Sparco 17 x 7 Wheels, has anyone used them?

Cort500 · Postby **Cort500** » Mon Jan 20, 2014 8:57 pm

Hi all, I have just been offered a set of 17x7 Sparco wheels. They were on an NA that was lowered 65mm running 5mm spacers and didn't foul. The rims are in good condition and they are going on a big stock NB.
I have searched through the threads on here but can't find anyone that has used them. I know the big debate about 16 vs 17's etc but I was after any feedback about the brand.
I know Sparco do great gear etc but no idea on wheels. I am thinking of putting on some 205/45 17 ku31's.

Apu · Postby **Apu** » Mon Jan 20, 2014 9:09 pm

There is a difference between Sparco (Italy) and Racing Sparco (Japan). Not quite clear which one you are referring to as it's not uncommon to hear of Racing Sparco being referred to as Sparco.

Also...which model of wheel are you referring to?

That said, 17" are BIG for NA and NB.

Cort500 · Postby **Cort500** » Mon Jan 20, 2014 9:24 pm

Yeah they are Racing Sparco, they are around the $300 mark for a set of 4. I have not weighed them but they seem quite lite.
Yeah they do look a little large but I don't mind.

emily_mx5 · Postby **emily_mx5** » Mon Jan 20, 2014 9:29 pm

Everyone is going to have a sh*t about putting 17s on NA and NB.
Do what you want, dont listen to all the boring old men. If you like them go for it, you might decide later on that they are too heavy after your experience, dont just take others word for it.
The SE came with 17s, and in person they dont look too big.
Italian or Japanese is going to be good, just make sure they are in good condition and not buckled etc. You will have to run very low profile tyres to get the speedo accurate, its simple maths or there are plenty of online calculators.

Apu · Postby **Apu** » Mon Jan 20, 2014 9:34 pm

Racing Sparco are light...but I suspect those wheels will be quite old. Nothing really wrong with age but more of a question around how many owners and how they have been treated.

Cort500 · Postby **Cort500** » Mon Jan 20, 2014 9:43 pm

Yeah they were only on one car. In good condition but I was going to get them checked out once I google a place in Ipswich/Brisbane that do it.
No flat spots on them (visible) minimal gutter rash, anything else to look for?

kalt · Postby **kalt** » Mon Jan 20, 2014 10:03 pm

Are they multi stud or only 4x100? If multistud then that's a bonus, take them regardless, you can offload them easy if they don't suit.

I have 17x7 on mine, heavy duty rims will take a giant crater to crack them I reckon, each wheel weighs 20kg with tyres and makes the car more interesting to drive - almost like non-powered steering , tramlines on the slightest divet on the road, but I don't mind it

Mines 215/40/17 tyres and the speedometer is +1kmh above GPS speed readings, so if you go 45 yours will be off even more (you will be speeding even if you 'knock off 5').

Cort500 · Postby **Cort500** » Mon Jan 20, 2014 10:21 pm

Yeah they are multi fit wheels.......sorry tyre size was meant to be 205/40 17 ku31
I have seen them for $90 each but will chase some more prices.
Then some lowered springs to fill the gap.

Lokiel · Postby **Lokiel** » Mon Jan 20, 2014 10:24 pm

Cort500 · Postby **Cort500** » Mon Jan 20, 2014 10:33 pm

Sparco Racing Python is the wheel. Just checked weights....10kg each...getting up there, that's for sure.

Red Dragon · Postby **Red Dragon** » Tue Jan 21, 2014 3:12 pm

With those wheels and tyres you will be travelling 2-3kph faster than your speedo shows

zossy1 · Postby **zossy1** » Tue Jan 21, 2014 10:48 pm

I have a set of Racing Sparco NTs, they are beautiful wheels even on an NA. But they are quite heavy.

Postby **Okibi** » Tue Jan 21, 2014 11:45 pm

Any wheel heavier than your stock wheels you'll notice, a reduction in performance (unless the tyres are a lot better than your current ones).

Weigh them before you consider buying them.

Magpie · Postby **Magpie** » Wed Jan 22, 2014 6:50 am

As hinted at by the previous post changing wheel weights (unsprung mass) will change the handling of the car not only the dampers but also the spring rates will all be effected.

If handling is less important than looks go for it.

Cort500 · Postby **Cort500** » Wed Jan 22, 2014 8:19 am

Yeah I realise it will change I unsprung mass. The rims are 4.5 kg heavier than the stockos. The current Tyres are Triangle brand and they migh as well be triangles for how good they are.
It is going to be the wife's fun car so I will go with the 17's and look at some Proxes 888 for the standard wheels for when I do some fun driving.