews on a few sites.

[TheDingo8MyBaby]

The Bridgestone RE-01R is probably the best Street-Tire class autocross tire out right now. They are in the same category as the Dunlop Z1 Star Spec, Kumho XS, Falken RT-615, and Hankook Z212 R-S2.

I understand that the Kumho XS are supposed to be as good, if not better than the RE-01R's. The RE01R are more expensive than the XS but I hear they tend to last longer. The RS2's are supposed to be very good in the wet, but have the least dry grip. They are very reasonably priced though.

I've only driven the falkens and dunlops, but I like the dunlops. Better overall grip, though they did not take well to being overheated as well as the 615's. I'm pretty sure the dunlops lasted longer too. They're also better in the rain and seem to be a bit less noisy (neither of which you should be incredibly concerned about in a 7).

[DB6]

Toyo R,s are good too

[Mondo]

I took Loren's (West Texas) advice and it was spot on:

17x8 & 17X9 - 35mm in front & 43mm in rear .. 225/45 & 275/40 Falken rt615s

[WestTexasS2K]

I think tire wear is not an issue with a 7. The tires will be hard and useless before you wear them out. I put 500 plus laps on RT 615 and 4k miles of street driving in a year and they showed very little wear. That was my experience with the REO1R as well.
I have also used the Yokahoma AD07 all performed well but the RT615 worked best for my driving style.

RA1s are a good option as well. It will be stickier than the above tires but it will be possible to wear those out if you track your car very much.

[powerbookguy]

I took Loren's (West Texas) advice and it was spot on:

17x8 & 17X9 - 35mm in front & 43mm in rear .. 225/45 & 275/40 Falken rt615s

thanks, do you find this setup fairly neutral as to oversteer/understeer?

[WestTexasS2K]

It is very nuetral if the tire pressure and alignment is correct.

[Mondo]

Haven't gotten on it much.... but tire pressure does make a big difference that you can really feel (even for an amateur like me). I thought the car was too skittish for me until I reduced the pressures and made sure the alignment was good.

Now me likey bery mucho!

I'm sure it's overkill on the rear (275s with stock motor) but I can break them loose, in 2nd gear, on tight turns while stabbing the throttle (not the smartest thing but kind of fun). Like I said, haven't really gotten to the track where you can really feel the under/oversteer. But I have a very balanced car now so I'm hoping to just adjust pressures to get it to my liking (whatever that turns out to be).

You might PM WestTexasS2K about spring rates etc... if your really serious about track use. He and Kevin have a lot of experience.

[powerbookguy]

I took Loren's (West Texas) advice and it was spot on:

17x8 & 17X9 - 35mm in front & 43mm in rear .. 225/45 & 275/40 Falken rt615s

what wheels did you end up going with? i have been combing various sites for a good lightweight setup and keep coming up empty handed (e.g., wheels with the wrong offset, or bolt pattern, etc).

thank you.

[WestTexasS2K]

try www.edgeracing.com it has a few wheels that will work. Enkie has pretty good selection that will fit. Flik is one that I have used before they are affordable and weigh about 17lbs.

Team Dynamics 1.2 wheels are available in Ultralite sizes here is a link http://www.teamdynamicsracing.com/pro-race/Pro-race12.htm These are good quality wheels. Kevin has these and I was going to use these until Kevin confinscated mine for his race wheels . I ended up buying Enkies because they were on sale.

You can call Tire Rack as well and tell them you have an odd car. They will look wheels up for you by size and offsets. They will usually make you sign a waiver that says you are responsible for the sizing and they will not allow return unless they are defective.

[WestTexasS2K]

Oh forgot Rota makes nice looking wheels and they are very affordable. They have several makes in the 5x100 17x8 sizes.

http://www.rotawheels.com/wheelcatalog.asp

[Mondo]

I got mine from edgeracing but the site isn't opening for me right now.

