NEW WHEELS!

[kimona]

Thinking about changing wheels. Haven't made up my mind yet, but these are my favourites:

Drag DR20 16x7, ET 40
Rota RB 16x7, ET40

Maybe a yarisworld member has a used set for sale?

[Captain Yaris]

I like the Rota's!:headbang:

[ern-diz]

The Drag's are sooo JDM. They both are, really, but those Drag's...

[WeeYari]

Rota all day, all night.

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[Dabuu]

I like both styles, but dislike both companies lol.

[Steve35]

this is my favorite. 15x7 Enkei RP-F1

http://www.good-win-racing.com/Mazda-Performance-Part/21-1050.html

[Kalispel]

Sadly, I have yet to see an aftermarket wheel sold in the USA that looks decent (to me).

[ern-diz]

Sadly, I have yet to see an aftermarket wheel sold in the USA that looks decent (to me).

Yikes. So many wheels, so many dislikes?

[kimona]

johnnypaseo was one of our original yarisworld members. This was his 2008 Vitz with Maxxim Screech wheels and Tien coils. If I recall, they were 16x7, ET38. He originally ran 205/50/16's but they rubbed, so he went with 195/50/16's and solved the problem.

[ern-diz]

I remember johnnypaseo.

I think those wheels are the ones.

[kimona]

I like both the wheels, but I would prefer the Drag DR20's in gold with a machined face.

Unfortunately, the Drags (and all wheels with that design from Konig, Maxxim, and Rota) have been discontinued and are virtually impossible to find.

I've been searching for a vendor who may still have a set... with little luck; otherwise, I'm trying to find a nice clean used set.

[Kaotic Lazagna]

Similar design, and from a brand I'd trust.

https://www.tirerack.com/wheels/WheelCloseUpServlet?autoMake=Toyota&autoModel=Yaris+Hatchback&autoYear=2008&autoModClar=&target=runWheelSearch&wheelMake=Enkei+Classic&wheelModel=Compe&wheelFinish=Gunmetal+Painted

[heeroyuy01195]

What about the Konig rewinds? They're a similar style to the panasport/watanabe 8 spoke wheels.

[ern-diz]

Drag shows that design on their website, but there's no pricing info. I didn't look hard as I was short on time, but perhaps there's some authorized dealer info somewhere on their site?

[Captain Yaris]

If you've got the dough, these are classic... http://www.minilitewheels.us/styles.html

[kimona]

What about the Konig rewinds? They're a similar style to the panasport/watanabe 8 spoke wheels.

Thanks. Virtually impossible to find.

[kimona]

Drag shows that design on their website, but there's no pricing info. I didn't look hard as I was short on time, but perhaps there's some authorized dealer info somewhere on their site?

Called Drag, but nothing in stock. Called a bunch of vendors across the country, but nothing in stock, as well.

[Kaotic Lazagna]

^^^ Thanks for the link. They're nice, but the colour doesn't work for me... or the offset with 205/50's.

I think they have white as well I believe, and the offset is just 2mm less.

[heeroyuy01195]

Thanks. Virtually impossible to find.

My mistake, didn't realize you were looking for 16" wheels.

[ern-diz]

Called Drag, but nothing in stock. Called a bunch of vendors across the country, but nothing in stock, as well.

I'd hold out for them. Such a good look, imo. Not something you see regularly, at all.

[ABSPLASTIC]

Lol. Thought I'd help out and look on CL. Saw your wanted post lol small world

[kimona]

Lol. Thought I'd help out and look on CL. Saw your wanted post lol small world

Thanks for searching.

Yes, I posted a WANTED ad on craigslist. Somebody has a set out there.

[ABSPLASTIC]

Haha no problem.

Still on the look out :smile:

[kimona]

Mini trip: On my way to buy some wheels.

[ern-diz]

SIIIIIICK!!

[ern-diz]

No update on this? Looking for pics of those bad mamma jammas mounted!

[kimona]

On Sunday, I removed the old tyres and spent the rest of the day cleaning and polishing the wheels to look like new.

Got new rubber fitted yesterday afternoon. I was surprised that each wheel balanced with only one small weight.

I'll bolt the wheels on today. Then, I have to find some center cap stickers.

