"We have BBS LM's at home!" - Help me make these fit

[Just A Dad]

Hi everyone,

Relatively new here, as well as new to the FiST platform. My primary vehicle is my 2017 Focus RS, which is currently in the shop for an extended period to replace/rebuild the motor and trans after a shop grenaded my engine. Long story, for another time! Anyway, rather than pay for a long term rental, I found a great deal on a local, stock, 2-owner (adult) FiST. Because so much of my "car money" is tied up in the FoRS, I am trying to re-use or re-purpose as much of the existing stuff as I can, and mod smartly whenever the situation arises. Luckily, the car is in GREAT shape, so most of this is just going to be improving the aesthetics and putting my personal touch on the car, and not me chasing max power or being a track-focused build. I purchased this 2015 FiST in November, and it was bone stock minus a set of 16" Enkei's.

So, because this car/build is on a shoestring budget, I am not going to consider swapping in a new set of wheels/tires at this time. I would like to consider going back to 17s in the future for the aesthetics, but for the time being, I am trying to make the most out of what I have. Hoping that someone can help me figure out how to work with the setup that came with my car. With some quick searching, I believe they are 16x7 et42 Enkei J10's:

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As you can probably see here, the stock ride height is one problem, but also the offset seems to be even deeper than OEM! I am not 100% sure, but it appears that the rears are more sucked-in than the fronts? Is that normal on these cars, and does that mean that if I was going to run spacers, that I should run a larger size in the back to end up square? Something like 10mm/15mm F/R, or even 15/20? Can someone suggest a proper spacer setup that would put these wheels at or just short of flush? I have a set of the ST DZX spacers from my FoRS that I ran on the OEM wheels, which allowed for 15mm spacers on stock studs, by using extended shank lugnuts. However, it doesn't look like ST makes those in 4x108, so I was not sure what the best option would be to get these wheels spaced properly.

In the meantime, I decided to get to work with some "arts and crafts" to try and make the car look a little better. I've always been a fan of BBS Motorsport style 2-tone wheels, but obviously those aren't in the cards for this car. But maybe I can at least make it look kinda like it...if you turn your head and squint?

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Tried some "glamour shots" of the finished product. I'm digging the results for my personal style, especially for only being in for ~5-6 cans of Hyper Dip and caliper paint. Just need to get the stance sorted out. I've got a lead on some good coilovers, but would love any suggestions on spacers and specs to ensure proper fitment and minimal/no rubbing.

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Thanks!

 

[SteveS]

The 16" wheel is going to allow for a much better selection of tires than the 17". Unfortunately the 205/40-17 is pretty much an orphaned size. And the tire that gave the Fiesta ST its signature feel and handling was axed by Bridgestone at pretty much the same time the 7th generation Fiesta ended.

The Enkeis you have are at the stock offset and the stance if your car is the way it comes. I'm not a believer in spacers or pushing the wheels out.

 

[JAMADOR]

No help on the spacers or anything, but nice work on the color change, and that's a great color combo. Looks fantastic.

 

[Just A Dad]

The 16" wheel is going to allow for a much better selection of tires than the 17". Unfortunately the 205/40-17 is pretty much an orphaned size. And the tire that gave the Fiesta ST its signature feel and handling was axed by Bridgestone at pretty much the same time the 7th generation Fiesta ended.

The Enkeis you have are at the stock offset and the stance if your car is the way it comes. I'm not a believer in spacers or pushing the wheels out.

Oh, if I ever went to 17s I'd likely go 17x8 and run a 225/35/17 or similar. I'm not married to OEM sizes, nor to OEM stance/offsets, which is why I was looking to change it up. But appreciate the insight.

 

[SteveS]

The Fiesta doesn't have enough wheelwell space to go much wider than 215 without doing something drastic. Bear in mind the car was designed for 185/60-15 tires.

 

[scooter123]

IMO 17 inch rims on the FiST is a Fashion Thing and I just don't believe that Fashion should have any involvement in cars. The best wheel size for the FiST is 16 inches, it provides enough sidewall to minimize road damage, enough stiffness for excellent handling and a softer breakaway transition so that the traction loss is gradual enough you can correct for it. The 40 profile traction profile at the limits is very much On or Off and the end result is takes a much higher level of skill to work at the absolute limit. Perhaps 5% of us have that level of skill and that means the rest of us don't push the limits or we "push" off the track or spin out. End result is most drivers will be faster with the 16 inch rims instead of the 17's. I will also point out that I started with Hot Rods in 1969 when a 70 profile was "low". Still think that the 60 profile tires on my 1985 Monte Carlo SS look damned sweet and how well that car handles has surprised quite a few Harley Riders.