Their 5zigen but the exact ones I got may be discontinued but these look the same:

http://www.5zigenusa.com/english/products/wheel/proracer/fn01rchot.html

[WestTexasS2K]

My first set of wheels were 5 Ziegen. I liked them as well. They came from Japan and they were a little hard to get. They did make some in that size too. I did try the Edge website. I cant get it to come up either.

[powerbookguy]

I got mine from edgeracing but the site isn't opening for me right now.

Their 5zigen but the exact ones I got may be discontinued but these look the same:

http://www.5zigenusa.com/english/products/wheel/proracer/fn01rchot.html

thanks for the helpful replies everyone.

i've come across these wheels in my searches as well. they look fine but illustrate the problem i have been running into most everywhere i look: finding a staggered set that comes in sizes that will fit the car.

On the 5 Zigens, there is a 5/100 setup in 17x8, but the 17x9 comes only in 5/114. i've had this same issue with most of the enkeis i've come across as well. the team dynamics do come in the proper sizes and look fantastic but i was hoping for something lighter than 20 lbs: http://www.rimstock.co.uk/rimstockuk/wheelsmain.php?name=Pro%20Race%201.2

just to be sure, based on the guidance i've received here i am looking at:

17" front 8" wide 5/100 35mm
17" rear 9" wide 5/100 43mm

thanks.

[WestTexasS2K]

17x9 wheels below 20lbs are going to be very expensive. There are a few out there like Rays or Volks Engineering they are in the 18lb range but are close to 1k per wheel. Team Dynamics wheels are very nice and are a good price. Maybe even better now with the exchange rate. They are made in the UK. I have the number for the importer in CA he is easy to deal with. He might have to order them if he doesnt have the size or color you want it typically takes 6 weeks.

[powerbookguy]

17x9 wheels below 20lbs are going to be very expensive. There are a few out there like Rays or Volks Engineering they are in the 18lb range but are close to 1k per wheel. Team Dynamics wheels are very nice and are a good price. Maybe even better now with the exchange rate. They are made in the UK. I have the number for the importer in CA he is easy to deal with. He might have to order them if he doesnt have the size or color you want it typically takes 6 weeks.

thanks for the insight. i would appreciate the importer contact info. are the offsets shown below correct?

17" front 8" wide 5/100 35mm
17" rear 9" wide 5/100 43mm

should i be looking to get the wheels bored for hubcentric mounting without centering rings?

thanks.

[Mondo]

I think they make hubcentric rings for using with spacers (have that on my G35)... my rims are just bolted up. I have a different Suburu STI rear-end so your best to wait for an answer from Loren or one of the other guys on bolt pattern.

[powerbookguy]

I think they make hubcentric rings for using with spacers (have that on my G35)... my rims are just bolted up. I have a different Suburu STI rear-end so your best to wait for an answer from Loren or one of the other guys on bolt pattern.

i know the bolt pattern is 5/100 as i measured it. just need to confirm the offsets.

thank you.

[Mondo]

double checked and that was the backspace I ordered from edge racing...

good luck

[powerbookguy]

double checked and that was the backspace I ordered from edge racing...

good luck

thanks!

[WestTexasS2K]

Those are the correct sizes and offsets. We also are using the STI so I am unsure if the hub centric size on the standard rear end. Kevin had no issues fitting the rear with the standard center bore, but Kevin had to have the front wheels bored out more. The front wheel had the tapered front hub so be carful with your measurements. You most likely only need the inside portion of the wheel machined if at all. The importer for the US is 909 947 0114.

[powerbookguy]

Those are the correct sizes and offsets. We also are using the STI so I am unsure if the hub centric size on the standard rear end. Kevin had no issues fitting the rear with the standard center bore, but Kevin had to have the front wheels bored out more. The front wheel had the tapered front hub so be carful with your measurements. You most likely only need the inside portion of the wheel machined if at all. The importer for the US is 909 947 0114.

thanks again for all the helpful info, i'd be lost without you guys.

is there anyway to tell if the rear end is from the STI? seller told me the differential had been changed for better acceleration and i was given the original differential as well. they look pretty similar from the outside though i have not gone over them that closely.

thank you.

