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Ok guys, I'm trying to make up my mind on a set of rims/tires. This purchase is an investment that has to last me a while, and I don't want to regret the look of the wheels I choose.So...it's down to the following choices:17x7 Falken Circuit Spec's in Gunmetal, wrapped in Nankang NS-1 Radials (225/45R-17 91H BSW (49538) UTQG: 340AA )OR..17x7 Enkei DM5's in Anthracite, wrapped in Hancook Ventus HRII H405's (225/45-17 UTQG: 340 AA)I'm working with two different distributors, so I can't get the Nankangs w/ the Enkeis, and vice versa. The DM5 combo is ~$100+, so fairly negligable.I like BOTH rims, and actually chose the Falkens long ago, but I know Enkei's got a better reputation for rims, while Falken has been making tires since the 60's (i think). On the flip side, I really don't know which TIRES are better, except that they're both H rated and carry a tread wear rating of 340 (anything less is too soft IMHO).What do you guys think?PS I will try to convince America's Tires (discounttire.com) to match these distributor's prices, and might be able to do the DM5's and Nankangs through them.PPS I own a monotone Neptune GT. Rotors and blue caliper paint are on the way..

I really like the look of the Falken rims. I have a set of Falken FK-451 tires on order to replace my Conti's which I traded in.Oh ya, I prefer the Ventus tire, I looked at them before I bought the Falkens.

Really like the Falken rims there but everyone has been recommending Enkei rims when it comes to quality. As far as tires goes? I have settled on simular rims your showing and now have to decide on tires lol... If its not one decision its another.

you can't go wrong with the falkens, they know what they are doing enkei is Ok, but very unflatteringsome cars come stock with enkeis...

Well, the distributor I am working with on the Falken's can do a set of 215/45-17 Yokohama Mohawk Predator VRS's for ~$60 EACH!...that's insanely cheap! Here's their stats:V speed rated (nice!)Built in the USA 400/AA/A UTQG treadware rating (nicer!)Rim protector built into tire (icing on the cake!)All season ultra high performance design. All tires are blackwall I doubt I can go wrong with Yokohamas, right?

Are you sure you don't want to go with the 225/45-17? It will fill up the rim better and give your car a more agressive look. Also, the wider tire might offer a little better rim protection. And it is closer to stock circumference.$60 each is a great price, though. Tough choice BTW...I really like those Falken rims. I might get those for my car What kind of deal are you getting on the Falkens? Is it an online distributor?

which ones lighter?personally I like the Falkens you pick, but I'm getting a set of Enkei that are on lay away right now. Have you checked out the Nitto 555 grip really well and have a pretty long life and I believe there are Z rated, and cheap. Devlop has a set on his car and we Autocrossed all summer and he still a good deal of tread left, much better than the dunlaps I just got ride of...

The Falkens / Yoko's are through http://www.miamitireoutlet.comAll 1st line stuff, from what I've heard/read. They sell a lot on ebay, and their feedback rating is 99%, if I recall. This would be outside of ebay, though.I was thinking about the 225's, and maybe I should do that. Although I'm not sure if they have the Yoko's in that size. Unfortunately, they don't carry Nittos Thanks for all your input

Here, check out Nankang's great website! ---> http://www.nankang.com.tw/eindex.htm It can be quite entertaining to read!Back when I came close to buying some tires, some of the retailers sold Nankangs and I looked into them. I don't know how their quality is, especially after reading their product descriptions.Examples: -Capable of absorbing any impulsive force from the ground and@provides the most comfortable ride. -1.Absorb any vibration from the ground and enjoy tranquility@while driving.-3.Enjoy super delight at high speed. Flexibility even on damp@pavement.-EX-601 is the high-speed tire of light and micro-sized racing car,-...thus elaborating a better property in manipulation and increasing safe coefficient.They need some better translators for their site LOL.Later,Justin

You should check out this site:http://www.speedandstyle.com/index_main.htmThey have some nice wheels in their weekly specials with free shipping. If you look in the tire section, you can upgrade your tires to Yokes or Toyos for about $200. I'm sure that the tires included in the packages are throwaways.Also, have you ever checked out http://newcelica.org/ ? They are always selling their rims there, and the Celicas are 5x100. Good place to maybe find a steal.Good luck!

