Choosing rims for an S2000 is about reducing unsprung weight while keeping that classic sharp steering feel. Finding the Best Rims For Honda S2000 can feel overwhelming with so many options on the market. This guide breaks down the top choices for performance, style, and budget.
The S2000 is a driver’s car. Every pound of unsprung weight you remove makes the suspension work better. Lighter rims improve acceleration, braking, and cornering response. You want rims that are strong, light, and fit correctly without spacers or hub rings.
We will cover forged, cast, and flow-formed rims. You will learn what sizes work best for street driving, autocross, and track days. Let’s get started with the top picks for your AP1 or AP2.
Best Rims For Honda S2000: Top Picks For Every Budget
Your S2000 deserves rims that match its engineering. The stock 16-inch or 17-inch wheels are good, but aftermarket options offer better weight and looks. Below are the best rims organized by category.
Forged Performance Rims: Lightest And Strongest
Forged rims are the gold standard for the S2000. They are made from a single block of aluminum under high pressure. This makes them very strong and very light. You pay more, but the performance gain is real.
- Volk Racing TE37: The classic choice. Weighs around 15 pounds for a 17×9 inch size. Perfect for track use. The spoke design clears big brakes easily.
- Enkei RPF1: A budget-friendly forged option. Very light at about 15.5 pounds. The flat spokes look great on AP2 cars. You can find these used for good prices.
- WedsSport TC105X: A lesser-known gem. Weighs under 16 pounds. The spoke pattern is unique and strong. Great for autocross due to the stiff barrel.
- SSR Type-C: Discontinued but still available used. Extremely light at 14 pounds. Look for cracks before buying used. These are rare and desirable.
Flow-Formed Rims: Best Balance Of Weight And Cost
Flow-forming is a process that stretches the barrel of a cast rim. This makes it stronger and lighter than standard cast rims. You get forged-like performance at a lower price.
- Konig Hypergram: Weighs about 16.5 pounds. The concave design looks aggressive. Available in 17×9 and 17×10 sizes for wide tires.
- Enkei NT03+M: A motorsport-inspired design. Weighs around 17 pounds. The multi-spoke pattern is easy to clean. Fits AP1 and AP2 without issues.
- Rota Grid: A popular budget option. Weighs about 18 pounds. Not as light as forged, but affordable. Check for proper offset to avoid rubbing.
- Motegi Racing MR131: Weighs around 17 pounds. The spoke design is similar to TE37s. Good for daily driving and occasional track days.
Cast Rims: Affordable And Reliable
Cast rims are the most common. They are heavier but still work well for street driving. You can save money here if you do not track your car hard.
- OEM AP2V1 Rims: The stock 17-inch rims are cast. They weigh about 19 pounds. You can find used sets cheap. They look clean and original.
- Drag DR-20: A cheap cast option. Weighs about 20 pounds. Not for track use. Fine for daily driving if you are on a tight budget.
- XXR 527: A replica style rim. Weighs around 21 pounds. The fitment is good for lowered cars. Expect some weight penalty.
Best Rim Sizes For The S2000
Size matters a lot on the S2000. The wrong size can ruin handling or cause rubbing. Stick to these proven sizes for best results.
- 17×8 +45 offset: Front. Fits 215/40R17 or 225/45R17 tires. No rubbing on stock fenders.
- 17×9 +45 offset: Rear. Fits 245/40R17 or 255/40R17 tires. May need a slight fender roll for 255s.
- 17×9 +35 offset: Front and rear for square setups. Requires fender rolling. Works great for autocross.
- 18×8 +45 offset: Front. Fits 215/35R18 tires. Less sidewall means harsher ride.
- 18×9 +45 offset: Rear. Fits 245/35R18 tires. Looks more modern but heavier.
Offset And Fitment Guide
Offset is the distance from the hub mounting surface to the centerline of the rim. Lower offset pushes the rim outward. Higher offset tucks it inward. For the S2000, you want offsets between +35 and +50.
A +45 offset is the safest. It clears the suspension and brakes without sticking out too far. A +35 offset gives a more flush look but requires fender work. Always test fit before buying tires.
Hub bore is another concern. The S2000 has a 64.1mm hub bore. Many aftermarket rims have a 73.1mm bore. You will need hub-centric rings to center the rim properly. Do not skip these.
Weight Comparison: Why It Matters
Unsprung weight is the weight of the wheels, tires, brakes, and suspension parts. Reducing it improves how the car responds to bumps and steering inputs. A lighter rim lets the suspension follow the road surface better.
For example, a 15-pound forged rim vs a 20-pound cast rim. That is 5 pounds per corner. Total unsprung weight reduction of 20 pounds. You will feel it in turn-in response and braking stability.
Heavier rims also hurt acceleration. Rotational inertia means more energy is needed to spin them up. Lighter rims make the car feel quicker even without engine mods.
