Any thoughts on Enkei Tuning Raijin wheels

[Restless]

I'm looking for a set of wheels to go with my summer tires as winter tires are on the OEMs. For now, I'm going to stay close to stock specs. I'm thinking of going with Enkei Raijins in 18x8.5; et is 42. I would prefer et in the mid-30s, but is not offered that way. Weight/handling is the most important consideration, followed closely by quality/durability. Does anyone have any experience with these wheels? Are there other choices I should consider? Thanks.

[Blake P]

Looks like a pretty generic mesh style wheel to me, based on google images results. About the same as offerings I've seen from TSW, Neuspeed, VMR, etc...
As for weight and quality, I don't know since you didn't provide any info regarding weight or construction (gravity cast, low pressure cast, flow formed, forged??).

[madmadS4]

I saw this wheel in a mag today... they are new for 2012.

They look pretty interesting considering that Enkei consistently produces light weight wheels.

Tire rack lists them at 20.1 lbs each which is pretty damn awesome. I don't think there is a lighter wheel with this look for our car.

[tomh009]

In a similar price range, you can get the rotary-forged TSW Nurburgring in either 18x8 ET45 or 18x8.5 ET32. The Enkei is cast. If you prefer the Enkei, you could also choose 18x8 ET35.
http://www.1010tires.com/wheel.asp?w...tal%2FMachined

[Restless]

Looks like a pretty generic mesh style wheel to me, based on google images results. About the same as offerings I've seen from TSW, Neuspeed, VMR, etc...
As for weight and quality, I don't know since you didn't provide any info regarding weight or construction (gravity cast, low pressure cast, flow formed, forged??).

It is described as having Enkei's MAT (most advanced tech), which I think is Enkei's name for rotary casting. I have not seen weight shown anywhere. Although the style may be generic, I'm hoping it has weight advantage over most others.

[Restless]

In a similar price range, you can get the rotary-forged TSW Nurburgring in either 18x8 ET45 or 18x8.5 ET32. The Enkei is cast. If you prefer the Enkei, you could also choose 18x8 ET35.
http://www.1010tires.com/wheel.asp?w...tal%2FMachined

I'd like to go with the 8.5" width as I'm thinking of going with 255x40 once the OEM tires wear out. I think et of 32 in that width would be pushing the limits of clearance (my suspension is stock). Is the Nurburgring a forged wheel? That would be quite a bargain at around the same price.

[Restless]

I saw this wheel in a mag today... they are new for 2012.

They look pretty interesting considering that Enkei consistently produces light weight wheels.

Tire rack lists them at 20.1 lbs each which is pretty damn awesome. I don't think there is a lighter wheel with this look for our car.

Also - it is from Enkei Tuning series which means the 18" is closer to 19" I think.

Thanks for the weight; I could not find it on Tirerack (or anywhere). I'm not quite sure what you mean by their 18" wheels are close to 19". They still have to work with an 18" tire, right?

[Stereodude]

I'd like to go with the 8.5" width as I'm thinking of going with 255x40 once the OEM tires wear out. I think et of 32 in that width would be pushing the limits of clearance (my suspension is stock). Is the Nurburgring a forged wheel? That would be quite a bargain at around the same price.

FWIW, based on what I read in the really long wheel thread, 18x8.5" ET32 wheel will be flush in the back and poke in the front. 18x8.5 ET38 is said to be flush in front and with a 5mm spacer in the back it'll be flush there. Also, based on what I read a 245/40/18 is what you should run and it won't rub.

[tomh009]

I'd like to go with the 8.5" width as I'm thinking of going with 255x40 once the OEM tires wear out. I think et of 32 in that width would be pushing the limits of clearance (my suspension is stock). Is the Nurburgring a forged wheel? That would be quite a bargain at around the same price.

The Nurburgring is rotary-forged, a somewhat less expensive forging process. 18-inchers weigh from 18.6 to 19.4 lbs.
http://www.tsw.com/alloy_wheels_nurburgring.php

Why 255/40 rather than 245/40?

[Stereodude]

The Nurburgring is rotary-forged, a somewhat less expensive forging process. 18-inchers weigh from 18.6 to 19.4 lbs.
http://www.tsw.com/alloy_wheels_nurburgring.php

It would be nice if they would tell people the offset that accompanies the weight. As soon as you start decreasing the offset to get a "flush" fit the weight starts going up from the extra metal on the hub.

