So I got a really good deal on 4 brand new evo x enkeis ($600) and immediately bolted them on to my 09 Tarmac Black RA. I had to roll the rear fenders due to rubbing. Evo X stock enkeis are 245/40/18. They are not concave rims and weigh in at 50lbs (thats rim and tire). Now the issue that I have is my steering is very heavy, due to added weight and tire width (there's just more to cover) Its very hard to maneuver (dip) in traffic but I can deal with it. The other issue that I have been hearing from mechanics that I will run into is that because the rims are not concave and how much the weigh, my suspension is really taking a beating especially my bearings and tie rods (changed my brake pads the other day and driver side tie rod was considerably loose). So what do i want to know?

First, does anyone have same setup as me?
Do you notice steering much heavier?
Has your suspension F'ed up?

I just basically want to know if i should keep running this setup (have been for last 3mths). Any comments are appreciated.

 

the x wheels and tires are LIGHTER then our stock setup.

At stock height you should not have to roll the fenders so something really isnt adding up here.

I think you hit something installing them. There are people with the X wheels with no issues.

 

Sorry forgot to mention I am lowered. That's why I had to roll fenders.

If the X wheels are lighter why is steering so heavy? any thoughts on what that could be?

 

Because you added 1.5" wheel width and went from a 215 to a 245 tire, which also adds tire width

- Bryan

 

Steering may be heavier due to the increased coef of friction and the increased friction area.

Looking at the parts program, it shows that the Ralliart has a different rack (ratio difference as well as turning stops), different power steering pump (this is what you may be feeling, I would bet the Evo pump as a bit more assist), and lacks an oil cooling loop in the return line.

 

At stock height, 245/40, +38 offset WILL RUB. I have 225/45 +38 on OEM spring and it rubs when I drive a 3rd passenger.

Yes, I do feel a heavier steering wheels. As far as "wear in OEM parts", I would like to know more about that as well. =)

edit: do you mind showing picture of ur setup? I have the exact same wheel specs, but I don't know if I should go for 245/40/18!
please help =)

 

I will post pics of my setup soon. If the RA has different turning ratios and everything thing else could I potentially be destroying my suspension? Also I noticed the evo x has aluminum alloy lower and upper control arms vs. the RA steel. Is there aluminum alloy control arms for the RA.

Also can anyone explain "unsprung weight" to me.

 

sorry double post

 

I asked that questions last year.

Check out this thread.

https://www.evolutionm.net/forums/09...ng-weight.html

I just got 4 Enkei PF01 18x8's with 40mm offset put on my car, with light lugs of course. Only other mod is HKS hybrid filter for stock intake (stock tune), and to me there is a noticeable difference in the acceleration and handling of the car from the stock wheels to the Enkeis.

I do not have dyno numbers yet, but if I get them I will post.

 

It is putting more stress on the system.

How much reduced life? [shrug]

 

I have recently put Evo X wheels on with no problems. I'm not lowered and I stretched the stock tires on the wheels. No problems here so far.

 

Would like to see the stretched tires, pics please