I'll post some photos as soon as I'm done.

[ern-diz]

:thumbup:

[heeroyuy01195]

Can't wait to see how they look on the car :D

[kimona]

Here you go:

[heeroyuy01195]

Looking good! Call me stupid but I didn't realize you got a 3rd gen! haha

[kimona]

Looking good! Call me stupid but I didn't realize you got a 3rd gen! haha

Actually, I bought a 2007 when I lived in Sarasota and drove it for almost 10 years. I sold it a little over a year ago here in California with 96,000 miles.

The car was in showroom condition inside and out (not even a door ding) with zero mechanical issues.

The problem with my 2007 was that the clear-coat began peeling off the paint everywhere and it started to look like shite! I loved that car, but looking at the paint made me very unhappy. It would have cost a small fortune to repaint.

Anyway, I found a clean used 2104. This car is not as good looking IMHO as my 2007, and it doesn't have quite the build quality, but it's a great car, and I've grown to love it, too.

[heeroyuy01195]

Actually, I bought a 2007 when I lived in Sarasota and drove it for almost 10 years. I sold it a little over a year ago here in California with 96,000 miles.

The car was in showroom condition inside and out (not even a door ding) with zero mechanical issues.

The problem with my 2007 was that the clear-coat began peeling off the paint everywhere and it started to look like shite! I loved that car, but looking at the paint made me very unhappy. It would have cost a small fortune to repaint.

Anyway, I found a clean used 2104. This car is not as good looking IMHO as my 2007, and it doesn't have quite the build quality, but it's a great car, and I've grown to love it, too.

Yeah I remember you having a zenki 2nd gen when I used to be on here more in the early days. Mine is having the same issue with the clear coat on the hood and roof. Most likely going to plastidip the roof in black(yeah...I know...). Planning to use a roof rack to transport my mountain bikes in the future instead of the hitch mount (too many friends getting tickets for partially covered license plates) so I figure the plastidip will help protect the roof from the mud and whatever else comes off the bikes.

Loving the rims on your car, any plans to lower it?

[kimona]

Yeah I remember you having a zenki 2nd gen when I used to be on here more in the early days. Mine is having the same issue with the clear coat on the hood and roof. Most likely going to plastidip the roof in black(yeah...I know...). Planning to use a roof rack to transport my mountain bikes in the future instead of the hitch mount (too many friends getting tickets for partially covered license plates) so I figure the plastidip will help protect the roof from the mud and whatever else comes off the bikes.

Loving the rims on your car, any plans to lower it?

I thought about doing the roof and hood in plastidip on my 2007 as well, but then the hatch and door handles and front bumper began peeling... and I gave up the idea.



Thanks for your interest and the comments. No, I don't plan to lower. I know it would look better with a mild drop, but I enjoy the ride comfort... plus, it already scrapes entering some driveways and parking lots at stock height!

[ern-diz]

Absolutely love it. I don't think a mild drop would impact ride comfort at all. I'm running a fairly aggressive drop for springs and the ride comfort is the same as OEM. You would have to be more careful with sharp dips and driveway ramps, but the look would be oh so worth it.

[kimona]

Absolutely love it. I don't think a mild drop would impact ride comfort at all. I'm running a fairly aggressive drop for springs and the ride comfort is the same as OEM. You would have to be more careful with sharp dips and driveway ramps, but the look would be oh so worth it.

Thanks for following my quest to find new wheels, and I really appreciate your comments.

I think you've hit on the main reason I don't drop the car. I know it would look good and I'd surely be more careful, but my wife drives this car to school everyday... and she just doesn't think about cars the way we do.

[ern-diz]

Ah, completely understand.

Either way, it looks killer. Something about those classic JDM wheels makes it move a little.

[3rdSEman]

Kimona - woo ! nicest wheels ever !

Reading this over do I get this right these are 2nd hand not having been able to find new ones ? Picture posted is generic from the web or your actual wheels purchased ? Are they as intended 16X7 ET40 ? By any chance did you weight this new wheel/tire combo (205/50R16) before fitting them to the car ?
I keep finding my 43 LBS 17X7 ET42 (205/45R17) nice but sluggish for this little car...

