GR86 GR86 - What wheels and tyres are you thinking about?

[Will300]

I think 16s will clear std brakes

Yes they will, the 86 Cup cars in Japan run 16" wheels.

 

[MrSkubi]

I think 16s will clear std brakes

Some will for sure. The knuckle /front brake is the same as the older ZN6/ZC6 chasis - there was oem toyota 16’ wheel available for those cars.

 

[mirokujames]

I’ve taken a real shine to the steel wheels on the RC models

 

[Dal3D]

Anyone thinking of going to 17inch wheels if the ride on 18s feels stiff? Will wait to see how the GR86 rides but this may be an option for me

That's exactly what I did with my Focus. Came with nice "forged lightweight" 19" alloys with 35 profile tyres but was a bit crashy for day to day. I changed to 18" TD Pro Race 1.2 with 40 profile tyres and not only were they much lighter, the ride quality was far improved.
I dare say they were not as sporty on the raged edge, but I don't drive like that too often to effect it.
I'l be going down to a 17" for my track combo. Speaking of which - need to go shopping! The bronze ones on the GR accessories brochure look lovely to me!

 

[Dal3D]

Just remembered this website which is great for comparing tyre / wheel size differences.

Rim & Tire Size Calculator. Custom Offsets

Tire Tech Information - The Wheel Fitment, Tyre Stretch, Rolling Radius and Speedometer Error Calculator. Play with specs, try different settings, compare results

www.wheel-size.com

The above link is 18" OEM GR86 compared to the "maybe optional" 17" It's only a 4mm outside diameter difference which is a 2mm tread depth difference so negligible.

 

[AndyRC]

Just remembered this website which is great for comparing tyre / wheel size differences.

Rim & Tire Size Calculator. Custom Offsets

Tire Tech Information - The Wheel Fitment, Tyre Stretch, Rolling Radius and Speedometer Error Calculator. Play with specs, try different settings, compare results

www.wheel-size.com

The above link is 18" OEM GR86 compared to the "maybe optional" 17" It's only a 4mm outside diameter difference which is a 2mm tread depth difference so negligible.
View attachment 4005

@Dal AFIK the bronze alloys have still not been given a part number in the US , and they look identical to the grey ones offered in the US for the GT86, and importing a set of those was in the region of £1600 DIY or £2000 using a specialist parts supplier

 

[Dal3D]

May as well go for a set of nice OZ for that money

 

[Seano1878]

OZ I-Tech Alleggerita HLT 5F Alloy Wheel 18x7.5 ET48 5x100 White Gold 68mm CB

Reduce vehicle weight to enhance performance and handling: this is the logic behind the design of the Alleggerita HLT. Thanks to the advanced technology adapted from racing, Alleggerita HLT rises to the challenge setting a new lightweight record, weighing in at just 6.35 kg for a 17†wheel. All...

alloywheelshop.com

These for example.. still seem pricey but reckon they’d look awesome on electric blue.

 

[AndyRC]

OZ I-Tech Alleggerita HLT 5F Alloy Wheel 18x7.5 ET48 5x100 White Gold 68mm CB

Reduce vehicle weight to enhance performance and handling: this is the logic behind the design of the Alleggerita HLT. Thanks to the advanced technology adapted from racing, Alleggerita HLT rises to the challenge setting a new lightweight record, weighing in at just 6.35 kg for a 17†wheel. All...

alloywheelshop.com

These for example.. still seem pricey but reckon they’d look awesome on electric blue.

Wow perfect fit and only 6.35kg for 17s is very light too

Just checked std 18s at approx 10.4kg , that’s 4 kg lighter for a 17 , not sure on tyre weights , but that is quite a lot of us sprung weight.

 

[Will300]

The OZ I-Tech are available in 17/18 x 8 ET35 which would be a better looking fitment.

