Type S Winter Wheels / Fitment Specs

[bpebler]

Interesting. I wonder if this is specific to apex wheels? I don’t have any experience with wheel spacers. But I’d have to make sure they are well made, installed correctly and doesn’t affect safety and performance of the car

Could very well be with Apex - I'll have to dig back through my emails from Matt to confirm. Could be just the specific wheel itself as well & differ from model to model? Mine just arrived, but they are VS-5RS 18x10.5" ET47 & no spacer or anything else is required - direct bolt on fit with nothing else necessary. I'm going with their recommended 275/35/18 in Conti's EC DWS06. No plan to lower anytime soon or at all if I can help it.

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[RUNN1N]

So if I understand correctly, if I were to get a winter tire & 18” wheel package from Tire Rack (235/40/18 tire size and 18x8 wheels w/+45 offset), then they’ll easily clear the fenders, right?

I know there’s considerations for performance with such a setup, but I’m generally not driving nearly as hard in the winter.

Assuming you're at stock height, you'll be able to fit those wheels + tires with no risk of rubbing. I just bought a set myself in a similar size.

I finally pulled the trigger yesterday, and I went with a full set of dedicated winter wheels and tires--finding tires that were "winter-y enough" at 9.5" wide was a fun project for a while, but I didn't want to roll the dice with something that could only be certified for "light snow" or pay through the nose for DWS 06's that might still just ride on top of the snow because of the width. We may not get any snow... we do occasionally get a lot. In either case, I don't want to end up in a ditch.

I went with 18x8 Sparco wheels with a 45mm offset and 245/45/18 Vredstein Wintrac Pro tires (phenomenal reviews). The wheels were just under $600 (dirt cheap), and the tires were $753 before a $150 mail-in rebate from TireRack. I nearly pulled the trigger on a set of Blizzaks at 255/40/18 on closeout for $353 (seriously cheap) but the consensus seemed to be that 255 was slightly too wide for 8" wheels and that the tire wouldn't perform correctly. I figure just because they technically could fit didn't mean they should.

I figure good 19"x9.5" winter tires were going to cost ~$1,200+, great winter tires + dedicated winter wheels (not trying to win any beauty pageants out there in slush season) for the same price was the way to go.

 

[bpebler]

Assuming you're at stock height, you'll be able to fit those wheels + tires with no risk of rubbing. I just bought a set myself in a similar size.

I finally pulled the trigger yesterday, and I went with a full set of dedicated winter wheels and tires--finding tires that were "winter-y enough" at 9.5" wide was a fun project for a while, but I didn't want to roll the dice with something that could only be certified for "light snow" or pay through the nose for DWS 06's that might still just ride on top of the snow because of the width. We may not get any snow... we do occasionally get a lot. In either case, I don't want to end up in a ditch.

I went with 18x8 Sparco wheels with a 45mm offset and 245/45/18 Vredstein Wintrac Pro tires (phenomenal reviews). The wheels were just under $600 (dirt cheap), and the tires were $753 before a $150 mail-in rebate from TireRack. I nearly pulled the trigger on a set of Blizzaks at 255/40/18 on closeout for $353 (seriously cheap) but the consensus seemed to be that 255 was slightly too wide for 8" wheels and that the tire wouldn't perform correctly. I figure just because they technically could fit didn't mean they should.

I figure good 19"x9.5" winter tires were going to cost ~$1,200+, great winter tires + dedicated winter wheels (not trying to win any beauty pageants out there in slush season) for the same price was the way to go.

Looking forward to hearing about the Vredestein's! I was looking at those as well - but then decided I wouldn't take the car out in inclement weather. I'll just take my wife's awd Durango or stay home. Just rain/wet roads during Midwest winters so trying the DWS06+. Finishing alignment down after going down to 18's as well.

 

[Azkyrie6]

Assuming you're at stock height, you'll be able to fit those wheels + tires with no risk of rubbing. I just bought a set myself in a similar size.

I finally pulled the trigger yesterday, and I went with a full set of dedicated winter wheels and tires--finding tires that were "winter-y enough" at 9.5" wide was a fun project for a while, but I didn't want to roll the dice with something that could only be certified for "light snow" or pay through the nose for DWS 06's that might still just ride on top of the snow because of the width. We may not get any snow... we do occasionally get a lot. In either case, I don't want to end up in a ditch.

I went with 18x8 Sparco wheels with a 45mm offset and 245/45/18 Vredstein Wintrac Pro tires (phenomenal reviews). The wheels were just under $600 (dirt cheap), and the tires were $753 before a $150 mail-in rebate from TireRack. I nearly pulled the trigger on a set of Blizzaks at 255/40/18 on closeout for $353 (seriously cheap) but the consensus seemed to be that 255 was slightly too wide for 8" wheels and that the tire wouldn't perform correctly. I figure just because they technically could fit didn't mean they should.

