Ape Factory

iTrader: (3)

Considering these, Buddy Club Zen, 19x9.5 45ET. TUV/JIL approved, 23 pounds each.

Pro's
-The exact width I wanted
-Price is right
-Not a no-name, questionable design wheel
-I'll be able to get the exact offset/look I want with spacers
-Will loose between 5-7 pounds per corner of rotating weight (wheel/tire combo)
-Will help with the inherent understeer issues
-Because the price is right, I could, theoretically, change the color if I wanted.
-Available from a forum vendor/supporter

Cons
-Not the exact color I was looking for
-I'll have to use spacers

I have a choice between a satin black and a silver. My car is a Graphite Shadow IPL. I'm a bit worried the black will look too rice, even though I'm a fan of black wheels. I was hoping I could find something I liked close to the stock wheel finish or like a hyper black. I've really had no luck without spending north of $2500.

I do plan on changing out the chrome grill for one I'm painting in a darker hyper black chrome. I don't plan on modifying the stock lights but may do the rear badges.

On to some photos. I've not found any photos of this wheel on a car let alone a coupe. I really like the 15-spoke look and I also like the radius transition between the spokes and the inner portion of the wheel.







I think the hyper silver one will be too plain as is and the satin blacks may be a better look. With that said, it may be easier to change or modify the silver wheels.

Opinions appreciated!

blnewt

iTrader: (13)

I like both, and the black cap w/ the silver wheel is a nice contrast, both would look good on your body color IMO.

Ape Factory

iTrader: (3)

Ordered! I contacted Buddy Club US to ask a few questions and see if they had a set in stock. One set left of the matte blacks so I placed my order through Concept Z. Buddy Club was also nice enough to shoot a few photos as I wanted to see a non-studio shot of the rims. COMPLETELY sold on them after seeing the photos. Nice mix of the Advan F15 and the RS wheels. I think these are going to look exceptional.

I'll be using a 10mm spacer up front and a 20 in the rear. I ordered a 10mm set from Concept Z along with aluminum hub-centric adapter rings. And a set of rear SPL camber arms (but that's for another post!). Already own 20mm spacers and I'll just sell the 25mm spacers that I won't need.

Edit: I lightened up the last two in Photoshop as the photos were pretty dark. The first one is original and shows the color/tint on the satin black.
Lastly, I'll need aftermarket lugs. I'm going black and I'm going to use short versions with closed ends and I found som micro locking lugs I like via PasswordJDM.

Final weight savings should be bout 6 pounds per wheel front, almost 10 rear.

Here's a few photos that they sent to me, shouldn't have any issues clearing the calipers especially with spacers:

HoldmyMouse

Very nice wheels!!
However I don't think you'll be shaving off 6-10pound/corner.
The OEM 19s are about 26-27pounds and when you add the spacers 2lb(?) to your 23lb wheel, you'll save about 2lbs. Unless you will get switching from the heavy RFT tires to regular summer tires, then I don't see 6-10lbs reducing. BTW, will you be selling your OEM lug nuts?

Ape Factory

iTrader: (3)

Keeping the stock wheels and lugs for now

As for weight, you forgot the tires. The PSS tires are substantially lighter than the stock Bridgestones even though they're larger. The aftermarket lugs will save me a pound per wheel alone.

And I currently have spacers on the car now so no increase with those.

blnewt

iTrader: (13)

Look forward to seeing those installed, you can run a lot of tire up to 275s all around if you want to fill those fenders. Do you have a tire size in mind?

Ape Factory

iTrader: (3)

255/40's. The 275's are a few pounds heavier each.

VenomGT9

iTrader: (4)

Aren't you running IPL wheels?
When I weighed my set they came out to 24.6lbs front and 25.2lbs rear...I know they don't weigh near as much as the sport wheels.

Ape Factory

iTrader: (3)

Yes IPL wheels. Again, the biggest difference will come from tires and lugs. I'll weigh the IPL wheels when I get the tires off.

Ape Factory

iTrader: (3)

Wheels in! I still need to order tires which is sort of a bummer but that'll happen today or tomorrow. I need to get my alignment issues solved (I don't think my car is holding toe settings on one side) before putting on new, expensive rubber.

Ape Factory

iTrader: (3)

Rear wheel test fit with 25mm spacers. Yep, a bit too far out.




No spacer, looks like it'll be flush and there's tons of clearance everywhere so no worries there.





OEM vs. the new lugs.


Weighed a few things.

Front wheel/tire weighs in at a whopping 52 pounds
Rears are 54 pounds.

OEM lugs are 72 grams each, 2.6oz, 13.3oz for each wheel.
New lugs are 33 grams each, 5.9 oz for a set of five.

Since it looks like I'll run these wheels sans spacers, I'll save a pound or two there too. The SPC front camber arms, the new style with turnbuckles, are heavier than the stock arms. I forgot to weigh them but they're about twice as heavy.

VenomGT9

iTrader: (4)

kind of surprised at the weight of SPC arms, rather disappointing.
Hopefully they're as solid as advertised...might lean me more towards SPL now.

Ape Factory

iTrader: (3)

Well the stock arms are cast aluminum and quite thin. They're very light. I can weigh them today. The SPC's are forged steel and pretty damn beefy. They should hold up with zero issues and will hold up to those who make lots of adjustments frequently (track to street setup). I found the SPL's for just over $700 and these were just over $400 (Black Friday) and I got the last set.

Ape Factory

iTrader: (3)

Edit: Wrong post, going to post in my alignment thread.

Ape Factory

iTrader: (3)

Weighed the Buddy Club/Michelin combo, 49lbs. even. I could get away with no spacers but it'll look better with. 20mm rears are on there now and I need to order some 5mm spacers for the front.