Selecting rims for a Toyota 86 is a chance to reduce weight and sharpen its already responsive handling. When you start looking for the best rims for Toyota 86, you are not just picking a style. You are making a choice that affects how the car drives, brakes, and corners. The factory wheels are fine, but they are heavy and leave room for improvement.
This guide will walk you through the top rim options. We will cover weight, size, fitment, and budget. By the end, you will know exactly which set fits your driving style and your car.
Best Rims For Toyota 86
Let’s get straight to the point. The best rims for the Toyota 86 balance weight savings, strength, and looks. You want something that does not break the bank but still makes the car feel more alive. Below are the top picks, broken down by category.
Lightweight Performance Rims
Weight is everything on the 86. Reducing unsprung mass helps the suspension work better. It also makes the car feel quicker and more nimble.
- Enkei RPF1 – A classic choice. These are light, strong, and affordable. A 17×8 inch RPF1 weighs around 15 pounds. That is a huge drop from the stock 18-inch wheels that weigh nearly 22 pounds each.
- Rays 57CR – Slightly more expensive but very durable. They are popular in time attack and track use. The spoke design clears big brake kits easily.
- WedsSport TC105X – Another lightweight option. These are forged but cost less than full custom wheels. They look aggressive and save about 6 pounds per corner.
Street Style And Daily Driving
If you drive your 86 every day, you want something that looks good and lasts. You also want a rim that does not get damaged easily by potholes.
- Enkei TS-V – A modern design with a concave face. They are flow-formed, which makes them stronger than cast wheels. They are not the lightest, but they are tough.
- Konig Hypergram – Very popular in the 86 community. They come in many sizes and offsets. The matte bronze color looks great on a white or red 86.
- OZ Racing Alleggerita HLT – A bit pricier but very refined. They are lightweight and have a classic rally-inspired look. They fit the 86’s personality well.
Track And Competition Focused
For serious track days, you need a rim that can take abuse. Heat and stress are higher on track. You also want a wheel that is easy to clean brake dust from.
- APEX ARC-8 – Designed specifically for the 86 platform. They are flow-formed and very strong. They come in 17×9 and 17×9.5 sizes, which let you run wider tires.
- Volk Racing TE37 – The gold standard. These are forged and very expensive. But they are also the lightest and strongest you can buy. If you have the budget, they are the best.
- SSR Type-C RS – A lightweight 3-piece wheel. They are rare but offer great performance. You can also change the outer lip to change the offset later.
Choosing The Right Size And Offset
Size matters a lot. The wrong size can rub, look odd, or hurt handling. Here is a simple guide.
17 Inch Vs 18 Inch
Most people go with 17-inch rims for the 86. They are lighter and allow for more tire sidewall. This gives better ride comfort and grip on rough roads. 18-inch rims look more filled out but add weight. They also make the ride firmer.
- 17×8 – Best for street and light track use. You can run 215/45R17 or 225/45R17 tires.
- 17×9 – Great for track use. You can run 245/40R17 tires for maximum grip.
- 18×8.5 – Good for a flush street look. Use 225/40R18 or 235/40R18 tires.
Offset Explained
Offset is the distance from the wheel’s mounting surface to its centerline. A lower offset pushes the wheel outward. A higher offset tucks it inward.
For the 86, a good offset range is +35 to +45 for 17×8 wheels. For 17×9 wheels, aim for +40 to +45. If you go too low, the tire will stick out past the fender. That can be illegal in some places and will kick up rocks.
Bolt Pattern And Hub Bore
The 86 uses a 5×100 bolt pattern. That is the same as older Subaru WRX models. The hub bore is 56.1mm. Many aftermarket wheels come with a larger bore. You will need hubcentric rings to center the wheel properly. Do not skip these. They prevent vibrations.
Budget Considerations
Rims can cost anywhere from $150 to over $1000 each. Here is what you get at different price points.
Under $200 Per Wheel
You are looking at cast wheels. They are heavier but still better than stock. Brands like Drag, Motegi, and some Konig models fall here. They are fine for daily driving but not ideal for track use.
$200 To $400 Per Wheel
This is the sweet spot. You get flow-formed or semi-forged wheels. Enkei, Konig, and APEX offer great options here. These are strong and light. Most track drivers use wheels in this range.
Over $400 Per Wheel
You get full forged wheels. Rays, Volk, and SSR are the main players. They are incredibly light and strong. They also hold their value well. If you plan to keep your 86 for years, these are worth the investment.
Installation And Fitment Tips
Putting on new rims is easy, but there are a few things to check.
- Check brake clearance. Some wheels do not clear big brake kits. Test fit one wheel before buying a set.
- Use proper lug nuts. Aftermarket wheels often need tuner lug nuts. They are smaller and have a different seat shape.
- Torque to spec. The 86 uses 80 lb-ft of torque on the lug nuts. Do not over tighten.
- Align the car. After changing wheel size or offset, get an alignment. This prevents uneven tire wear.
- Check for rubbing. Turn the wheel full lock and check the fender liner. If it rubs, you may need to roll the fenders.
Popular Tire Pairings
Your rims are only as good as the tires on them. Here are common pairings for the 86.
- 17×8 with 215/45R17 – Michelin Pilot Sport 4S or Continental ExtremeContact Sport. Great for street and light track.
- 17×9 with 245/40R17 – Hankook Ventus RS4 or Nitto NT01. These are track-focused tires that need wide rims.
- 18×8.5 with 235/40R18 – Bridgestone Potenza RE-71RS or Yokohama Advan A052. These are sticky and work well on warm days.
Maintenance And Care
Keeping your rims clean is important. Brake dust can etch into the finish over time.
- Wash wheels with a pH-neutral cleaner. Do not use harsh acids.
- Apply a ceramic coating or wheel wax. This makes cleaning easier.
- Inspect for cracks or bends after every track day. A small bend can cause vibrations.
- Rotate tires regularly. This extends tire life and keeps wear even.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Many people make these errors when buying rims for the 86.
- Buying too wide. A 17×10 rim is possible but requires fender work and stretched tires. It is not practical for street driving.
- Ignoring weight. A heavy rim ruins the 86’s handling. Always check the weight before buying.
- Skipping hub rings. Without them, the wheel is not centered. This causes vibrations at highway speeds.
- Buying cheap knockoffs. They are heavy and can fail. Stick to known brands.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best rim size for a Toyota 86?
17×8 is the most versatile size. It balances weight, tire choice, and fitment. For track use, 17×9 is better.
Will 18-inch rims fit a Toyota 86 without modification?
Yes, 18×8.5 with a +45 offset fits without rubbing. You may need to roll the rear fenders if you go wider.
Are Enkei RPF1 wheels good for daily driving?
Yes, they are strong and light. They are a bit stiff for very rough roads, but most daily drivers love them.
Can I use Subaru WRX wheels on a Toyota 86?
Yes, the bolt pattern is the same. But check the offset. WRX wheels often have a higher offset that tucks the wheel too far in.
How much does a set of good rims cost for a Toyota 86?
A good set of four rims costs between $800 and $1600. Forged wheels can cost over $2000.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the best rims for your Toyota 86 comes down to how you use the car. For most people, a 17×8 Enkei RPF1 or Konig Hypergram is the smart choice. They are light, affordable, and look great. If you track the car often, step up to a 17×9 APEX ARC-8 or save up for Volk TE37s.
Remember to check fitment, use hub rings, and get an alignment. A good set of rims will make your 86 feel like a different car. It will turn in faster, ride smoother, and stop better. That is the whole point of upgrading.
Take your time, do the research, and pick a set that matches your goals. Your 86 will thank you every time you hit a corner.