oem 18" wheels for track use

The Arp · 08-30-2009, 12:46 PM

[QUOTE=Snakebite202;178184]American guys always think that bigger tires are always better, but it's not always right. - In relation to what type of racing??? Who says he is racing he might just be doing HPDE's in that case he may not be interested in the absolutely fastest tire package. Also, balance and control is important and plays a big role in tire selection.

If you want proof look a the caterham lineup. The fastest most track oriented of their cars the superlight R500 runs 6" front and 8" rears while the CSR a slightly slower car at the same power lever runs 6.5" front and 9" rears. If your not familar with caterhams they have power to weight ratios that rival most supercars and are extremely quick at the track.

Good sticky and narrow tires like Toyo R888 will give you enough grip and very good steering response, and VERY predictable handling. - This statement is bullcrap unless you're rally racing on snow/ice. Narrow tires start break away at lower cornering loads often making breakaway more predictable and easier to control. Also tires are heavy and absorb energy while accelerating so if you have the amount of grip you desire and the amount of forward traction you need, going wider might actually lower your straight-line speed.

Also depending on the drivers skill level, jumping onto a set of 11" wide slicks (which might offer the most grip) might do nothing but reinforce bad habits and hurt driver skill progression.

I think it would be important to understand where the OP is coming from and what he is looking for in his wheel and tire package before it's written off as a dumb idea.

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08-30-2009, 12:46 PM	#11 (permalink)
The Arp Base Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Simi Valley Posts: 38 Drives: 2009 370z white m6 Rep Power: 18	[QUOTE=Snakebite202;178184]American guys always think that bigger tires are always better, but it's not always right. - *In relation to what type of racing???* Who says he is racing he might just be doing HPDE's in that case he may not be interested in the absolutely fastest tire package. Also, balance and control is important and plays a big role in tire selection. If you want proof look a the caterham lineup. The fastest most track oriented of their cars the superlight R500 runs 6" front and 8" rears while the CSR a slightly slower car at the same power lever runs 6.5" front and 9" rears. If your not familar with caterhams they have power to weight ratios that rival most supercars and are extremely quick at the track. Good sticky and narrow tires like Toyo R888 will give you enough grip and very good steering response, and VERY predictable handling. - *This statement is bullcrap unless you're rally racing on snow/ice.* Narrow tires start break away at lower cornering loads often making breakaway more predictable and easier to control. Also tires are heavy and absorb energy while accelerating so if you have the amount of grip you desire and the amount of forward traction you need, going wider might actually lower your straight-line speed. Also depending on the drivers skill level, jumping onto a set of 11" wide slicks (which might offer the most grip) might do nothing but reinforce bad habits and hurt driver skill progression. I think it would be important to understand where the OP is coming from and what he is looking for in his wheel and tire package before it's written off as a dumb idea.