Buying a set of wheels and tires, They're here. Updated with pics! Options

[Cutrara]

For Christmas my parents are getting me a wheel and tire package (as long as I pay for tires). I've decided on these wheels with these tires.

I have a few questions for you guys if you don't mind answering them:
1. Is this offset going to look ok? If not, what size spacers will I need?
2. I want a rim that looks good, but improves handling. Do you think this is a good rim, or should I look at something else?
3. I plan on lowering the car in the spring when I put on the wheels and tires and I know that wide 18s might rub. There shouldn't be any clearance issuses on these 17s, right?
4. This is my first set of aftermarket rims. My dad says the tires will wear faster on 17s than my 14 inch stockers. Is this True? If so, how?

If you have anymore info, please let me know.

Thanks,
Alex Cutrara

This post has been edited by Cutrara: Dec 12, 2005 - 5:54 PM

[Cutrara]

getting new wheels is excitng, nice parents you got there.
1:offset will work without spacers

2: i wanted the same balance as you, and i see you like 5spoke. i decided to get enkei rs-5's because they are lightweight for the money (actually just a bit cheaper than what your looking at) my 16's are 17.6 lbs and 17's are 19.8 lbs. and i personally think they are very clean looking wheels and complement the 6g's styling very well. i use to want the 2-piece look like you have there, but i think i would regret it later on, just my opinion. by the way, id look at 16 in as option, i cosidered 17's and 18's but decided to go with 16's because of better ride, and the road isnt always smooth you know wanted a little rim protection and i like the look of little more rubber (can fit 225/45 on 16's no problem). plus our puny st brakes look better in a 16 in wheel

3: well no personal experience here, but i wouldnt think so considering theres a large amount of lowered 6g's with 17*7.5 on this site without problems if your getting 215/40's.

4: not necessarily true, depends on tire tread wear rating, driving habits, etc. 17's do not inherently wear faster than 14's.

by the way, i see your located in PA. plan on swapping to stock during each winter? if not, id suggest looking for a nice set of all-season tires. i love my falken ziex ze-512's. they one consumer digest best buy award. ride very quiet, handle great, and tread design looks nice to top it off.

Thank you so much. I really like the 2 piece look and 5 spoke because they look real clean, especially with the covered lugs. I bought the car about 7 months ago and the stock 14 inch steel wheels and covers had tires that were only 3,000 or 4,000 miles old, so I plan on keeping them and swapping to stock for the snowy months. Besides, that way I can have a more performance tire during the late spring, summer and early fall