Last April, I discussed putting new wheels on my vehicle. After making my decision and driving the new setup for some time, I'm quite pleased with my selection.
I went with the Enkei Racing PF01 for several reasons. First, is the brand's reputation. Several F1 teams, including the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team use them. For many SCCA and NASA members, as well as road-going folks, Enkei is synonymous with a low-cost, quality wheel.
Second, is the strength of the wheel. Many of Enkei's wheels, including the PF01 and the RPF1 are gravity cast wheels and use Most Advanced Technology (MAT) in forming the rim of the wheel. I didn't come up with the name MAT, but "shaving the wheel weight while adding strength to the rim" turned out to be a messy acronym. Here in the Midwest, I encounter a variety of driving surfaces and have hit my fair share of potholes and they've proven to stay true, so far. Thanks MAT!
Finally, is the wheel's weight. There is a noticeable difference in weight from the factory 17" Bridgestone Blizzak WS70 on my stock 17" VW Denver wheels and that of the 18" Enkeis with Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires. The 18" PF01 comes in at about a pound for every inch of diameter and the tires at 22 lbs. each, or roughly 40 lbs. per corner. My stock wheels weighed approximately 50 lbs. with tires. This gives me a huge loss in unsprung weight, giving me an advantage in handling and braking. The ride quality of the 18" setup is rougher than the stock 17", but then again, I put them on my GTI and not a Golf.
Developed for many fitments including certain Honda, Mazda and BMW models, the PF01 is available in the following finishes:
Interested to see what the wheels look like on your vehicle, visit our Upgrade Garage.
I also toyed with the idea of purchasing a nice set of BBS rims, the CH in particular, but the cost dissuaded me a little bit from going that route. So, what do you think about the Enkei rims? Please note this is a photo from our Upgrade Garage, as my car was in desperate need of a wash at the release of this post.
I went with the Enkei Racing PF01 for several reasons. First, is the brand's reputation. Several F1 teams, including the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team use them. For many SCCA and NASA members, as well as road-going folks, Enkei is synonymous with a low-cost, quality wheel.
Second, is the strength of the wheel. Many of Enkei's wheels, including the PF01 and the RPF1 are gravity cast wheels and use Most Advanced Technology (MAT) in forming the rim of the wheel. I didn't come up with the name MAT, but "shaving the wheel weight while adding strength to the rim" turned out to be a messy acronym. Here in the Midwest, I encounter a variety of driving surfaces and have hit my fair share of potholes and they've proven to stay true, so far. Thanks MAT!
Finally, is the wheel's weight. There is a noticeable difference in weight from the factory 17" Bridgestone Blizzak WS70 on my stock 17" VW Denver wheels and that of the 18" Enkeis with Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires. The 18" PF01 comes in at about a pound for every inch of diameter and the tires at 22 lbs. each, or roughly 40 lbs. per corner. My stock wheels weighed approximately 50 lbs. with tires. This gives me a huge loss in unsprung weight, giving me an advantage in handling and braking. The ride quality of the 18" setup is rougher than the stock 17", but then again, I put them on my GTI and not a Golf.
Developed for many fitments including certain Honda, Mazda and BMW models, the PF01 is available in the following finishes:
Interested to see what the wheels look like on your vehicle, visit our Upgrade Garage.
 Enkei Racing PF01 (Black w/ Mach Lip) |  Enkei Racing (White w/ Mach Lip) |
I also toyed with the idea of purchasing a nice set of BBS rims, the CH in particular, but the cost dissuaded me a little bit from going that route. So, what do you think about the Enkei rims? Please note this is a photo from our Upgrade Garage, as my car was in desperate need of a wash at the release of this post.
Keeping up their tradition of providing the latest in wheel design and alloy casting processes, 
Ford Mustangs have been rolling down our streets since 1964, impressing us all with their power and their style. Though Ford has made a few improvements over the years, it's as classic a car as ever. Why change a good thing, right? We only disagree with that statement when it comes to the Mustang wheels. 
