Originally Posted by
bcleaver
I'd stick with a 17" x9" rim (square setup). Tires are cheaper, and the combo of tires/wheels will likely be lighter. Additionally, you can run in an RTR class, STX or stock class legally.
Both the Apex ARC-8s and the D-force wheels are good options (I have used both). They both come in a reasonable offset that will allow you to get a wider tire under there (need something +40 and the bigger the better). The D-force are a little lighter than the Apex, but they are much less sturdy and make a much less ideal DD wheel if you live around bad roads. I'd give them a single hard curb hit on the track or a big pothole to put them out of shape. The offest on those is also not as large as the apex, which if you want to go really wide, helps.
For tires I would go with a 255 which will fit either of the above rims with little problem. You can go 265 but that will require you roll fenders, and will likely get rubbing on the d-force rims with passengers in the back even after a roll. I'd say the most two popular autox specifc tires used on these cars are the dunlop direzza or the Hankook RS-3s. There are some new tires out this year, so that may change things, but this is as it was 4 months ago. I personally prefer the Dunlops. They have a very predictable feel on the edge, are great when cold and in the rain. The RS-3s can be fast but the high slip angle and very narrow 'edge' makes them harder for me to drive. The other advantage of the dunlop is you can get it in a 265 17.
Spacers: just get the smallest ones you can to avoid rubbing on the strut.
Hope this helps.