[WestTexasS2K]

I am pretty sure you still have the R160. The R180 is bigger. He probably just switched diffs with lower gear to help acceleration. There are 3:70, 3:90, 4:11, 4:56 units available. The 4:11 and 4:56 do give alot more grunt out of the hole. It will raise you cruising rpm by about 1k rpm but it isnt bad with the high reving Honda

[shotgunslade]

First track day tomorrow. What cold tire pressures are you setting up with? I have Falken Azenis. They are 245/40-17 front and rear.

[powerbookguy]

I am pretty sure you still have the R160. The R180 is bigger. He probably just switched diffs with lower gear to help acceleration. There are 3:70, 3:90, 4:11, 4:56 units available. The 4:11 and 4:56 do give alot more grunt out of the hole. It will raise you cruising rpm by about 1k rpm but it isnt bad with the high reving Honda

thanks. i should be able to figure out which one it is based on a comparison of a given gear, rpm and speed as compared to stock, right?

[WestTexasS2K]

First track day tomorrow. What cold tire pressures are you setting up with? I have Falken Azenis. They are 245/40-17 front and rear.

I would start with 18 psi in fronts and 19 psi in the rear.

[powerbookguy]

after spending far too much time researching wheel sizes and availability for the ultralite i am tentatively planning on custom made bogart racing 17x8 fronts with falken RT615 225s and 17x10 rears with falken RT615 275s. i currently have a set of 16x10 and 16x12 bogart road race wheels and while not cheap they are solidly made and lightweight.

the question i have regards backspace, in particular the clearance from the inboard wheel lip edge to the bicycle fender support up front and from the inboard wheel lip edge to the chassis skin in the back.

the current 16x10 bogart wheel clears the calipers front and back just fine but it seems too far outboard in the rear -- there is approximately 2" of space between the wheel lip and the chassis. this same wheel mounted up front has approximately 1" of space between the wheel lip and bicycle fender support, which to me seems just about right.

can others chime in on what inboard clearances their wheel setup has front and back so i can make a informed decision as to backspace?

i would appreciate any other feedback about my proposed setup as well, especially the advisability of using a 17x8 and 17x10 staggered setup.

TIA.

[Mondo]

I have the same rear tires but with 9 inch rims (and they fit nice on the rim)...

By me eyeballing the tire with tape measure, it's about 10 to 10.25 inches total sidewall to sidewall width (not tread width); . The fender is 12 inches wide and there looks to be over an inch of room on the inside. You'd need an inch (25 millimeters) of additional backspace to keep the rim flush with the outside fender lip... as mine is in the pics.

With all that being said, due to the cost of rims and any tire movement due to suspension travel, I'd figure out a way to make sure before purchasing... though it would likely be ok, I'd hate to steer you wrong.

I've seen wider rims (slicks) on S2Ks but it's been 15inch diameter and they've stuck out. I know Kevin has ran 17inch slicks but don't know how wide the rims were.

Just remember it'll really be for looks as our cars don't need that much rubber unless supercharged... good luck!

[7evin]

A simple and effective way to do this, is to determine your overall wheel and tire diameter.
lets say 20". Buy a piece of 1/4 inch aluminum, drill a small hole in the middle, for your center reference and draw a 20" circle around it (then cut it out). Layout your bolt pattern (centered of course) drill it. Now bolt it on and measure away. This will allow you to move your suspension through it full travel and take measurements though the entire range. This may seem a little overkill, but it sure beats spending a butt load of money on wheels that do not fit like you want them to.

I have been very satisfied with the strength and performance of the Team dynamic wheels I
embezzled from WestTex..... Price was on the money also...

http://www.usa7s.com/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=231&stc=1&d=1240971780

Cheers
7evin