Ray’s Gram Lights Wheels: The Japanese Lightweight Favorite for S2000 Owners

ByThe Answerlode Editorial Team

Ray’s Gram Lights: Why S2000 Owners Keep Coming Back to Them

If you’ve spent any time in S2000 forums, you already know the name. Ray’s Gram Lights appear on more S2K builds than almost any other aftermarket wheel — not because of marketing, but because they fit the car, look purposeful, and hold up. It shows.

What Are Ray’s Gram Lights?

Ray’s Engineering Co., Ltd. is a Japanese wheel manufacturer known for producing some of the lightest and most precisely engineered wheels in the automotive world. The Gram Lights line reflects their commitment to combining minimal weight with maximum visual impact. The name is literal. They’re after every gram they can remove without compromising the wheel’s structural integrity.

The 57Xtreme: The Latest Standard-Bearer

The 57Xtreme is one of Ray’s most concave designs to date, with a striking split six-spoke face that reads well from any angle. It runs from 16 to 19 inches and comes in Matt Graphite, Semi Gloss Black, Winning Blue, and Sunlight Silver. Two specs matter:

  • Spec D: Features increased rim thickness, shot peening of the wheel body, and a redesigned center area optimized for weight savings and durability. Shot peening is a cold-working process — shot media fired at the metal surface creates compressive residual stress that resists crack formation. Ideal for daily driving and varied road conditions.
  • SP Spec: Uses Ray’s signature side-cut technology — machined pockets along each spoke paired with a unique bridge design on each spoke — allowing dramatic weight reductions without sacrificing strength. It also incorporates an aluminum rigidity ring around the hub for additional weight savings, though that feature is only available above 17 inches.

The 17×9 +40 in 5×114.3 was produced in a limited run specifically for the S2000, largely through Evasive Motorsports. Each wheel weighs approximately 19.4 lbs.

Why S2000 Owners Love Gram Lights

The S2000 is a lightweight, rev-happy machine that responds sharply to reduced unsprung weight — the mass of everything not supported by the suspension springs. Simple physics. A lighter wheel means quicker acceleration, easier braking, and more responsive handling. The aggressive aesthetics of Gram Lights also complement the S2000’s already purposeful design language, which has helped make them a consistent default in the community.

Common S2000 fitment specs include 17×9 +40 and staggered 18×8.5 +52 front / 18×7.5 +50 rear. These deliver the right balance between the concave look and a practical tire sidewall for street driving. Many owners run a wider diameter on the rear only — a subtle stance effect that doesn’t require suspension modifications.

Fitment and Installation Considerations

Ray’s wheels are offered in numerous combinations of diameter, width, and offset to fit different platforms. For S2000 owners, most popular setups clear stock brake calipers without modification. Verify yours first. If you’re running a big brake kit — Spoon calipers, for example — you’ll typically need 15mm spacers up front. Quality wheel spacers or extended studs may also be necessary depending on your offset and brake setup.

Installation is straightforward for anyone with basic mechanical skills, though many prefer having a professional shop handle the balancing and confirm torque specifications.

Maintenance and Long-Term Care

The cleaning routine is basic. Mild soap, soft brush. Harsh brake dust cleaners strip the coating, so avoid them. If you’re storing the car over winter, keep the wheels in a dry location to minimize oxidation. The Spec D’s shot-peened surface is particularly resistant to corrosion, making it a strong choice for drivers in wet or harsh climates.

The Investment Perspective

Ray’s wheels represent a premium purchase, but they hold their value well within the enthusiast community. Unlike many wheel brands that trend in and out of fashion, Gram Lights have maintained consistent demand in the S2000 community for over a decade. Used sets in good condition retain their price reasonably well. Rare for aftermarket wheels.

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