Alright so since I'm such a forum junkie I figured I might as well spill the beans here first.
Way back last year I was ready to start thinking more long term on the R and since the 17" centers on the last set of Futura's weren't going to clear my brakes if I put new pads on, it was time to start looking for another alternative. I scoured the internet and ended up finally finding two full sets of 18" 5x112 original Futura centers which are damn hard to find let me tell you...
I got one of the sets refinished by Nicks B&P down in NJ. They're mirror polished with brushed faces, mirror windows, and black letters. (It's hard to get a good shot of the finish)
So once I had the new wheels in the works I decided it was time to get rid of my treasured full polished Futura's...
...but I couldn't resist the temptation to take this photo just before I let them go...
I also decided that since my setup this year was going to tuck, that my fenders and rear quarters better be crisp and clean. I had two new front fenders rolled flat and seam sealed on the lip, and had the body shop fix my rear quarters and paint everything.
After that I went to Sam's shop to figure out what size lips and barrels I was going to need, along with how tucking was going to go once we got all the parts. This was a 20" Audi wheel just for sh!ts and giggles.
I also decided to get my front bumper fixed at this time due to some overspray and overall beating it's taken. Had Pat do my grilles and GhostKnit lip at the same time to make sure everything was going to be up to par.
Then it was time to do a sanity check and to get some motivation since this process to get ready for the 2018 season has taken so damn long. Test fit the wheels and lowered the car as much as I felt comfortable on wheels that only had 5 bolts each holding them together lol.
The car will go lower than this and the wheels will clear the fenders without a problem.
After the test fit I decided I should take .100" off the inside of the barrels for peace of mind when it comes to clearance to the struts (and because I can...)
Last step was to get some new rotors and pads, because what's the point of going through all of this for the ability to work on the brakes if I don't actually do anything with the brakes? Rotors are drillled and spotted from Adam's Rotors and pads are StopTech Sport Pads.
I'll leave you with this until the next update...
Final specs on the new setup:
OZ Futura (Brushed Faces w/ Mirror Polished Windows & Powder Coated Clear)
- 19 x 9 et45 (225/35-19 Nitto NT555's)
- 1.5" Lips / 7.5" Barrels
- Reverse Mount Faces
- 5X112