Volk Racing CE28N-Plus Finish Guide (17x10 +44, 5x114.3) — Face-3 Concavity for the Honda S2000

Why the CE28N-Plus Is a Favorite: Lightweight, Forged, and Track-Bred

The CE28 lineage has been pushing the lightweight forged formula for over two decades—and the CE28N-Plus continues that tradition as a forged monoblock wheel built for performance-first drivers who refuse to compromise.

This isn't a wheel you buy because it looks fast. You buy it because it is fast—and the spec sheet backs that up.

What Makes This Spec Stand Out

• 17x10 Width: Real tire support and sidewall stability on track. This width allows you to run 255–275mm tires with proper stretch ratios, giving you the contact patch you need for serious grip without ballooning sidewalls.
• +44 Offset: The go-to aggressive S2000 fitment spec. This offset pulls the wheel face outward for that flush, filled-fender look while still being achievable with proper suspension setup and fender work.
• 5x114.3 Bolt Pattern: Native to the S2000 and compatible with several other enthusiast platforms including the NC Miata and RX-8.
• Forged Monoblock Construction: RAYS' proprietary forging process creates a wheel that's significantly lighter and stronger than cast alternatives—reducing unsprung weight where it matters most.

The CE28N-Plus represents the modern evolution of RAYS' most celebrated design—refined spoke geometry, improved strength-to-weight ratios, and the same motorsport DNA that's made the CE28 a fixture at time attack events and track days worldwide.

Face-3 Concave Profile: The Look Everyone Wants

One of the biggest reasons this exact spec is so desirable is the Face-3 concavity. Not all CE28N-Plus wheels are created equal visually—the face profile changes based on width and offset combination, and Face-3 is where the magic happens.

Face-3 is the "money" profile: deeper, more sculpted, and significantly more dramatic than the flatter faces you get with narrower widths or higher offsets. It's the difference between a wheel that looks fine and a wheel that makes people stop and ask what you're running.

Understanding RAYS Face Designations

RAYS uses a face numbering system (Face-1 through Face-4) to indicate the depth of the spoke pocket relative to the outer lip. Here's how it breaks down:

Why Face-3 Works So Well on the S2000

The Honda S2000 sits low and wide from the factory—it's a car that was designed to look aggressive. Face-3 concavity visually matches that stance in a way that flatter profiles simply can't.

• Visual Depth: The spokes sit recessed from the lip, creating shadow lines and dimension that photograph incredibly well and look even better in person.
• Proportional Balance: On a 17x10 wheel, Face-3 gives you enough dish to look purposeful without crossing into "stretched tire on a deep lip" territory. It's aggressive but functional.
• Spoke Design Emphasis: The CE28's iconic 10-spoke design gains visual impact when those spokes have depth behind them. Face-3 lets the design breathe.

Fitment Focus: Honda S2000 (Aggressive Track Fitment)

Let's be clear upfront: 17x10 +44 on an S2000 is an aggressive, track-oriented spec. This isn't a "bolt-on and forget it" setup—it's a commitment to building your car properly. But for those who do the work, the payoff is a fitment that looks intentional and performs accordingly.

Multiple retailers explicitly sell this spec as "S2000 fitment," and experienced builders know exactly what they're getting into. Here's what you need to consider.

What This Fitment Typically Requires

1. Coilovers with Proper Spring Rates

   Stock suspension won't cut it. You'll need adjustable coilovers to dial in ride height and ensure proper clearance throughout the suspension travel. Most S2000 track builds run 10-12K front / 8-10K rear spring rates depending on tire and alignment setup.

2. Aggressive Alignment (Camber)

   Expect to run negative camber—typically -2.5° to -3.5° front—to tuck the top of the tire and clear the fender under compression. This also happens to be ideal for track use, so it's a functional requirement that improves performance.  The best way to utilize negative camber to achieve additional clearance is to upgrade to adjustable sliding ball joints on the upper control arm. Having the pivot point above the center line of the wheel to will give you the effect of pulling the top of the tire in rather than pushing the bottom out.

3. Fender Rolling and/or Pulling

   The rear fenders on the S2000 have a pronounced lip that will contact a 10-inch wheel on anything but the most conservative tire setups. Plan on rolling the fenders at minimum, cutting the bumper mounting tab, and relocating the bolt further back; many setups require pulling as well for full clearance.

Typical Tire Sizing

On a 17x10 wheel, most S2000 track builds run tires in the 255–275mm width range. Here are common pairings:

The Typical Use Case

This setup is designed to maximize tire width and grip while maintaining a clean, functional track stance. It's the fitment you see on serious time attack builds, HPDE cars, and weekend warriors who want their S2000 to perform as good as it looks.

Also Fits: NC Miata & Mazda RX-8

While the S2000 is the headliner for this spec, the 5x114.3 bolt pattern opens the door to other enthusiast platforms—most notably the NC Miata (2006–2015) and Mazda RX-8 (2004–2011). Both share the same bolt pattern and have active track communities that appreciate lightweight forged wheels.

That said, fitment considerations differ between platforms. Here's what to expect.

NC Miata (MX-5 Third Generation)

The NC Miata is slightly wider than its NA/NB predecessors but still a compact platform. Running 17x10 +44 is aggressive territory—this is solidly in the realm of dedicated track builds or heavily modified street cars.

• Fender Work Required: The NC's fenders are tighter than the S2000's. Expect to roll and pull all four corners, with some builds requiring fender flares or overfender kits for full clearance.
• Suspension Requirements: Coilovers are mandatory. You'll need to run significant negative camber (-3° to -4° front is common) and dial in the ride height carefully to avoid rubbing.
• Tire Sizing: Most NC builds on 17x10 run 255/40R17 to keep overall diameter reasonable and maintain some sidewall protection. Going wider (265mm+) requires even more aggressive fender work.
• Use Case: This is a time attack or dedicated track build fitment on the NC. Not recommended for street-primary cars unless you're committed to the modifications required.

