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SSR Essentials: Professor, Vienna, Agle Strusse

Updated: Nov 29


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If you’ve spent more than five minutes in the JDM scene, you already know the three letters that keep popping up in build threads, dyno days, and VIP meets: SSR. Few brands thread the needle between motorsport credibility and show-car finish like Speed Star Racing. From the Professor line’s track-bred strength to the Vienna family’s VIP elegance — and the period-correct charisma of Agle Strusse — SSR has a wheel for almost every vision.


At WheelsGang, we live and breathe this stuff. We restore, measure, and list 3-piece SSR rims with disk type and X-factor so you don’t end up guessing. If you’re ready to order SSR wheels online USA, this deep dive will save you time, money, and the heartache of a misfit set. We’ll explain the differences between Professor, Vienna, and Agle Strusse; show you how to choose disk types; and point you to in-stock sets (and faces) that make sense for your platform.


Why SSR Still Sets the Standard


SSR is not a logo we slap on boxes; it’s an ecosystem of modular engineering, smart fitment options, and timeless styling. You’ll find five-spoke icons, refined meshes, and full-faced VIP designs that still look fresh decades after launch. And because so many SSR models are multi-piece, they’re easier to maintain, refinish, and tailor for your exact brake package and stance.


  • Strength & serviceability. Three-piece construction means replaceable lips/barrels and rebuildable hardware.

  • Spec flexibility. Disk types (low/mid/high) let you balance deep lips with brake clearance.

  • Long-term value. Desirable models hold resale; restored sets can be maintained to show condition with basic care.


If you’re hunting 3-piece SSR rims buy now, start with the three families that define the brand: Professor, Vienna, and Agle Strusse.


The Professor Series  —  Motorsport DNA, Street Authority



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Think of Professor as SSR’s performance backbone. Even when polished up for a concours-ready finish, these are wheels that don’t flinch — reliable on rough roads, track-capable on weekends, and iconic in photos.


Signature Traits


  • Multi-piece architecture (most commonly 3-piece) with strong, serviceable construction.

  • Spoke-first design language: clean five-spokes (SP1/SP3/SP4) and athletic meshes (MS-1/MS3R).

  • Spec depth: multiple disk types, widths, and offsets to dial stance and clearance.


Hero Models We Stock (or Rotate Frequently)


SSR Professor SP3  —  If you want one wheel to do it all, this is the move. Balanced five-spoke proportions, classic hardware look, and deep-lip potential on low-disk rears. We list it with full spec details so you can act fast when your size appears. If you’re searching SSR Professor SP3 for sale, check our catalog first: sets disappear quickly.


SSR Professor SP1 / SP4  —  Variations on the five-spoke theme. SP1 brings the original classic energy; SP4 sharpens the surfacing with a more modern read. Both can be spec’d for BBK fronts and deep-lip rears with the right disk split.


SSR Professor MS-1 / MS3R  —  Mesh for grown-ups. MS-1 has that timeless interlaced look; MS3R adds a technical “double-Y” vibe and modern rigidity. If you run a dual-personality car — canyon one weekend, VIP meet the next — MS3R threads the needle.


Why builders pick Professor:


  • Brake clearance options (via disk type) that play nice with Brembos and Akebonos.

  • Stiffness & feel that’s confidence-inspiring on real roads.

  • Refinish-friendly design if you want to change the look later.


WheelsGang tip: If you’re serious about performance and still want classic JDM presence, start with SP3 or MS3R. Then spec your disk types — high/med fronts for BBK, low/med rears for lip.


The Vienna Series  —  VIP Elegance Without Compromise



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Slide from the track paddock to a black-tie meet and you’ll find SSR Vienna front and center. This is SSR’s luxury line: polished lips, ornate faces, and step-lip drama that flatters big-bodied sedans and refined coupes. If your search history reads buy SSR Vienna USA, you’ll feel at home here.


What Makes Vienna… Vienna


  • Rich face designs that catch light and photograph beautifully.

  • Polished lips that reward careful maintenance with mirror-finish depth.

  • Real-world livability: smart weights, serviceable construction, and proven longevity.



Vienna Highlights You’ll See in Our Catalog


Vienna Dish  —  Minimalist full-face look, maximum presence. It tames large body sides on Lexus LS/GS, Infiniti Q45/M, and VIP-prepped German sedans.


Vienna Kreis  —  Multi-spoke sophistication. On a lowered sedan with a tasteful tire sidewall, Kreis looks impossibly upscale without screaming for attention.


Vienna Sovereign  —  A crown-jewel design for VIP purists, ornate without tipping into excess when spec’d in the right diameter and lip.


Vienna Courage / Schnitt (Faces)  —  For builders who want to rebuild or customize 3-piece sets, faces give you the freedom to match barrels and lips exactly to your target specs.


Why VIP owners pick Vienna:


  • Photogenic polish that rewards detailing.

  • Period-correct luxury that still looks modern.

  • Modularity for future refinishing or spec changes.


