shark_90 Posted January 12, 2008 Report Share Posted January 12, 2008 I've posted this elsewhere too, I just thought I'd ask the collective over here. I've always been under the impression that smaller wheels are better than bigger wheels for handling. The reason I ask is that I've got two sets of wheels (16" and 17") and I don't know which ones I should use on the track. Can anyone give me any pointers and reasons why? Cheers Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ritey Posted January 12, 2008 Report Share Posted January 12, 2008 Smaller wheels will aid acceleration and often offer more feeling through the wheel, larger wheels will offer a better top end (if you get flat out) and are regarded as less informative in the corners, in my experience Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brisel Posted January 12, 2008 Report Share Posted January 12, 2008 That depends on whether or not the outer rolling radius is different. If both your rims are 16 or 17 inches and the rolling radius is the same, the lower profile tyres will behave better in the corners as there will be less lateral leverage forces trying to distort the tyre. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mook Posted January 12, 2008 Report Share Posted January 12, 2008 Like Brisel says - lower profile tyres (17" assuming you're retaining the same overall rolling circumference) will flex less because there is less to give in the sidewall. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Veracocha Posted January 12, 2008 Report Share Posted January 12, 2008 The lower profile tyres will be less progressive once grip is about to break. They will hold on longer but the snap away will be more sudden. They will also be less adjustable and have less feel. Thats what I know from being an Eva magazine junkie! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Woppum Posted January 12, 2008 Report Share Posted January 12, 2008 the main reason people change their wheels is becasue their current size dosent give enough good options of tyres. Cups are the best track day tyre, then corsa's and proxies are second. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shark_90 Posted January 12, 2008 Author Report Share Posted January 12, 2008 So I'd be better with the 17s? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scotty Posted January 12, 2008 Report Share Posted January 12, 2008 I'm surprised no ones mentioned weight! The reason smaller wheels are often used (such as F1!) is because air is lighter than alloy On my TT I had 17" and 18" wheels. The 17's were the originals and the car handled better with the smaller lighter wheels. You can't just say bigger is better because of the stiffer and smaller side wall as in many cases the increase in unsprung weight actually makes it worse. Of course if also depends on how your suspension is set up. Don't think that the off KG or 1" of side wall doesn't make much difference as it does. You need to weigh up all the factors before deciding ... including smaller tyres are often cheaper Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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