Mazda RX-8

The RX-8 is a larger, heavier platform than the S2000 or NC Miata—which actually makes 17x10 +44 a bit more manageable in terms of fender clearance. The wider body provides more room to work with.

• Fender Clearance: Still aggressive, but less extreme than on the S2000 or NC. Many RX-8 builds can achieve this fitment with fender rolling alone (no pulling required), especially with proper suspension setup.
• Suspension Requirements: Coilovers recommended for dialing in ride height and camber. The RX-8's multi-link rear suspension responds well to alignment adjustments.
• Tire Sizing: 265/40R17 or 275/40R17 are common choices on RX-8 builds. The larger wheel wells accommodate wider rubber more easily than the compact S2000 or NC.
• Weight Savings Impact: The RX-8's higher curb weight (around 3,000 lbs) makes lightweight forged wheels even more impactful. Reducing unsprung mass on a rotary-powered platform improves throttle response and helps the chassis rotate more freely.

Diamond Silver (DS)

Diamond Silver is one of the most popular CE28N-Plus finishes for good reason. The bright silver base keeps the overall look classy yet athletic. It pairs exceptionally well with darker paint colors (black, blue, silverstone) but the metallic flake also provides enough contrast on white or silver cars.

• Pros: Versatile, photographs beautifully in varied lighting conditions.
• Cons: Brake dust is visible, requires regular cleaning to maintain the metallic shimmer.

Bronze (BR)

Bronze wheels on a Japanese sports car is a combination as timeless as the cars themselves. The CE28N-Plus in Bronze delivers that classic look with modern forged construction. It's warm, inviting, and works on nearly any paint color—though it's particularly stunning on white, black, silver, and red.

• Pros: Iconic RAYS color, incredible depth and color shift, perfect for clean builds.
• Cons: Shows brake dust and can looks darker or faded if not kept clean.

Shining Bronze Metal (SZ)

Bronze wheels on a Japanese sports car is a combination as timeless as the cars themselves. The CE28N-Plus in Shining Bronze brings modern finish technology to a classic look. This finish makes a statement!

• Pros: New-age aesthetic
• Cons: Can look a bit flashy for those seeking understated looks

Dash White (DW)

Like a fresh pair of white sneakers, this finish gives your car a racy and athletic look.

• Pros: White matches the ethos of the Honda S2000.
• Cons: Can feel too “boy-racer” for some owners.

Red (RE)

For the discerning builder who wants their wheels to be a centerpiece. It’s loud in the right way—especially on neutral body colors like white, silver or black. Paired with the Face-3 concavity, it turns the CE28N-Plus into a true statement wheel that still backs it up with real track credibility.

• Pros: White matches the ethos of the Honda S2000.
• Cons: Can feel too “boy-racer” for some owners.

Why This Spec Sells Fast

If you've been shopping for CE28N-Plus wheels in 17x10 +44 5x114.3, you've probably noticed something: they're hard to find in stock. This isn't artificial scarcity or marketing hype—it's a reflection of genuine demand outpacing supply. Here's why this particular spec moves so quickly.

1. It's the "Goldilocks" Spec for S2000 Track Builds

The S2000 community has largely converged on 17x10 as the ideal track wheel size. It's wide enough for serious rubber (255–275mm), but the 17-inch diameter keeps unsprung weight low and provides adequate sidewall for curb and pothole protection. The +44 offset is aggressive enough to fill the fenders properly without requiring extreme modification.

When an entire enthusiast community agrees on a spec, demand concentrates. Everyone building a serious S2000 wants essentially the same thing—and the CE28N-Plus is at the top of most wish lists.

2. RAYS Production Realities

RAYS Engineering doesn't operate like mass-market wheel manufacturers. Their forged wheels are produced in controlled batches with meticulous quality standards. This means:

• Limited Production Runs: RAYS produces specific specs in batches rather than continuous manufacturing. Once a batch sells through, the next production run may be months away.
• Long Lead Times from Japan: Made-to-order wheels from RAYS typically take 8–16 weeks depending on the spec and current production schedule.

3. The Track Season Effect

Demand for performance wheels follows a predictable seasonal pattern. As track season approaches (spring in most regions), builders scramble to complete their setups. This creates a surge in demand that quickly depletes available inventory.

4. The CE28N-Plus Specifically

Within RAYS' lineup, the CE28N-Plus occupies a sweet spot that makes it particularly desirable:

• Lighter Than TE37: At this size, the CE28N-Plus is typically lighter than the equivalent TE37 Saga, making it the weight-conscious choice.
• Proven Track Record: Decades of motorsport heritage and real-world validation. Builders trust it.
• Iconic Aesthetics: The 10-spoke face is immediately recognizable and universally respected.

What This Means for You

If you're reading this article and we currently have this spec in stock, understand that it won't last indefinitely. We're not trying to create urgency for the sake of it—we're sharing the reality of how this market works.

Conversely, if this spec is currently sold out, don't lose hope. We receive regular shipments and restock throughout the year. The best approach:

1. Check Availability Regularly

   Bookmark the product page and check back weekly. New inventory often appears without advance notice.

2. Contact Us Directly

   Reach out to us and let us know you're looking for this spec. We can often provide estimated restock dates or notify you when new inventory arrives.

3. Consider Alternative Finishes

   If your preferred finish is sold out, another color may be available in the same spec. Sometimes flexibility on finish gets you wheels months sooner.