[Restless]

The Nurburgring is rotary-forged, a somewhat less expensive forging process. 18-inchers weigh from 18.6 to 19.4 lbs.
http://www.tsw.com/alloy_wheels_nurburgring.php

Why 255/40 rather than 245/40?

A little more width helps with cornering. Also, this size would be the same diameter as 255x35 in a 19" wheel.

[tomh009]

A little more width helps with cornering. Also, this size would be the same diameter as 255x35 in a 19" wheel.

The contact patch might be slightly larger, but even if it were to grow linearly, it would be only 4% larger, really not a significant difference. And the increased weight of the tire will probably cancel any advantage.

And for most tires, 245/40R18 will be the same overall diameter as 255/35R19 (you can see the specs on tirerack.com, for example).

[Restless]

The contact patch might be slightly larger, but even if it were to grow linearly, it would be only 4% larger, really not a significant difference. And the increased weight of the tire will probably cancel any advantage.

And for most tires, 245/40R18 will be the same overall diameter as 255/35R19 (you can see the specs on tirerack.com, for example).

I checked the Pilot SS, and the diameter for both 255x35 19 and 255x40 18 are 26". Mathematically, ((255 x 0.35) x 2)/25.4 + 19 is about the same as ((255 x 0.40)/25.4 + 18

[Stereodude]

In a similar price range, you can get the rotary-forged TSW Nurburgring in either 18x8 ET45 or 18x8.5 ET32. The Enkei is cast. If you prefer the Enkei, you could also choose 18x8 ET35.
http://www.1010tires.com/wheel.asp?w...tal%2FMachined

The Raijin is cast and then "spun" with forming rollers just like Forgestar's Rotary Forged wheels (F14, CF10, CF5).

ps: Yes, I realize the thread is 3 months old, but I stumbled upon these wheels again while looking at lighter than stock 18" wheels that won't break the bank.

[madmadS4]

[Brooklyn]

looks nice - same style as the VMR V710's, Avante Garde wheel of similar style, etc. One thing to be aware of though - as I just washed my VMR's for the first time this weekend. A BITCH to clean brother.

[tomh009]

I have BBS RGR, which are somewhat similar style, and I really don't find them THAT difficult to clean ...

[Restless]

The Raijin is cast and then "spun" with forming rollers just like Forgestar's Rotary Forged wheels (F14, CF10, CF5).

ps: Yes, I realize the thread is 3 months old, but I stumbled upon these wheels again while looking at lighter than stock 18" wheels that won't break the bank.

These wheels are now on my car. I got them from Tirerack. Although said to be hyper silver, it's closer to gunmetal as only the outside surface parallel with the car is silver; all other areas are more like charcoal. They are working fine for now. I may look for something with more silver come next spring when I'll need new summer tires. Other than color, the only thing that concerns me a bit is the max load of 700 kg indicated on the wheel. I think this may be borderline on the fronts when the car is fully loaded.

[Stereodude]

Other than color, the only thing that concerns me a bit is the max load of 700 kg indicated on the wheel. I think this may be borderline on the fronts when the car is fully loaded.

That's >1500lbs. Exactly how much weight do you think is on each corner of the car?

[wwhan]

That's >1500lbs. Exactly how much weight do you think is on each corner of the car?

Yes and one of the stock OEM tires, Pirelli Cinturato P7 245/40R18, is only rated at 1433 lbs / wheel (651kg)

[Stereodude]

These wheels are now on my car. I got them from Tirerack. Although said to be hyper silver, it's closer to gunmetal as only the outside surface parallel with the car is silver; all other areas are more like charcoal. They are working fine for now. I may look for something with more silver come next spring when I'll need new summer tires.

Do you have any pictures of them on your car? Also, which fitment did you get? TireRack says the 18x8 ET35 is a "tight fit" which is why they recommend the 18x8 ET45 and 18x8.5 ET42 instead.

[Restless]

Yes and one of the stock OEM tires, Pirelli Cinturato P7 245/40R18, is only rated at 1433 lbs / wheel (651kg)

Since 55% is over the front wheels (or 1100 lbs per front corner based on 4000 lbs), I'm concerned that some hard cornering while braking will push the limits (e.g., 65% over the front and 60% of that over one corner). This is basically without anyone in the car. I have the P7, and didn't realize they have a limit of 1433 lbs. I guess it's good to know the tires will fail before the wheels.