WheelsGang tip: If you’re VIP-first, choose Vienna for the face and finish, then ask us about disk type splits to keep front clearance and rear lip depth in balance. Searching buy SSR Vienna USA? Start with Dish or Kreis and build from there.


Agle Strusse  —  Period-Correct Charisma, Modern Fitment



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The SSR Agle Strusse sits in that sweet spot between ‘90s tuner nostalgia and grown-up VIP. It’s angular without being harsh; regal without being loud. If your goal is a build that nods to the golden era while sitting perfectly on modern chassis, keep an eye on our Agle Strusse listings.


  • Why it works: sharp face geometry, satisfying lip potential, and sizes that adapt to everything from Skylines and Silvias to Lexus GS/LS.

  • Who loves it: period purists, stance veterans who’ve “seen everything,” and builders who want a VIP twist that isn’t overplayed.


If your query is SSR Agle Strusse for sale, you already know it isn’t always easy to find in good condition. We post sets (and faces) with run-out checks, hardware details, and close-ups of the refinished surfaces, so you can buy with confidence.


Fitment Fundamentals  —  The Five Specs You Must Match


Before you smash “checkout” on a set of 3-piece SSR rims buy now, make sure these five fundamentals line up. (If you’ve shopped with us before, you know we include these in every listing and will happily confirm before you order.)


  1. PCD (bolt pattern).

This must match your hub exactly. (Adapters add complexity; better to buy correct PCD where possible.)


  1. Center bore.

A larger wheel bore can be reduced with hub-centric rings; a smaller bore can’t stretch. Confirm your car’s hub size and the wheel’s center bore.


  1. Diameter vs. barrel clearance.

Big calipers need inner radius. Step-lip barrels have less inner clearance than reverse-lip at the same outer diameter. As a rule of thumb, an 18" step-lip often equals a 17" reverse-lip inside.


  1. Width & offset (ET).

Offset changes move inner and outer lips by the same amount. A 10 mm offset change moves both inner and outer positions 10 mm. Measure inner (strut/spring) and outer (fender/liner) room with a straightedge.


  1. Disk type & X-factor.

On SSR multi-piece wheels, the face profile (low/med/high disk) controls caliper-to-spoke clearance. X-factor is the millimeters from hub pad to the nearest spoke surface. Match this to your caliper protrusion, then add 3 mm safety.


Not sure how to measure? Take a quick caliper protrusion measurement with a straightedge across the rotor hat; compare to the X-factor in our product listing. If you’re stuck, send us your numbers — we’ll map them for you.


Disk Types in Practice  —  Low, Medium, High (What You Actually Get)


  • Low disk  —  maximum exposed lip, least caliper clearance. Great for rears and small calipers.

  • Medium disk  —  balance of lip depth and clearance. Often works on front axles without giving up aesthetics.

  • High disk  —  most clearance for BBK or large factory calipers; lip depth reduces accordingly.


Real-world pattern:


  • Front axles: high or medium disk.

  • Rear axles: low (or medium) disk for that iconic stepped-lip stance.


We publish X-factor in millimeters so you can match numbers, not guess. That’s the key to a perfect outcome when you order SSR wheels online with us.


In-Stock & Rotating Highlights (Examples We Love)


Inventory changes fast, but these models cycle through our catalog often. Check the site for current sizes, disk types, and finish details — then move quickly if the spec matches your build.


  • SSR SP3  —  The people’s professor: balanced five-spoke that works on everything from Z-cars to GS sedans. If you’re hunting SSR Professor SP3 for sale, we publish X-factor so you can verify BBK clearance.


  • SSR Professor MS-1 / MS3R  —  Mesh that reads premium, not busy. MS3R brings that modern motorsport edge without losing the classic SSR soul.


  • SSR SP1 / SP4  —  Original five-spoke pedigree (SP1) or sharpened edges (SP4). Pick your flavor, then pick disk types to match brakes.


  • SSR Vienna Dish / Kreis / Sovereign  —  VIP staples. Polished lips, confident face design, and sizes that flatter long body lines.


  • Faces SSR Vienna Courage / Schnitt  —  For custom rebuilds. Faces let you choose the barrels and lips that hit your target ET and aesthetic.


  • SSR Agle Strusse (sets & faces)  —  Period-correct charisma with tons of spec flexibility.


  • Deep cuts that pop up: SSR K-BREAK HYBREED FIVESTA, Zwinger, Tanabe MK3 Neo, Executor CV02, Gartmaier — we love listing these when we find clean examples.


Authenticity & Restoration  —  What We Check (So You Don’t Have To)



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When you’re buying used or restored SSR, the difference between “dream set” and “expensive paperweight” lives in the details you can’t see in a single glam shot. Here’s what we verify before we list a set:


  • Hardware & assembly. Original bolts/nuts where applicable, proper torque, and correct assembly sequence.

  • Run-out. We spin each wheel and record numbers; if it doesn’t meet our standard, we fix or we don’t list.

