Need wheel advice. 16x7 or 16x8? Rpf1 vs deka

[TemecFist]

I need some help and advice from some of you wheel gurus out there. I want to run RE-71r's, in a 205/45r16. I would actually prefer a 17" wheel, but finding one that is light is pretty difficult. So my question is, would it be better to get something like the Konig dekagram in 16x8 (which means I can run something even wider than a 205), or the Enkei rpf 1's (but only in a 16x7). I want something pretty light.

Thanks Gents!

 

[M-Sport fan]

I thought that Oakos went through with their group buy on the 16x8 RPF1s, no??

IF so, I would think that the Enkeis in that size would be a bit stronger than the Dekas (which I have), albeit a bunch more co$tly.

Weight between the two is just about a wash.

I know that I may be the ONLY ONE on here to say this, given the (justified as far as quality/strength goes) love and devotion on here for the RPF1s, but to me, the Dekas look A LOT better than those Enkeis aesthetically, given the longer spokes/no 'stepped' look, and a lack of any 'convexity' at all in the spoke curvature.

 

[the duke]

I thought that Oakos went through with their group buy on the 16x8 RPF1s, no??

IF so, I would think that the Enkeis in that size would be a bit stronger than the Dekas (which I have), albeit a bunch more co$tly.

Weight between the two is just about a wash.

I know that I may be the ONLY ONE on here to say this, give the (justified as far as quality/strength goes) love and devotion on here for the RPF1s, but to me, the Dekas look A LOT better than those Enkeis aesthetically, given the longer spokes/no 'stepped' look, and a lack of any 'convexity' at all in the spoke curvature.

Nonsense. You just need some old skill JDM decals for the RPF1s.
https://shop.tfbdesigns.com/Rim-Lip-Decals-fits-17-Enkei-RPF1-Wheels-17x8-17x85-17x9-RPF1LIP.htm

They’re not Yokohama Super Advans but they’re close enough

 

[Snrub]

If it's a track/autoX setup with no rule restrictions, I'd say go with 16x8". Multiple Grassrootsmotorsports tests have shown that matching the tire section width to the rim width results in maximum performance (ie. 8" wheel with 205 tires). Granted, some national level AutoXers seem to deviate from this, so there may be some situations where there are very small gains by running a wider tire than wheel.

If this is a street setup, I'd say go with 16x7". Anything beyond 7.5" with a 205 tire is considered a stretch. Also, you want to have some rubber hanging over the edge to reduce the chance for curb rash.

Lots of people sweat the ounces on wheel weight. GRM has produced tests showing the performance difference is very small for mild variations in wheel weight. For flat out performance, generally you'd chose a wider wheel over picking a lighter wheel.

 

[dudhunter]

Rim rash is a good point. I have read a light stretch can be good for tire patch contact but I don’t have the Motorsport experience to swear to it. I can tell you I like the Dekas and feel like the rubber choices are better at 16.

 

[kevinatfms]

16x8 Dekagrams and a 215/45R16 in the stickiest 200 treadwear tire you can get(probably the RT660 at this point or maybe the Rival). A 205 will work on an 8" wheel but if you autocross/track day the car get ready to find those shoulders are gonna get beat to bits on curbing. I currently run 205/45r16 Federal RS-Pro's and the shoulder looks like it went through a cheese grater due to the stretch and me slapping curbs like its my job. That is also the widest 205 you can get(it matches many 215's for treadwidth while having a smaller section width). But i will say that this current setup has been taking me to the top of the class at almost every event(literally placed 1/2/3 at every event this past year which i competed in trackcross). So it works, turn in is insanely fast and the grip is phenomenal. Im just worried that the shoulders are getting too much abuse(no camber and a stretch on a tire just doesnt work well for track abuse).

So, i picked up a set of 215 Azenis to slap on the 16x8 Dekagrams until my 15x8 setup finally comes in.....if youre keen to do it fast, the 15x8 group buy on Dekagrams and then 225/45R15 stickies is still open till 12/4. MIght want to hop on it and grab a true track ready setup. I bought in because this will likely be the widest wheel/tire combo on track that an unmodified wheel well Fiesta will fit.

 

[TemecFist]

I thought that Oakos went through with their group buy on the 16x8 RPF1s, no??

IF so, I would think that the Enkeis in that size would be a bit stronger than the Dekas (which I have), albeit a bunch more co$tly.

Weight between the two is just about a wash.

I know that I may be the ONLY ONE on here to say this, given the (justified as far as quality/strength goes) love and devotion on here for the RPF1s, but to me, the Dekas look A LOT better than those Enkeis aesthetically, given the longer spokes/no 'stepped' look, and a lack of any 'convexity' at all in the spoke curvature.

I agree with you. I like the look of the Dekas alot more.

