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[apecush]

Looking to get into a set of track wheels and have been considering the Apex ARC-8 17" Anybody running these, and what tires are you running? It looks like the majority of r-comp and psuedo r-comp tires max out at a 275 width (unless I want to step up to 315 - I want to keep my rear quarters stock).

Photos would be appreciated.

Adam

[sergkoko]

I don't think a 17" will clear the brakes...

[M3 Esq.]

Originally Posted by sergkoko

I don't think a 17" will clear the brakes...

This is what I would have thought as well, but according to Apex's website it says 17x10 will fit an E9X M3.

[sergkoko]

Originally Posted by M3 Esq.

This is what I would have thought as well, but according to Apex's website it says 17x10 will fit an E9X M3.

Hmmm... Interesting, do you think the extra tall side wall would hurt steering responce or handling?

[Richbot]

Personally I'm surprised these haven't taken off more than they have, best option IMO if you're not planning on upgrading to bigger brakes, and even then some smaller kits probably fit under the 17's. We're talking a 40-or 35 series instead of a 35 or 30 series for aspect ratio, it's not as if the 17's are balloon tires, and a little extra sidewall in the rear doesn't hurt for forward bite either. A 275 R888, for instance, is $51 *per tire* cheaper in 275/40-17 vs. 275/35-18. And there are a bunch more options in wide 17's in the semi-slicks like DOT Hoosiers that still run in the 25-26" diameter range that this car needs, and they're once again $25+ cheaper per tire than the 18" sizes

There is plenty of room for a 315/35-17 in the rear, though I'm not sure if the offset on the ET27 17x10.5's will get the job done. Only one way to find out...

[apecush]

Originally Posted by Richbot

Personally I'm surprised these haven't taken off more than they have, best option IMO if you're not planning on upgrading to bigger brakes, and even then some smaller kits probably fit under the 17's. We're talking a 40-or 35 series instead of a 35 or 30 series for aspect ratio, it's not as if the 17's are balloon tires, and a little extra sidewall in the rear doesn't hurt for forward bite either. A 275 R888, for instance, is $51 *per tire* cheaper in 275/40-17 vs. 275/35-18. And there are a bunch more options in wide 17's in the semi-slicks like DOT Hoosiers that still run in the 25-26" diameter range that this car needs, and they're once again $25+ cheaper per tire than the 18" sizes

There is plenty of room for a 315/35-17 in the rear, though I'm not sure if the offset on the ET27 17x10.5's will get the job done. Only one way to find out...

315/35/17 was exactly what I was considering in the back...NT01s to be exact, though I've been told that they run wide for the size, so that might not be the best idea. 295/35 Ecsta XS would be a good fit as well.

My main driver for using 17s is the cost. I don't care what my track set-up looks like as long as it is strong and reasonably inexpensive. 17x10/10.5 F/R certainly fits the bill.

[sergkoko]

I think you could probably find some very light wheels in a 17" as well for relatively cheap, which would be another advantage.

[apecush]

the 17x10.5 arc-8 is a hair under 19 lbs. not too shabby.

[kevin///mlee]

Originally Posted by M3 Esq.

This is what I would have thought as well, but according to Apex's website it says 17x10 will fit an E9X M3.

Here is a pic of my car with 17x10 et25 square, so I know that they do fit over stock E90 M3 brakes. The tires are R888 275/40/17. Apex also recommends the 17x10.5 for our cars. I think you should do it!

[Raucky2000]

I just put on a set of 18x10.5 ec7 w/ 275/35 square and they fit fine, but I'm at -2.5 camber.

My RacingBrake 4-pot, stock size rotor will fit a 17" rim. I have TONS of room left.

[sergkoko]

Originally Posted by apecush

the 17x10.5 arc-8 is a hair under 19 lbs. not too shabby.

That's pretty good considering a 18/19" 19lb wheel like the te37sl is about twice as expensive as an Apex wheel. From what I have read on the threads 275 square is an awesome setup for the track. So with the price reduction of the tires and the cheaper wheel weight per price this seems like a win/win.

[apecush]

Originally Posted by kevin///mlee

Here is a pic of my car with 17x10 et25 square, so I know that they do fit over stock E90 M3 brakes. The tires are R888 275/40/17. Apex also recommends the 17x10.5 for our cars. I think you should do it!

that looks sexy. I'm sold.

[Eddy@ApexRaceParts]

Originally Posted by sergkoko

I don't think a 17" will clear the brakes...

The 17x10" and 17x10.5" wheels were designed to clear a Brembo and Stoptech 355mm BBK on the E9X M3 application, not to mention the stock brakes.

This makes it an ideal budget track wheel or even a winter wheel for people who need to clear a BBK when running a 17" wheel.

[Richbot]

I never even thought of that but you guys should try to market the 17x8.5 as a real-deal snow setup for the M3, I bet it'd sell really well

[M3 Esq.]

Originally Posted by kevin///mlee

Here is a pic of my car with 17x10 et25 square, so I know that they do fit over stock E90 M3 brakes. The tires are R888 275/40/17. Apex also recommends the 17x10.5 for our cars. I think you should do it!

Wow those look really good. If I weren't considering a stoptech 380 down the road I might opt for the 17s. It makes so much sense.

[schnell325]

Hmm, I never knew 17's were possible!

[lcrain]

Well this is certainly interesting. Never even considered 17s would clear the stock brakes. May have to bail on the 18in gb and buy some of these. Would save a lot of money in the long run.

[sergkoko]

Originally Posted by lcrain

Well this is certainly interesting. Never even considered 17s would clear the stock brakes. May have to bail on the 18in gb and buy some of these. Would save a lot of money in the long run.

Definetly