[Restless]

Do you have any pictures of them on your car? Also, which fitment did you get? TireRack says the 18x8 ET35 is a "tight fit" which is why they recommend the 18x8 ET45 and 18x8.5 ET42 instead.

I have the 18x8.5 and ET of 42. I don't think the 18x8 ET35 is a tight fit as the same ET with a 8.5" width wheel works. I have to look into how to post a picture as I have yet to do that.

[Doc Masher]

I was contemplating the exact same wheels for a track day setup awhile back, and decided against the Raijins due to the following facts: The load ratings of the wheels are low for our cars, the bore of the wheel is not to OEM spec (Audi OEM wheel Hub Bore is 66.6mm-Raijins are 72.6mm) requiring wheel hub rings to properly align the wheels to the axle, and finally the fact that there are not allot of people who have used the wheels on our cars.

The bottom line is there are only a few wheel manufactures that make wheels specifically to fit properly on the S4 B8. The things mentioned above are not definitive barriers to the Raijin wheel, just that when you spend the money on a fine engineered car, it is good to use aftermarket components that will provide the same if not better performance characteristics as OEM.

I opted for the VMR 718s in 18x9.5 et +45, and I love them. The ride quality is better than my OEM 19x8.5 RS3 wheels and they are my track wheel. I would not however, recommend the 18x9.5 wheel for anyone who may need to run chains or any thing else for than matter on the wheel tire assembly. Go with the 18x9 if you are looking for a wider than stock contact patch.

See this thread for more info http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...brake-line-kit

[Stereodude]

I was contemplating the exact same wheels for a track day setup awhile back, and decided against the Raijins due to the following facts: The load ratings of the wheels are low for our cars, the bore of the wheel is not to OEM spec (Audi OEM wheel Hub Bore is 66.6mm-Raijins are 72.6mm) requiring wheel hub rings to properly align the wheels to the axle, and finally the fact that there are not allot of people who have used the wheels on our cars.

The bottom line is there are only a few wheel manufactures that make wheels specifically to fit properly on the S4 B8. The things mentioned above are not definitive barriers to the Raijin wheel, just that when you spend the money on a fine engineered car, it is good to use aftermarket components that will provide the same if not better performance characteristics as OEM.

What is the load rating for the VMR v718's you bought? What's the load rating on the stock B8 S4 wheels?

[TICKRDR]

I have Enkei Racing PFO1s, 18 x 8 with an ET of 35, currently running 245/40-18. No issues, looks fine. Will try to post pics later.

Love the wheels. They're very light, easy to reach into for cleaning, great quality and finish. And the best part: Not trendy.

I don't track this car.

[Stereodude]

I have the 18x8.5 and ET of 42. I don't think the 18x8 ET35 is a tight fit as the same ET with a 8.5" width wheel works.

TireRack shows other ET35 18x8 wheels as fitting. When I asked why they Raijin ET35 18x8 wasn't listed I was told it's a "tight fit". link I'm trying to get some clarification on what part of the fit is tight.

I have to look into how to post a picture as I have yet to do that.

I use Imageshack.us. They'll host 500 photos for free if you sign up for an "account". Then you can just paste the image code here and boom pictures!

[TICKRDR]

FRONT:

[IMG][/IMG]

REAR:


Pfo1, rear. by Tickrdr, on Flickr

Obviously, there's more back space than the stock wheels with less offset. The rear wheels could possibly use a spacer to look flush, but the next tires will be 255/40/18, so I'll hold on the spacers until I see how the wider tires look.

Suspension is stock.

[Restless]

TireRack shows other ET35 18x8 wheels as fitting. When I asked why they Raijin ET35 18x8 wasn't listed I was told it's a "tight fit". link I'm trying to get some clarification on what part of the fit is tight.

I use Imageshack.us. They'll host 500 photos for free if you sign up for an "account". Then you can just paste the image code here and boom pictures!

Here are a couple taken with my phone.

[Doc Masher]

[IMG][/IMG]

To answer Stereodudee, the VMR 718s I bought have a load rating of 815kg (1796lbs)/ wheel, not sure what stock load rating is at the moment. I will need to dig through my data to post the OEM S4 B8 wheel load rating. I posted a picture of the set up at the track in action.

[s4ctm]

I have the Enkei Raijin wheels in black with an et42 18x8 on my 2012 S4, like them a lot.