GR86 GR86 - What wheels and tyres are you thinking about?
- Thread starter JonBon
- Start date
I think it's nearly impossible to avoid. On my GT86 I was meticulous with the diamond cut wheels and they were regularly coated and cleaned but eventually all of them have suffered white worm. Its a lovely finish but flawed by design.
Yep, Diamond Cut Alloys are lacquered after a small amount of the surface is removed. The lacquer protects the bare metal but as above a small flaw/chip in the lacquer can mean that water gets between the lacquer and the metal surface causing the whiteworm effect and once its starts only a full refurb will get the wheel back to looking good, the MK5 Gti wheels seem particularly prone to this.
Depending on the wheel there is also a limit to how many times the surface can be skimmed of course as you are removing metal each time (I hear that twice or possibly 3 time max). My 1997 Diamond Cut alloys are pretty good, there is one small chip but I got lacquer on it in time and it hasn't got worse., but bear in mind i am only doing about 500miles a year in and normally in better weather. I find best to wash the, little but often with just car shampoo and never use harsh wheel cleaners, this also helps.
Depending on the wheel there is also a limit to how many times the surface can be skimmed of course as you are removing metal each time (I hear that twice or possibly 3 time max). My 1997 Diamond Cut alloys are pretty good, there is one small chip but I got lacquer on it in time and it hasn't got worse., but bear in mind i am only doing about 500miles a year in and normally in better weather. I find best to wash the, little but often with just car shampoo and never use harsh wheel cleaners, this also helps.
Thanks. What lacquer should I buy to look after them?
There’s was a set on eBay for £1200 up until a week or two ago.
Just one single now, link below.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/29584805...wBPu60hQfu&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY
Thanks.
For comparison, that wheel is used. But I'm not sure there's a big market for them.
I'd still rather buy new, lighter wheels, than spray the originals.
WWGR86
Obsessed member
Here is my stock replacement setup.
Rays Volk TE37SL Face 4
18 x 9.5 +45
245/35/18 Michelin PS5
HKS Hipermax S coilovers - 25mm lowering on front , 26mm on rear.
Have not done alignment yet - only on natural camber.
No rubbing so far.
It sits on perfect for me. Dream spec.
Rays Volk TE37SL Face 4
18 x 9.5 +45
245/35/18 Michelin PS5
HKS Hipermax S coilovers - 25mm lowering on front , 26mm on rear.
Have not done alignment yet - only on natural camber.
No rubbing so far.
It sits on perfect for me. Dream spec.
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@WWGR86 great choice, the sl’s look so good against the white. How are the hipermax’s for comfort with the pillowball topmounts on the front?Here is my stock replacement setup.
Rays Volk TE37SL Face 4
18 x 9.5 +45
245/35/18 Michelin PS5
HKS Hipermax S coilovers - 25mm lowering on front , 26mm on rear.
Have not done alignment yet - only on natural camber.
No rubbing so far.
It sits on perfect for me. Dream spec.
WWGR86
Obsessed member
HKS made a great suspension for road. I am now on 18 clicks from the stiffest and it is very comfortable and better ride quality than stock.
KobayashiMaru86
Totally Hooked
Where did you get the Hipermax and the mounts from?
Hachi-roku
Totally Hooked
- Oct 8, 2022
- 622
- 1,046
TE37’s are lovely, has them in the past and would be on the shortlist for the 86 (albeit not in white, never again!!) That aside I’ve seen Advan RZ2, Wedssport tc105x and TWS T66 compliment the car well depending on colour and specs fitted.
WWGR86
Obsessed member
TC105X and T66F was also on my list but cannot resist TE37SLs which are discounted. Lucky enough to find a set of second hand.
Lovely wheels, my favourites.Here is my stock replacement setup.
Rays Volk TE37SL Face 4
18 x 9.5 +45
245/35/18 Michelin PS5
HKS Hipermax S coilovers - 25mm lowering on front , 26mm on rear.
Have not done alignment yet - only on natural camber.
No rubbing so far.
It sits on perfect for me. Dream spec.
Did you get then from the UK or have to import them?
I am considering Enkei RPF1s in the 17 inch size. As for tires, I'm looking for people to convince me to go for either 245 (is this too heavy? does it move away from the way the original car handles?) or 225 (not enough difference from stock so maybe not worth it?). Any thoughts?
hsb
Obsessed member
225 on 9" if you want performance. 245 if you want looks.
Delahorney
Totally Hooked
I acquired some Enkei RPF-1s, 17x9, ET45, and they did not fit.. 
The front wheels were basically inside the suspension spring,and I was told that adding a spacer or going for ET35 would not be legal and would not pass MOT. I'm pretty disappointed tbh, but I did see the fitment issue with my own eyes. Going to have to look into a different set of wheels now.. (and trying to sell the old ones, if anyone's interested in buying them please let me know).
The front wheels were basically inside the suspension spring,and I was told that adding a spacer or going for ET35 would not be legal and would not pass MOT. I'm pretty disappointed tbh, but I did see the fitment issue with my own eyes. Going to have to look into a different set of wheels now.. (and trying to sell the old ones, if anyone's interested in buying them please let me know).