OZ I-Tech Alleggerita HLT 5F Alloy Wheel 18x8 ET35 5x100 White Gold 68mm CB

Reduce vehicle weight to enhance performance and handling: this is the logic behind the design of the Alleggerita HLT. Thanks to the advanced technology adapted from racing, Alleggerita HLT rises to the challenge setting a new lightweight record, weighing in at just 6.35 kg for a 17†wheel. All...

alloywheelshop.com

 

[KobayashiMaru86]

OZ I-Tech Alleggerita HLT 5F Alloy Wheel 18x7.5 ET48 5x100 White Gold 68mm CB

Reduce vehicle weight to enhance performance and handling: this is the logic behind the design of the Alleggerita HLT. Thanks to the advanced technology adapted from racing, Alleggerita HLT rises to the challenge setting a new lightweight record, weighing in at just 6.35 kg for a 17†wheel. All...

alloywheelshop.com

These for example.. still seem pricey but reckon they’d look awesome on electric blue.

Brother runs the titanium colour on his GT86. Prices have definitely gone up since he got his. But were noticeably lighter than stock, even with going up a size.

 

[AndyRC]

The OZ I-Tech are available in 17/18 x 8 ET35 which would be a better looking fitment.

OZ I-Tech Alleggerita HLT 5F Alloy Wheel 18x8 ET35 5x100 White Gold 68mm CB

Reduce vehicle weight to enhance performance and handling: this is the logic behind the design of the Alleggerita HLT. Thanks to the advanced technology adapted from racing, Alleggerita HLT rises to the challenge setting a new lightweight record, weighing in at just 6.35 kg for a 17†wheel. All...

alloywheelshop.com

@Will300 How will an extra 13mm either side affect the driving feel, if any ?

 

[Will300]

@Will300 How will an extra 13mm either side affect the driving feel, if any ?

If we compare the two sets of OZ wheels, I suspect most of the difference will come down to the tyre fitment. If you use a Michelin PS4 with a 215 section tyre, on the 8" wheel this will have a slight stretched profile compared to a 7" wheel. This will make the ride slightly firmer and less compliant but better for feel and handling.

Comparing the OZ 8" wheel to the stock wheels, it will be fairly similar to the above, but you'll notice the benefit of less weight on the suspension as the OZ's are alot lighter which will improve the ride quality.

 

[AndyRC]

@Will300 , @ZN8 and other folk who have first hand knowledge of the GT86 it would be helpful to those of us who coming new to the GR86 to share their knowledge on tyre wheel combinations and what works In different situations?

I know a few of use are considering dropping to 17s to try and improve ride quality, ie more compliant/comfortable if the 18s prove to hard , harsh etc. I have neck issues and a harsh/stiff ride on poor roads results in neck pain,

Interesting comments about how tyre width will affect comfort. We may need separate discussions for road and track setups

 

[ZN8]

I know a few of use are considering dropping to 17s to try and improve ride quality, ie more compliant/comfortable if the 18s prove to hard , harsh etc. I have neck issues and a harsh/stiff ride on poor roads results in neck pain,

From my experience the ride comfort/compliance between 17s and 18s is different, but it is pretty negligible. The car isn't going to turn into a Mercedes unfortunately.

I may be tempted to fit 17x9 RPF1s, we shall see. I would like actually get the car and drive it for a while first before adding to the shopping list.

 

[AndyRC]

From my experience the ride comfort/compliance between 17s and 18s is different, but it is pretty negligible. The car isn't going to turn into a Mercedes unfortunately.

I may be tempted to fit 17x9 RPF1s, we shall see. I would like actually get the car and drive it for a while first before adding to the shopping list.

Thanks for sharing . I’ve driven a GT86 Performance Pack on 17s and that felt fine

 

[KobayashiMaru86]

Personally my plan is to wear out the stock tyres, then switch to 225 40 18's on Michelin PS4S's (if there's stock or the new PS5) and appreciate the difference. It won't be much but will still be an increase in grip. Then eventually lighter wheels on similar tyres. I did read the rears especially won't accept some the aggressive fitments the GT86 could handle without some rubbing. A 225 40 18 is great on a GT86 and not sure if I'd even want it wider. Just going up to that size and grippier rubber turned it more go kart like but the GR86 isn't far off that now anyway with the improvements. Will be interesting to see how it rides but won't be rushing into decisions on wheels for a while yet.

 

[ZN8]

^^ and it will be cheaper. 215 section tyres are more expensive as they aren't as popular. It was the same for my other half when she has a Swift Sport.

