Last week on 4/28, my shipment arrived from Japan. I've been doing a lot of research on what wheels I wanted for the FC and set my eyes on some BBS LM's. Next was figuring out the size that I wanted, I originally wanted to go with 17's but with the LM's, they tend to look smaller due to the 2 piece design so I decided to go with 18's and going staggered. 18x8 fronts and 18x9 rears was the spec I was going for with an offset of +35mm all around to clear the suspension. The front's were going to cut it close but I took a gamble on it.
Next step was deciding on the color. The FD already has Diamond Black BBS RGR's and initially I was thinking of bronze. The S5 T2 silver wheels looked ok but I opted out on doing silver BBS LM's so I decided on gold.
Last step was now sourcing them. Could not find the size I wanted in 5x114.3 stateside so I began looking in Japan for it. It took several months of Yahoo Japan Auction hunting but found a listing at a good price. Put in a bid for it but ended up getting outbidded so it was back to hunting. A few days later, found another set but this one was with tires which still was a good price. Put in another bid for it and ended up winning this one though shipping was going to be pricey with the extra weight of the tires. Oh well, was going to use the tires until they are gone but also use the tires as a test fit to make adjustments on size for the next set.
The tires on the wheels are 225/40/18 fronts and 255/35/18 rears that came on the wheels and I would say they ended up fitting well. Only concern was on the front suspension where the tires inner wall is only about 1/2 and inch or a little bit less from the spring/shock but it does clear to my relief.
I also purchased McGard lug nuts with wheel lock in black to tie them in and looks good with the black center caps. I was thinking of getting red center caps but that will be later down the line once I either get new brakes for the car or refinish the brake calipers in red.
I may have a set of S5 T2 wheels for sale in the future but for the time being will be keeping it as a spare just incase.
The plan for next part of the build is to address a few items. Need to get a new sunroof weather seal, new upper door trims, new window belt trims, get an undertray, find the oil leak on the turbo (white smoke happening at sustained mid/high rpm), change the oil filler neck, squeaky clutch pedal, and install new shifter bushings and spring clip.
Long term plans is to get the S5 bumpers and moldings on, do a full racing beat exhaust system, some coilovers, install the mazdaspeed spoiler, and jp3 a/c kit. I'm sure there is more but all I can think of for right now.