so, 16x8F and 16x9R or go with a larger diameter wheel?

[Phoenix7]

Well,
I know that 17's fill the gap better and I have heard most aesthetic points but what about performance?

I am under the impression that 16x8 and 16x9 wheels will perform as well, if not better, than the same wheels in 17"+ diameters (let's not go into the $400+ price different for 1" more in diameter) but what is the best wheel setup for a car that will see the track once every 3 months?

I argue that by keeping stock diameters I don't have to modify anything for the speedo...braking will be better due to less rotational mass and the gearing will yield the best off-the-line/acceleration performance than 17" or 18" wheels (that are the same width/weight).

so, what do you all think?
Should I waste money on a 16x8F/16x9R setup?

Also is there an equation or rule as to how WIDE of a tire you can put on an 8" wheel or a 9" wheel? I assume I can go 245's on the 8" wheel and 265s in the rear but that's just a blind number.....

[djmtsu]

I would do it! I prefer 16's on FC's, but I am in the minority.

You basically answered your own questions, and it seems like you just want an approval. I APPROVE!

And I would use a 235 up front, 255 out back.

[Phoenix7]

you and me both brother. I just want to get all arguments so I can decide better. Those things are what I THINK are good arguments but I need all the sides before choosing.

[djmtsu]

Remember, last year I stepped down from 17x8's all the way around, 235/40/17 up front, 255/40/17 out back. Now I have the vert BBS's with 225's all around and LOVE IT. Steering is so much lighter (de-powered rack) and the car feels alot more neutral in corners.

Also, the staggered tires actually worked against the DTSS, so it was hard to drive at DGRR!!!! This year was effortless!!!!!

[MaczPayne]

Not much in terms of tire selection, but the wider rim allows less sidewall flex, which is good for response. Pick up a set of 245/45/16 race tires and you should be quite competitive. 16's are also lighter as well.

If you have a 1 piece steel wheel, you can get them widened as well. There was a thread on the other forum about it, I'll try to dig it up later.

[jkstill]

Originally Posted by MaczPayne

Not much in terms of tire selection, but the wider rim allows less sidewall flex, which is good for response.

Less sidewall flex also shortens the transition from ideal slip angle to over/under steer.

Depends on what you like, but keep in mind that wider and or low profile tires lose their grip more suddenly.

[ghost]

Pick a wheel + tire combo as close as possible to stock overall diameter, and you won't have to do anything to the speedo...

http://www.rims-n-tires.com/rt_specs.jsp


excellent calculator for offset, tire size, etc.

[josh18_2k]

tire selection is the big one. theres not much available for 16s.
and you should prolly run square sizes all around. fc's handle best square, and you can rotate and maximize tire life.
the real questions- how much power? slicks or street tires? are you willing to go wide, or do they need to fit under stock fenders?

[Phoenix7]

Power 350

I'm not advanced enough for slicks yet so most likely high performance street tires until I'm ready to move up to slicks.

I will most likely go your route: rolled fenders but have not ruled out widebody yet.

I'm looking at a set of BBS's that look like the Vert/Infini wheels.

One thing I have been thinking about is the DTSS. The rear is supposed to toe out at > 0.5G's but that's on stock tires. If I end up going wider tires (more grip) I'll have to disable the DTSS otherwise I"ll end up with an oddly handling car in the corners....no?

[josh18_2k]

eh i wouldnt trust the dtss. it was designed for cornering forces of shitty 205's on stock suspension. who knows what it would do with some real tire under it.
since you'll have real power, you're gonna need some real tire. 350hp will spin most 275's through 3rd gear.
i'd suggest 17x10 +35 in back with 275/40/17 (a good tire like azenis or whatever), and 17x9 +25 w/ 255/40/17 and some fender work in front.

[Whizbang]

i like the 16" myself in both looks and performance.

[Signal 2]

Originally Posted by phoenix7

....I argue that by keeping stock diameters I don't have to modify anything for the speedo...braking will be better due to less rotational mass and the gearing will yield the best off-the-line/acceleration performance than 17" or 18" wheels (that are the same width/weight).

Sounds like you've made up your mind already, but one more argument for staying with 16s would be ride quality. Most cars (mine included) spend most of the time on the street. You can have thinner sidewalls to keep the speedometer close, but that 1" less in aspect ratio makes a difference. Especially if your running higher spring rates on coilovers.