I figure good 19"x9.5" winter tires were going to cost ~$1,200+, great winter tires + dedicated winter wheels (not trying to win any beauty pageants out there in slush season) for the same price was the way to go.

this is the correct thinking. I personally think all seasons tires are terrible with snow performance. Aside from protecting the amazing ITS, your safety and your family’s safety is top priority. Getting dedicated snow tires is something that you can’t go cheap on.

whether you live in a state with light snow or heavier snow like Colorado, having too snow/ice traction is paramount. I have family in Virginia and although they get light snow, their experience is extremely limited, not to mention drivers around them are not well versed in snow. Having proper winter tires makes the difference in maneuverability and split second decisions between being unscathed and totaling your car.

sure winter tires wear out faster, but there’s no price on safety. We got three seasons to enjoy summer tires.

 

[crepr12]

Mich PA4 should be a no brainer for any one wanting a performance winter tire...

 

[Integra23]

Mich PA4 should be a no brainer for any one wanting a performance winter tire...

Too bad they don't come in the factory size

 

[Integra23]

So just order tires from the dealership. They gave me a great deal on DWS06+ 275/30/19.

 

[Frenzal]

Got my winter package on order.

18x8 +40 offset FC04 wheels in gloss black with 235/40-18 tires (Blizzak WS90). Wheels should sit exactly where the OE wheels are.

If I find the tires are too wide, might go with some 225/45 next time (which is a 2.7 % difference from OE circumference).

 

[Integra23]

Got my winter package on order.

18x8 +40 offset FC04 wheels in gloss black with 235/40-18 tires (Blizzak WS90). Wheels should sit exactly where the OE wheels are.

If I find the tires are too wide, might go with some 225/45 next time (which is a 2.7 % difference from OE circumference).

I doubt those will be too wide. Aspec is rolling on 235s.

 

[neuronbob]

I went with 18x8 Sparco wheels with a 45mm offset and 245/45/18 Vredstein Wintrac Pro tires (phenomenal reviews). The wheels were just under $600 (dirt cheap), and the tires were $753 before a $150 mail-in rebate from TireRack. I nearly pulled the trigger on a set of Blizzaks at 255/40/18 on closeout for $353 (seriously cheap) but the consensus seemed to be that 255 was slightly too wide for 8" wheels and that the tire wouldn't perform correctly. I figure just because they technically could fit didn't mean they should.

I figure good 19"x9.5" winter tires were going to cost ~$1,200+, great winter tires + dedicated winter wheels (not trying to win any beauty pageants out there in slush season) for the same price was the way to go.

I went with a similar setup. I just pulled the trigger, after a month of considering, on a set of Sparco Podios in 18 x 8 +45 ($215 each), with Vredestein Wintrac Pros in 245/40r18, whose diameter very closely matched our OEM 19s. Tire Rack indicates these will fit. We’ll find out tomorrow when I receive them and do a test fit. The Podios look similar to the stock wheels, which is one reason I chose them. I also paid for TPMS, so total before tax was around $1770.

PS: The sale on Vredestein tires ends on 9/17. Tires were $753 before the $150 rebate, which you get in the mail as a Visa card. Saving a little money is what pushed me over the edge.

 

[RUNN1N]

PS: The sale on Vredestein tires ends on 9/17. Tires were $753 before the $150 rebate, which you get in the mail as a Visa card. Saving a little money is what pushed me over the edge.

So I received my wheels and tires QUICKLY (~3 days), but it actually just occurred to me that I've received nothing regarding my mail-in rebate--it looks like this might be one of those rebates they prefer you forget about.

Planning to get mine submitted today, thank you for the reminder!

 

[RUNN1N]

Happy to report that was an easy process--it'll take up to 8 weeks for the rebate to process. Thanks again for the reminder, @neuronbob!

 

[neuronbob]

Happy to report that was an easy process--it'll take up to 8 weeks for the rebate to process. Thanks again for the reminder, @neuronbob!

No problem. I did the rebate as soon as I paid for my order.

 

[Grelco]

How do the Podios fit?

 

[sarspants]

I went with a similar setup. I just pulled the trigger, after a month of considering, on a set of Sparco Podios in 18 x 8 +45 ($215 each), with Vredestein Wintrac Pros in 245/40r18, whose diameter very closely matched our OEM 19s. Tire Rack indicates these will fit. We’ll find out tomorrow when I receive them and do a test fit. The Podios look similar to the stock wheels, which is one reason I chose them. I also paid for TPMS, so total before tax was around $1770.

PS: The sale on Vredestein tires ends on 9/17. Tires were $753 before the $150 rebate, which you get in the mail as a Visa card. Saving a little money is what pushed me over the edge.

Do the Podios fit? Looking to get a dedicated setup too. Also looking at the Enkei Raijin 18x8 with 42 mm offset. Seems like a lot of people on the CTR forums are running them.

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