I briefly owned those Nankangs on a Passat and had to return all four - could not be balanced after 1000 miles. My advice is to spend a few more $

I think I'll go with the Yokohamas..

Damnit Frosty, why'd you post that link (j/k of course!)$799 for 18x7.5's gunmetal Rev Model 7's (never heard of Rev though...) w/ tires...These are some pretty sweet rims...I dunno, I still think I want Falkens, but need to find 225/45-17's if I can..

Ugh!! And these RS-Racing 17x7's w/ tires for $699!!NEver heard of them either, but six-freakin' ninety-nine!iEDIT: Woops, these are only availble in a 4x100 bolt pattern.

Are 245/45-17's too wide for the 17x7 Falkens? I would think so, but miamitire doesn't have 225/45-17 yokos. I would have to buy Nankangs, and from what I see here and elsewhere, I don't want them The next available 225/45-17 is a H-rated Hancook Ventus I listed above for $90 per tire From there it's $100 per tire and up...

Yeah...they have some pretty sweet deals. And free shipping saves about $100. I like those RS-Racing wheels you pointed out. I've been thinking about getting those for my car. However, you definitely need to do the tire upgrade. Maybe if you give them a call, they can work out a better price for the Yoke upgrade. Still, $899 with 225/45-17 Toyos and free shipping is a pretty good deal. That size happens to be one of the more expensive sizes. I know because I have them on my wife's car

So...what about the 245/45-17's?

I am going to say no.You may be able to squeeze that tire onto a 7" rim, but it will have too much sidewall roll and will decrease your handling in agressive cornering.Each tire manufacturer has its own guidelines, but here are some general rules of thumb for optimal sizes:205 -> 6.5"225 -> 7.0"245 -> 7.5" (8.0)Check out this info from Yokohama:http://www.yokohamatire.com/utrimwidth.aspHope that helps!

Thanks a lot Frosty!

No problem Hey...What do you think of these wheels?I want to do 18's, though.

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hey i saw those too. i like them! and that price, wow!

They're pretty clean, but I prefer a machined lip/rivited look myself.

Well, the deed is done, and I went with 18's instead of 17's, as there was only a cumulative price difference of $80 (!)...18"x7 Falken Circuit Specs in gunmetal ($142.11 each) x 4 = $568.46225/40-18 Nankang NS2's ($83.70 each) x 4 = $334.80 Sub-total = $903.26 Mounting, balancing, tuner lugs, key, center cap, s&h = $169.00 TOTAL = $1,072.26 -$20 coupon (woo hoo) = $1,052.26...suffering from big-time buyer's remorse already lol.The NS2's seem to be a lot better than the NS1's, from what I've read. Plus, I didn't want the Hancooks, nor was I willing to spend $140+ each for the next best.The 18's have to be shipped to miamitireoutlet from Falken because they are out of stock, so I won't be seeing them for another 3-4 weeks I'll post pics once they're installed...thanks again for everyone's feedback.

Congrats!Those 18s are gonna look pretty sweet!I don't think I could wait 3-4 weeks, though! Definitely post pics and let us know how they ride!

Thanks! I just hope those tires are o.k.

If it's not too late to change your order, you could go with these:http://www.tirerack.com/tires/...dex=0Not trying to make your life hard, just thought you might like to see some options.Good luck

Unfortunately, this particular distributor doesn't carry Khumo's. Oh well, I'll just use them up and buy a new set of something better down the road. I would have preferred something V rated, but at least the NS2's have a tread life rating of 340.