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Lightweight wheels, big improvement

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Old Apr 30, 2010 | 01:18 PM
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Lightweight wheels, big improvement

So I was pretty anal about researching the lightest wheels and tires. I initially looked at SSR type C at ~8 lbs for 15x6, but decided on Enkei RPF1s 15x7, 41 mm. For tires, I initially wanted General Exclaim UHP but they are on back order across the country. I finally decided on Toyo Proxes 4 195/50/15.


Wheels: 9.5 lbs
Tires: 16.5 lbs (195/50/15)

Total 26 lbs (+ wheel weights for balancing) per corner. I want to weigh the old tires/rims but haven't had a chance.

Initial impressions...(I want to clarify that regardless of the improvements, the Fit is by NOOO means fast)
First thing I noticed is a dramatically improved response to throttle input in 1st and 2nd gear. Initial acceleration is MUCH more rapid to about 300 RPM...then seems to flatten a little till kicks in around 3800-4000 RPM. The powerband is still flat as ever in 3rd and 4th gear unless RPM > 4000. I haven't gotten on the freeway yet so can't comment on 5th gear but I suspect it will still be pretty flat.

I can't comment much on braking because I don't brake hard or late. I'm gonna start autocrossing here and will comment further on turn-in cornering.

Subjectively, it feels like having another 10-15 whp on tap. Overall, I am very pleased and would spend the money again in a heartbeat.

On to the (iPhone) pics...I know HUGE wheel gap, but Progress springs are going on today.
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My camera skillz don't pay the billz...hopefully, I can get some better pics one day.
 
Old Apr 30, 2010 | 01:21 PM
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One other thing I wanted to mention...

When I was getting the wheels/tires balanced at Discount Tire the guy kept commenting on how the wheels were so light they were giving the computer a tough time balancing the tire. Apparently, the light weight magnifies all the imperfections of the tire.
 
Old Apr 30, 2010 | 01:41 PM
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Lighter wheels and tires are he best thing you can do for any kind of vehicle.... There are no negative repercussions to worry about and a lot more advantages you will notice in time.
 
Old Apr 30, 2010 | 02:25 PM
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Around how much does the stock combo weigh?

I'm looking at some rims that are about 11lbs a piece...not really light, but I don't think I can afford the Enkei's. BTW...do they even make RPF1's in 16 in black?
 
Old Apr 30, 2010 | 02:27 PM
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Originally Posted by Btrthnezr3
Around how much does the stock combo weigh?

I'm looking at some rims that are about 11lbs a piece...not really light, but I don't think I can afford the Enkei's. BTW...do they even make RPF1's in 16 in black?
I *think* the stock combo weighs about 32 lbs but dont quote me on that.

Yest, you can get RPF1 16 in in black.

Edit: Maybe it's 36? I can't remember. 18 and 18 a piece or 16 a piece.
 

Last edited by thefit09; Apr 30, 2010 at 02:34 PM.
Old Apr 30, 2010 | 02:29 PM
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Looks great blackndecker, the rpf1's are on their way to becoming a classic, good choice. Once you lower it, it will look even better!
 
Old Apr 30, 2010 | 03:52 PM
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Originally Posted by Btrthnezr3
Around how much does the stock combo weigh?

I'm looking at some rims that are about 11lbs a piece...not really light, but I don't think I can afford the Enkei's. BTW...do they even make RPF1's in 16 in black?
11 lbs is light...just make sure you choose a tire that doesn't spoil the weight reduction. Some tires push 30 lbs!!

There is definitely a 16 inch RPF1...it weighs in around 13 lbs. I had a hard time choosing b/w the two but ultimately went for maximal weight reduction.
 
Old Apr 30, 2010 | 03:54 PM
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Originally Posted by baylorbro
Looks great blackndecker, the rpf1's are on their way to becoming a classic, good choice. Once you lower it, it will look even better!
Thanks man.

Agree on the "classic" comment. For the money, the RPF1 is hard to beat. I really wanted the special brilliant coating (SBC) but doesn't come in a 15 inch wheel.
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Old Apr 30, 2010 | 03:57 PM
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Bah, 11...I'm an idiot--I just looked them up...more like 13-15 depending on style.