Tire Recommendations For Your New Rims
Your rims are only as good as the tires you put on them. Match tire width to rim width for best performance. Here are proven tire choices.
- Michelin Pilot Sport 4S: Best all-around tire. Great grip and long tread life. Works well for street and light track use.
- Bridgestone Potenza RE-71RS: Extreme performance summer tire. Amazing grip for autocross and track days. Wears faster than the Michelin.
- Hankook Ventus V12 Evo2: Budget performance tire. Good grip for the price. Works fine for daily driving.
- Federal 595 RS-RR: Semi-slick tire. Very high grip but noisy. Best for track-only cars.
For a 17×9 rim, use 245/40R17 tires. For a 17×8 rim, use 225/45R17. Staggered setups work best for the S2000’s rear-wheel drive layout.
Brake Clearance Considerations
Many aftermarket rims have clearance issues with big brake kits. The S2000’s stock brakes are fine, but some rims hit the caliper. Check the spoke design before buying.
TE37s and RPF1s have good clearance for most BBKs. Some budget rims like Rota Grids may need spacers. Always measure the caliper clearance before mounting tires.
If you have aftermarket brakes, look for rims with a flat spoke design. Concave spokes often hit larger calipers. Test fit one rim before buying a full set.
Rim Maintenance And Care
Keep your rims clean to prevent brake dust buildup. Use a mild soap and water. Avoid harsh chemicals that can damage the clear coat. Wax the rims every few months for easier cleaning.
Check the torque on lug nuts after 50 miles of driving. Rims can settle and loosen slightly. Use a torque wrench set to 80 ft-lbs for stock studs. Do not over tighten.
Inspect rims for cracks or bends after hard track use. Forged rims are tough but can still get damaged. Replace any rim that shows signs of structural failure.
Where To Buy Rims For Your S2000
Buy from reputable dealers to avoid counterfeit products. Check forums like S2Ki for used sets. Many owners sell their old rims when upgrading.
- Tire Rack: Good selection and fast shipping. They offer mounting and balancing services.
- Fitment Industries: Specializes in aftermarket fitment. They have a gallery of S2000 setups.
- Evasive Motorsports: Carries high-end JDM rims like Volk and WedsSport. Good customer service.
- Facebook Marketplace: Find used sets cheap. Be careful of scams. Inspect rims in person before paying.
Installation Tips For DIYers
Installing rims yourself is easy. You need a jack, jack stands, and a torque wrench. Follow these steps.
- Park on a level surface. Chock the rear wheels.
- Loosen the lug nuts while the car is on the ground.
- Jack up the front of the car. Place jack stands under the frame rails.
- Remove the lug nuts and old rim.
- Clean the hub surface with a wire brush.
- Mount the new rim. Hand tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern.
- Lower the car. Torque the lug nuts to 80 ft-lbs.
- Repeat for the rear.
Check the tire pressure after installation. Set it to 32 psi front and 30 psi rear for street driving. Adjust for track use based on tire temps.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Many S2000 owners make these errors when buying rims. Avoid them for a better experience.
- Buying rims with the wrong offset. This causes rubbing or poor handling.
- Skipping hub-centric rings. This leads to vibrations at high speed.
- Using too wide of a tire. This can rub on the fender or suspension.
- Ignoring weight. Heavy rims ruin the car’s feel.
- Not checking brake clearance. This wastes time and money.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the lightest rim for the S2000?
A: The SSR Type-C at around 14 pounds is one of the lightest. Volk TE37s are also very light at 15 pounds.
Q: Can I use 18-inch rims on my S2000?
A: Yes, but they are heavier and reduce ride comfort. Stick to 17-inch for best performance.
Q: Do I need to roll my fenders for wider rims?
A: For 17×9 +45 offset, you usually do not. For 17×9 +35 or wider, you will need a roll.
Q: Are replica rims safe for track use?
A: Not recomended. Replicas are heavier and less strong. Stick to name brands for safety.
Q: What is the best tire size for 17×9 rims?
A: 245/40R17 is the most common. 255/40R17 fits with a fender roll.
Final Thoughts On Choosing Rims
Your S2000 deserves rims that enhance its driving dynamics. Focus on weight, fitment, and quality. Forged rims like the TE37 are the best for performance. Flow-formed options like the Konig Hypergram offer great value.
Do not compromise on offset or hub bore. Use hub-centric rings and proper lug nuts. Test fit before buying tires. Your car will thank you with sharper handling and better feedback.
Take your time researching. Look at other S2000 builds for inspiration. The right rims will make your car look and drive better. Enjoy the process and the improved driving experience.
Remember to check your local laws for rim and tire sizes. Some regions have restrictions on offset and width. Stay legal and safe on the road.
With the right set of rims, your S2000 will feel like a new car. The steering will be more responsive. The ride will be more compliant. You will wonder why you did not upgrade sooner.
Happy driving and enjoy your new rims.