Would love to see pictures of the F&R wheels in a way to better appreciate the resulting offset vs sheetmetal on your 3rd generation. Again I like what you did !

[kimona]

Yes, I couldn't find new ones. The photo in post #25 is of the actual used wheels I bought.

I was running 16x7, ET42 with 205/50/16's and I was tucked by a few mm's up front. I really didn't want to go less than ET40.

As it turned out, the "new" wheels are ET38... and they worked out pretty well; I'm basically flush up front. Of course, the rear wheels are still tucked, but not by too much.

No, I didn't weigh the wheel/tyre package before fitting. Hmmm... didn't even think about that.

EDIT: After searching, I found these 16x7 wheels weigh 10 lbs. and the Kumho Ecsta 4XII's weigh 19.7 lbs.

[ABSPLASTIC]

Looking good bro!

[ern-diz]

You and Wee are stingy with the pics lol. Let's see a few more; bigger and at different angles.

[kimona]

^^^ Thanks for the laugh!

[WeeYari]

You and Wee are stingy with the pics lol.

Maybe that Wee guy is a poser...hmm



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[tmontague]

Maybe that Wee guy is a poser...hmm
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Psshhhh, does he even have a Yaris? Rumor has it he drives a civic but wanted to fit in with the Yaris culture...

[Kaotic Lazagna]

Time for some lowering! =D

[ern-diz]

^^^ Thanks for the laugh!

Talk about laugh! You posted basically the same pic, slightly larger and from a slightly sharper angle, haha. I don't think I've ever seen the front or rear of your ride! :bellyroll:

Only now realized your car has the rubber rear bumper cover lol.

Maybe that Wee guy is a poser...hmm

Psshhhh, does he even have a Yaris? Rumor has it he drives a civic but wanted to fit in with the Yaris culture...

LOL!!

[kimona]

I have to admit, lightweight wheels make a HUGE difference! It's a completely new driving experience in this little car. Amazing. I'm a convert.

I can suggest if you want to improve your car's feel and overall performance in a really big way, look for some lightweight wheels... lighter is definitely better.

[ern-diz]

I have to admit, lightweight wheels make a HUGE difference! It's a completely new driving experience in this little car. Amazing. I'm a convert.

I can suggest if you want to improve your car's feel and overall performance in a really big way, look for some lightweight wheels... lighter is definitely better.

It's insane, right?!

I felt like such a dunce after getting the RPF1's and realizing how much I'd been bogged down for the prior 8 years with my much heavier BSA wheels.

[kimona]

It's insane, right?!

I felt like such a dunce after getting the RPF1's and realizing how much I'd been bogged down for the prior 8 years with my much heavier BSA wheels.

"Bogged down" is precisely what I'm talking about! I just didn't realize until I made the switch.

[Captain Yaris]

I feel the same way. I love my wheels but at 19lbs each it feels like cement shoes and I have to wind out the little motor to get any performance out of it. I slightly regret getting the wheels I now have until I park, get out and look at them on the car. Still, I'll be on the hunt for lighter wheels soon. These things dropped my mpg by 3-4.

[kimona]

Talk about laugh! You posted basically the same pic, slightly larger and from a slightly sharper angle, haha. I don't think I've ever seen the front or rear of your ride! :bellyroll:

Only now realized your car has the rubber rear bumper cover lol.


LOL!!

Here you go:

[heeroyuy01195]

Holy cow we got to see it from all angles! Kimano, I know your wife drives the car as well but it's begging for some low...perhaps teach her to be speed racer in the process?

[ern-diz]

Man, your car is as cool as ice! Cannot get enough of those wheels on the super white. Dying for lows. Did you decide on picking up that 2016?

[kimona]

Thanks for the comments. I LOVE my new wheels! And, the new tyres are outstanding.

Weird, but I enjoy just looking at my car now.

[ern-diz]

Not weird at all. I almost always look over my shoulder while walking away from my car.

[WeeYari]

Photo session looks like an autotrader ad. Pretty damn sharp.

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[bradbowl]

Awesome sweet ride kimona!

The Vitz and RS emblems are cool too. I wonder if "regular" folks are confused about them. :)