 

[Will300]

@Will300 , @ZN8 and other folk who have first hand knowledge of the GT86 it would be helpful to those of us who coming new to the GR86 to share their knowledge on tyre wheel combinations and what works In different situations?

I know a few of use are considering dropping to 17s to try and improve ride quality, ie more compliant/comfortable if the 18s prove to hard , harsh etc. I have neck issues and a harsh/stiff ride on poor roads results in neck pain,

Interesting comments about how tyre width will affect comfort. We may need separate discussions for road and track setups

Long post
From my Gen 1 BRZ experience, these are the wheel tyre combinations I've run.
In order of when they were purchased / initally run.

1.
Wheels: OEM/Stock
Wheel Fitment 17x7 +48
Tyres: 215/45/17 - Michelin Primacy HP
GR Compatible fitment: Yes
Wheel Weight: 9.2KG
Track use: Yes
Notes: Good balance, light and nimble feeling steering, not massive amounts of grip. A good setup for beginners as it teachs you car control. Alot of people complained about the wet performance of the tyre, I never had any issues in this area.

2.
Wheels: Aftermarket - Japan Racing JR18
Wheel Fitment 17x8 +35
Tyres: 215/45/17 - Goodyear Winter Tyres
GR Compatible fitment: Yes
Wheel Weight: 9.3KG
Track use: No
Notes: Tyres were slightly stretched giving more precise steering, however there is less compliance than a 215/45/17 on a 7" wheel due to the stretch. Previously used the tyres on the stock wheels for one winter and them had them fitted to these instead, tyres felt kind of numb after a while due to age.

3.
Wheels: Aftermarket - Rota Grid Drift
Wheel Fitment 17x9 +42
Tyres: 245/40/17 - ContiSportContact 5
Track use: Yes
Wheel Weight: 9.2KG's
GR Compatible fitment: Yes
Notes: Chassis balance remained excellent, suspension was firm but still comfortable enough to daily, very similar to set 2. Good amount of grip, definite loss of playfulness, not possible to drift with stock power. Heavy steering.

4. - Spare Set - Would Recommend
Wheels: Aftermarket - 949 Racing 6UL
Wheel Fitment 17x8 +40
Tyres: 225/45/17 - Michelin PS4 & Yokohama Advan AD08RS
Track use: Yes
Wheel Weight: 7.3KG
GR Compatible fitment: Yes
Notes: These are the lightest set of wheels I've owned. Definitely have the best ride quality and a good mix of grip and playfulness. Would highly recommend for beginner (novice car modder) or someone looking for a different set of alloys and not wanting to over tyre the car. Can still drift quite easily. Actually had better grip on the Michelin PS4 compared to the ContiSport 5's on set 3. A common size for track use.

5.
Wheels: Aftermarket - Japan Racing JR29
Wheel Fitment 17x8 +35
Tyres: 225/45/17 - Michelin PS4
Track use: Yes
Wheel Weight: ? - Can't find an exact weight, I suspect they are similar to set 2.
GR Compatible fitment: Yes
Notes: Good grip and playfulness, can tell there is aleast another 1-2KG of weight on the suspension compared to set 4.

6. - Current Set - Would Recommend
Wheels: Aftermarket - Rays Gramlights 57CR
Wheel Fitment 17x9 +38
Tyres: 245/45/17 - Michelin PS4
Track use: Yes
Wheel Weight: 8.2KG
GR Compatible fitment: Yes - with coilover and adjustable Upper or Lower Rear Arms
Notes: My preferred setup, as it has lots of grip, excellent balance, not too heavy, an ideal setup for track days. Steering is differently heavier than with set 4, however after driving the two setups back to back I prefer this setup as the heavier steering has less interference from imprefections in the road and gives better precision. Definitely a better setup than set 3, due to the lighter wheel and better tyre. Might be too much tyre for some, if your after playfulness or drifting I would stick with a 225 section tyre.

Key points:

1. Wider tyre's don't ruin the handling balance of the car.
2. Wheel weight makes a noticeable difference in ride quality.
3. Stock wheels are perfectly acceptable for all abilities, although might require a suitable track tyre for track use.

Hope that helps @AndyRC

 

[AndyRC]

@Will300 Great info thanks for sharing and I’m sure other folk new to the GT/GR86 will also find it very helpful