My OEM tires are getting pretty bare and it's time for me to start thinking about replacing them, and when I do so I plan to get a new set of rims. I am thinking about 18x9's or 18x9.5's all the way around (not interested in a staggered set up). I am looking for suggestions from the community on what work and look good given the following:

My 8 is TiGray (2005).
It is not lowered, though I am considering lowering with Eibach 5544140 Pro-Kit Lowering Spring Kit (1.2 in the front and 0.8 in the rear) in the future.
I have no idea what offset I need or should go with (though I want to stick with an offset that will not adversely affect handling).
For tires, I plan on getting either Dunlop Direzza Sport Z1 Star Spec or BFGoodrich g-Force T/A KDW 2. (I am apprehensive about the BFGoodrich tire as I have heard it creates a ton of road noise. Anyone who has these tires care to share thoughts?)
I strongly prefer rims with an aggressive deep dish and/or concave look.
I am looking for either solid black rims, or silver/gunmetal rims if they are 1 piece (ease of keeping clean the reason).
I prefer 5 spoke designs, or something along the lines of BBS RS-GT's or RX II's (I cannot afford BBS right now).
My total budget (including tires) is $2000 (I am leaning toward the Dunlops wich will run about 800, leaving 1200 for rims).

Please feel free to make suggestions not just on rims, but also on sizes, offsets, and tire size combinations. Pics of your suggestions are much appreciated if you have them.

One last question. I have been researching the effects on handling by changing wheel width and offset. From what I have gathered, my understanding is that wider wheels/tires will adversely affect straighline acceleration, but improve handling through turns. Am I correct in this understanding? Aside from appearance, improved handling through turns is main reason I want to go with wider wheels. I could care less about straightline performance, as I purchased this car to have fun around corners and on windy roads.

Thanks in advance for all your input.

E.

 

Yes you are correct that wider wheels means more grip through turns, the responsiveness can change depending on what size tire you put on the wheel. If you put a 255 on a 9.5" wheel, It will be more responsive than putting a 275 on a 9.5" wheel. But you will have more overall grip with the wider tire. Another thing, the wider the tire, the more expensive it will be as well.

Since you said you like black wheels, the Enkei RPF1 18x9.5 +45 would be a very nice wheel for you. Recommend tire sizes for it would be anywhere from 255-275. Also the 5Zigen FN01R-C comes in bronze, black, and a few other colors, and has the 5 spoke design you are looking for, but it is about 200 less than the RPF1's. They come in 18x8.5 and 18x9.5 +35.

Here's a pic of the RPF1's which I bought from Fluid Motorsports



Fluid Motorsports also has a sell going on the RPF1's right now in Black, only weighs 18.4 lbs as well, and it looks amazing in person. He also just started selling the 5Zigen's at a very good price.

 

^Dam track tires!

I went with 18x8.5 & 18x9.5 with a 32 off set on stock tires. But I'm going to change my tire size. I need new ones anyway.

 

I had a set of the BFG KDW 2 and hated them. As for wheels, how about JIC Magic?

 

I have BFGoodrich KDW2 and will not buy them again.

Good: Decent grip in dry. Solid grip in the rain. For a UHP tire they last a long time. Cool tread pattern.
Bad: Loud. Sidewall is soft. Cold weather grip not very good (duh).

5 spokes FTW Easy to clean. Gunmetal color wheels are awesome for brake dust. Since everyone is pimping their pics, here is mine

G-Games 99b 19x8.5" +40 255/35 front and back.

 

Enkei RP03 18*9.5 +38, with 265/35/18. One of my favorite wheels

Here is a pic of Polak's car with them on (whatever happened with him anyways?):

 

His house was burnt down or something like that.

 

eriznik,

maybe you should talk about what you are going to do with the car..

track days, auto x?

if you dont plan on doing either i would get a different tire.. the z1 star specs and great. i have a set.. but you cannot use them to the max on the street.

as to the eibachs. i have those also.. and the real drop is 1.2 and 1.2.

beers

 

Thanks so much for everyone's replies so far. I like the Enkei RPF1's and Enkei RP03's best from what's been posted. I had seen the RPF1's in silver and didn't like them, but seeing them in black, and on an 8, I think they are a pretty sweet fit for the style of the car.

To pdxhak and Aipex8: Thanks for the heads up on the BFGoodrich tires. You confirmed my suspicions and I am crossing those off my list.

To swoope: thanks for the heads up on the Eibach springs. I'll keep that in mind.

 

Anyone know where to get the RPF1's in black? Can't find them anywhere online. Discontinued perhaps?