I'm still looking.

I know slips are played out but they are cheap and light...damn.
I don't know if I can afford 219 per wheel (aka rpf1's)
 
Old Apr 30, 2010 | 03:58 PM
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Originally Posted by blackndecker

Does it come in 16? Kinda hot.
 
Old Apr 30, 2010 | 04:10 PM
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Old Apr 30, 2010 | 04:22 PM
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Grr...asshat.

And, btw...none of the links that come up when you google have them listed for 16" so...yeah. I just wanted an answer. I know, for example, that tire rack does not show on their website every option for the rpf1's and neither does evasivemotorsports.com. So...I just wanted to know if that was even an option.
 

Last edited by Btrthnezr3; Apr 30, 2010 at 04:25 PM.
Old Apr 30, 2010 | 04:30 PM
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Come on...just messing with ya.

The SBC is hawtness...but prolly much harder to keep clean. I only see the 4x100 bolt pattern in 17x7.

FYI, if you get the 16x7...the 195 series tire WILL work just fine. Tire Discount told me it would be stretched but there is actually enough rubber overhang for rim protection.
 

Last edited by blackndecker; Apr 30, 2010 at 04:34 PM.
Old Apr 30, 2010 | 05:11 PM
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congrats on the purchase and thanks for joining the RPF1 club

If you were like me, there were probably about 5 or 10 other wheels that you thought looked way sexier, but you decided that function is more important than style, and for that, I give you many kudos! Enjoy
 
Old Apr 30, 2010 | 05:40 PM
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Originally Posted by Btrthnezr3
.
why don't you buy used wheels?

used real wheels are cheap and are vastly superior to knock-offs

my bbs's were prolly less than 15" rotas
 
Old Apr 30, 2010 | 05:54 PM
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Originally Posted by trancedsailor
congrats on the purchase and thanks for joining the RPF1 club

If you were like me, there were probably about 5 or 10 other wheels that you thought looked way sexier, but you decided that function is more important than style, and for that, I give you many kudos! Enjoy
LOL...yeah I was eyeballing some 24" spinnerz.

There is no better fit upgrade (while maintaining your warranty...damn you K20) for the money. Personally, I can't rationalize 250-300 bucks on CAI for negligible gains and ride around with heavy aftermarket wheels!?!
 
Old Apr 30, 2010 | 05:55 PM
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Originally Posted by blackndecker
LOL...yeah I was eyeballing some 24" spinnerz.

There is no better fit upgrade (while maintaining your warranty...damn you K20) for the money. Personally, I can't rationalize 250-300 bucks on CAI for negligible gains and ride around with heavy aftermarket wheels!?!
another quality uprgrade for mpg = taking out backseat
 
Old Apr 30, 2010 | 05:58 PM
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Thanks to all for pointing my fellow Texan friend toward function over form.... She's a good kid and pretty damned handy with a wrench as well.
 
Old Apr 30, 2010 | 06:02 PM
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Originally Posted by Gbaby2089
why don't you buy used wheels?

used real wheels are cheap and are vastly superior to knock-offs
I don't understand the fascination with "real" wheels. If Rotas weighed less I would have bought em. Plenty of people tracking Rotas with no problems.

Originally Posted by Gbaby2089
my bbs's were prolly less than 15" rotas
that should be REALLY easy to figure out...
 
Old Apr 30, 2010 | 06:14 PM
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I have been looking at rims "real" and knockoffs alike. I have found tons of name brand rims I like but cannot justify 300+ per wheel. Just cannot. Been surfing for used but most don't have to worry about offset like we do so manynused wheels aren't gonna fit without rubbing. Coyote, all the rims I've been lookin at have been relatively light weight. Would never buy a rim just for looks but I want a balance between function and form. I believe all the rims I posted on my thread were 15lbs or less. But eh. Maybe you guys could keep a lookout for me. I definitely want to stay close to 45mm offset.
 



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