  • Refinish quality. Polished lips should have uniform luster, no chatter marks, and clean transitions at the seam. Faces powder-coated evenly, backside included.

  • Sealing. Multi-piece reassembly is checked for airtight integrity — no shortcuts.

  • Disclosure. If a barrel has a small weld repair or a cosmetic blemish, you’ll see it in the description and photos.


When you buy from WheelsGang, you’re not buying a mystery. You’re getting a measured, photographed, disclosed set you can mount with confidence.


Care & Ownership  —  Keep Polished Lips Perfect


Polished lips reward gentle chemistry and a consistent routine. A few quick principles:


  • Use pH-neutral wheel shampoo (pH 6–8). Skip acid “spray-on/hos e-off.”

  • Soft tools only: boar’s hair brush for barrels, microfiber mitt for faces, plush towels to blot dry — don’t drag.

  • Finish protection: a polymer wheel wax or SiO₂ spray helps resist staining and makes cleanup faster.

  • Salted roads? Swap to a winter wheel/tire set. Even “indestructible” ceramic won’t keep polished lips pristine through brine.


We’ve written detailed guides on polished-lip care and multi-piece maintenance — ask if you want the deep dive, or check our blog for step-by-step methods.


How We Spec Your SSR Set (So You Don’t Have to Guess)


When you message us to buy SSR wheels, here’s what we’ll ask, and what you’ll get:


You send:

  • Car year/trim + brake package (pics help).

  • Target diameter/width and stance goal (flush, mild, aggressive).

  • Prior fitment you’ve run (if any), tire sizes you want to keep.


We return:

  • Disk type recommendations with X-factor matched to your caliper protrusion.

  • Barrel style call (reverse vs step-lip) for inner clearance.

  • Inner/outer position math based on offset changes and your fender/strut measurements.

  • Optional tire sizes that keep diameter within ABS/TC tolerance.


Buying used doesn’t mean guessing. We’ve rebuilt hundreds of sets — lean on our notebook of measurements, photos, and client outcomes.


FAQs


Professor vs Vienna  —  which fits my build?

Professor is the five-spoke and mesh performance lane — strong, versatile, and timeless. Vienna is VIP: polished lips and refined faces built to complement executive sedans. If you want motorsport energy, go Professor; if you want luxury presence, go Vienna.


Will SP3 clear my Brembos?

Very likely with the right disk type. Check the X-factor in our listing against your caliper protrusion measurement; aim for ≥ 3 mm margin. We’ll help you pick high/med disk fronts and lower disks out back.


Faces vs complete sets  —  when to choose each?

If you already have barrels/lips (or want a custom width/offset), faces make sense. If you want “bolt on and enjoy,” a complete set with measured X-factor and disclosed run-out is the hassle-free choice.


How deep can my lips be with big brakes?

Deeper lips come from lower disk faces, but those reduce caliper clearance. The happy path is high/med fronts, low rears — and sometimes reverse-lip barrels on the front if you’re tight on inner radius.


Do I need hub rings?

If the wheel’s center bore is larger than your hub, yes. They ensure hub-centric mounting and reduce vibration. We’ll tell you the ring size if needed.


Step-lip or reverse-lip for BBK?

Reverse-lip barrels typically give more inner radius. If you’re struggling for clearance with step-lip, reverse-lip may solve it without changing diameter.


How careful should I be with polished lips?

Very. Avoid acids, never use abrasive pads, and blot dry instead of dragging towels. A layer of polymer wax or SiO₂ spray is cheap insurance.


Closing Thoughts  —  Choosing the Right SSR Family


  • Professor is your evergreen five-spoke/mesh backbone — confident, strong, and endlessly refinishable.

  • Vienna is your VIP passport — executive presence, polished lips, and faces that feel like jewelry.

  • Agle Strusse is your time machine — period-correct geometry with modern fitment logic.


Whichever lane you choose, the secret to success is the same: measure, match disk type to calipers, confirm barrel clearance, and aim for the lowest disk that clears by at least 3 mm. Do that, and your stance will look deliberate — not accidental.


Ready to Build? Here’s How We Can Help


If you’re ready to order SSR wheels, or you just want a sanity check on fitment, ping us with: car/brake info, target specs, and a photo or two. We’ll map your X-factor, recommend disk types, and shortlist sets that fit today — not “in theory.”


  • Hunting SSR Professor SP3 for sale? We list X-factor and disk type so you can move fast.

  • Want to buy SSR Vienna USA? We’ll steer you toward Dish/Kreis/Sovereign specs that flatter your platform.

  • Searching SSR Agle Strusse for sale? We curate clean examples and faces for custom builds.

  • Prefer instant gratification? Check our catalog for 3-piece SSR rims buy now — measured, photographed, and ready to ship.


WheelsGang exists to make the used-and-restored path feel as effortless as ordering new — only smarter, rarer, and more personal. When your SSRs bolt up with millimeters to spare and the lips catch that first bit of sunset, you’ll know you did it right.

 
 
 

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