The wheels are the well known P-WRC1 Prodrive wheel made by OZ of Italy. These are commonly referred to as the P1, because the 17" model was standard on the UK P1 WRX model. They're strong, ten spoke and look every bit the WRC wheel they emulate.
I was able to get mine in an 18x7.5", et53 configuration, gold color. There is an et48 version meant for the 04 STI, but I think it's a slightly different shade of gold. The wheel weight is listed as 22lbs, not bad for an 18" wheel.
The tires I decided on took some careful consideration. Rather than go extreme and get something like an RT-615 or Ecsta MX, I stepped down to the new-this-year Falken FK-452, which replaced the popular FK-451. Based on the size I was running on the Rota Formels, I settled on a 225/40-18, as it's just a tiny bit bigger in diameter than the 225/45-17 I had been using. The FK-452 is also placed under the "Luxury/V.I.P." section of the Falken Tire site, which is kinda what I'm after.
Thanks to close proximity and the ability to get the tires in a day, I had the wheels shipped on Wednesday and they arrived Friday morning, much to my relief. I grabbed the boxes, opened two to check everything out, and headed over to the local tire shop to get things sorted.
I do plan on keeping the Rotas for winter duties. I'm stuck with needing 17" wheels with my new, big LGT brakes, but the Formels should do that just fine.
So, enough blabbering, here's some pictures:
Naked wheel after a quick scrub:
ALL P-WRC1 wheels should have this, copies don't:
The first mounted tire, ready to be put on:
My tire of choice:
A quick trip part of the way up the local divide:
I really like this angle:
The new brakes don't look so big anymore...
A nice view of Mt. Eyrie
Widescreen shot:
I love the look. What can I say, white and gold are meant for each other, and the P-WRC1 is a pretty wheel. The FK-452s have also impressed. They're quiet, the steering feel is much better, and the slightly smaller sidewall has had a very little, but noticeable, effect on the ride. It makes me glad that I have such a compliant suspension