 

[TemecFist]

16x8 Dekagrams and a 215/45R16 in the stickiest 200 treadwear tire you can get(probably the RT660 at this point or maybe the Rival). A 205 will work on an 8" wheel but if you autocross/track day the car get ready to find those shoulders are gonna get beat to bits on curbing. I currently run 205/45r16 Federal RS-Pro's and the shoulder looks like it went through a cheese grater due to the stretch and me slapping curbs like its my job. That is also the widest 205 you can get(it matches many 215's for treadwidth while having a smaller section width). But i will say that this current setup has been taking me to the top of the class at almost every event(literally placed 1/2/3 at every event this past year which i competed in trackcross). So it works, turn in is insanely fast and the grip is phenomenal. Im just worried that the shoulders are getting too much abuse(no camber and a stretch on a tire just doesnt work well for track abuse).

So, i picked up a set of 215 Azenis to slap on the 16x8 Dekagrams until my 15x8 setup finally comes in.....if youre keen to do it fast, the 15x8 group buy on Dekagrams and then 225/45R15 stickies is still open till 12/4. MIght want to hop on it and grab a true track ready setup. I bought in because this will likely be the widest wheel/tire combo on track that an unmodified wheel well Fiesta will fit.

A 225/45, does that effect the gearing at all? My only complaint about that setup, is that it's a 15" wheel. I just really dont like the way a 15" wheel look in this car, that's why I was trying to stay with a 16". I'm gonna have to look into what your saying tho. Maybe a 15" Deka for track only. Will a 15x8 with a 225 rub with 3.5* camber? It seems like they would rub.

Where can I find that group buy?

 

[TemecFist]

Hey guys, thanks for all your input, I really appreciate it. Alot of guys have some good knowledge here that I'm grateful for, so thank you.

 

[TemecFist]

On a side note, a member on here is selling a set of 16x7 rpf1's with tires. I know it's not an 8" wheel, but it looks like a good deal, and hes local to me. I wonder if those would be a good choice, and just slap some RE-71r's on them. Thoughts?

 

[kevinatfms]

A 225/45, does that effect the gearing at all? My only complaint about that setup, is that it's a 15" wheel. I just really dont like the way a 15" wheel look in this car, that's why I was trying to stay with a 16". I'm gonna have to look into what your saying tho. Maybe a 15" Deka for track only. Will a 15x8 with a 225 rub with 3.5* camber? It seems like they would rub.

Where can I find that group buy?

Look at tire height. OE tire is a 205/40R17 which is 23" tall(give or take a few tenths) and so is a 225/45R15. So youre going wider but at the same height or relatively same height which should keep the gearing within an effective range.

A 225/45R15 from what ive read and seen personally does not rub even on a severely lowered car. The tire is around .4" smaller than our OE factory tire.

15" wheels do occasionally look funny on the Fiesta - cough cough Sparco Terra on a track car - but find the right spoke count and offset which make them pop a bit better.

You can always stick with 215/45R16 on a 16x8. I love the look of 16x8s on the Fiesta. The issue is the tire selection sucks in our size needed.

I plan on doing track testing once i get my 15x8 Dekagrams. Ill have 15x8 Dekagrams with a 225/45R15 track tire versus a 16x8 Dekagrams with a 215/45R16 track tire. It will all be down to effective gearing at that point as to which works better on the tracks i frequent.

 

[ST_Lizard01]

Look at tire height. OE tire is a 205/40R17 which is 23" tall(give or take a few tenths) and so is a 225/45R15. So youre going wider but at the same height or relatively same height which should keep the gearing within an effective range.

A 225/45R15 from what ive read and seen personally does not rub even on a severely lowered car. The tire is around .4" smaller than our OE factory tire.

15" wheels do occasionally look funny on the Fiesta - cough cough Sparco Terra on a track car - but find the right spoke count and offset which make them pop a bit better.

You can always stick with 215/45R16 on a 16x8. I love the look of 16x8s on the Fiesta. The issue is the tire selection sucks in our size needed.

I plan on doing track testing once i get my 15x8 Dekagrams. Ill have 15x8 Dekagrams with a 225/45R15 track tire versus a 16x8 Dekagrams with a 215/45R16 track tire. It will all be down to effective gearing at that point as to which works better on the tracks i frequent.

15s with 225/45 will likely rub a little on full compression while turning unless you run a really high rate or pretty firm damper settings (at least if you are lowered). I run 15x8 with 205/50 and I rub a little but under load and when going into some angled driveways. Im about 2.5 inches lower than stock with Yellowspeed coilovers (6k front and 3k rear spring rates) dampers are set to 10/30 clicks all around for daily driving comfort

Sent from my SM-N975U using Tapatalk

 

[M-Sport fan]

Will 225/50-15s on a 35ET (like the 1.2s, or the GB Dekas) 15x8 wheel definitely rub on a FACTORY ride height FiST??
That tire is only slightly taller than our OEM setups, and just about the same height as the 215/40-17s which a lot of us are running, albeit wider in tread width.

 

[The_Ryan]

Look at tire height. OE tire is a 205/40R17 which is 23" tall(give or take a few tenths) and so is a 225/45R15. So youre going wider but at the same height or relatively same height which should keep the gearing within an effective range.

A 225/45R15 from what ive read and seen personally does not rub even on a severely lowered car. The tire is around .4" smaller than our OE factory tire.

15" wheels do occasionally look funny on the Fiesta - cough cough Sparco Terra on a track car - but find the right spoke count and offset which make them pop a bit better.

You can always stick with 215/45R16 on a 16x8. I love the look of 16x8s on the Fiesta. The issue is the tire selection sucks in our size needed.

I plan on doing track testing once i get my 15x8 Dekagrams. Ill have 15x8 Dekagrams with a 225/45R15 track tire versus a 16x8 Dekagrams with a 215/45R16 track tire. It will all be down to effective gearing at that point as to which works better on the tracks i frequent.

Just for some clarity, no mean to poke holes or start argument.

205/40-17 is 23.5" tall
225/45-15 is 23.0" tall
2.1% difference
https://tiresize.com/height-calculator/

Up to OP to decide if it's worth it. It is within 3%, so much like you said, OP probably won't notice the gearing difference too much if at all.

 

[TemecFist]

Just for some clarity, no mean to poke holes or start argument.

205/40-17 is 23.5" tall
225/45-15 is 23.0" tall
2.1% difference
https://tiresize.com/height-calculator/

Up to OP to decide if it's worth it. It is within 3%, so much like you said, OP probably won't notice the gearing difference too much if at all.

I prob wouldnt notice it. I was running a 215/40/r17 and didnt notice it at all.

 

[TemecFist]

Look at tire height. OE tire is a 205/40R17 which is 23" tall(give or take a few tenths) and so is a 225/45R15. So youre going wider but at the same height or relatively same height which should keep the gearing within an effective range.

A 225/45R15 from what ive read and seen personally does not rub even on a severely lowered car. The tire is around .4" smaller than our OE factory tire.

15" wheels do occasionally look funny on the Fiesta - cough cough Sparco Terra on a track car - but find the right spoke count and offset which make them pop a bit better.

You can always stick with 215/45R16 on a 16x8. I love the look of 16x8s on the Fiesta. The issue is the tire selection sucks in our size needed.

I plan on doing track testing once i get my 15x8 Dekagrams. Ill have 15x8 Dekagrams with a 225/45R15 track tire versus a 16x8 Dekagrams with a 215/45R16 track tire. It will all be down to effective gearing at that point as to which works better on the tracks i frequent.

Now I'm really in a dilemma. Lol. They dont make an re71r in a 215/45r16. they do make a 225/50r16 tho

 

[Pablo Pistoffo]

I run 15x8 Pro Races, and have used both the Rivals and RT660s in 225/45R15 with both Swift springs and moderate/low settings on Fortune Auto 500s. I got just a hint of rub when I hit a big bump at full lock autocrossing. I actually think the slightly smaller diameter is a plus, because you get some lowering of the cg without compromising your suspension geometry. They also tend to be lighter and cheaper setups. The difference in gearing is minimal.


edit: forgot to add tire size

 

[TemecFist]

I run 15x8 Pro Races, and have used both the Rivals and RT660s in 225/45R15 with both Swift springs and moderate/low settings on Fortune Auto 500s. I got just a hint of rub when I hit a big bump at full lock autocrossing. I actually think the slightly smaller diameter is a plus, because you get some lowering of the cg without compromising your suspension geometry. They also tend to be lighter and cheaper setups. The difference in gearing is minimal.


edit: forgot to add tire size

Which tire do you like better?
I know everyone talks about CG, but roll center is way more important.
Thanks for the feedback!!!

 

[Pablo Pistoffo]

Which tire do you like better?
I know everyone talks about CG, but roll center is way more important.
Thanks for the feedback!!!

RT 660, hands down. The Rival is ok if you can get heat in them, but we have really small parking lots and lower ambient temps, so they were frustrating. RT660s warm up even faster than REs, provide comparable grip, and come in the perfect size (which the REs don't. I had some weird wear on the center rib, but it kind of evened out.

Some people don't like the look of 15s, but I kinda like the small diameter/chonky tire thing. Aesthetics aren't my primary concern.

 

[TemecFist]

RT 660, hands down. The Rival is ok if you can get heat in them, but we have really small parking lots and lower ambient temps, so they were frustrating. RT660s warm up even faster than REs, provide comparable grip, and come in the perfect size (which the REs don't. I had some weird wear on the center rib, but it kind of evened out.

Some people don't like the look of 15s, but I kinda like the small diameter/chonky tire thing. Aesthetics aren't my primary concern.
View attachment 36578

That's excellent info. Thank you for your input. Do you happen to know how the 615 compares to the 660's?
Basically what I'm looking for, is a tire that gets up to temp as quickly as possible, and as sticky as possible (mountain runs).Preferably in a 215/40r17.