Autocrossing Wheels

[murph]

255s work on stock suspension without any rubbing, you should be fine there.

[Katu]

255s work on stock suspension without any rubbing, you should be fine there.

Good to know. Looks like 255/40/17 will be ideal. Now I just need about $2000 for some APEX ARC-8s and tires. o_O

[bcleaver]

If you don't need 265mm tires, stick with the 17x9's. Tires are cheaper and they'll ride more comfortably. I've noticed a bigger difference in ride harshness moving from 17 to 18 than from going from stock springs to 550/650 coilovers.

You can also run a 265 on 17x9 you just have fewer options. Dunlop makes the star spec in that size and it can be a competitive street tire depending on the conditions.

[bcleaver]

Also! Anyone have any pics of their ZHP with APEX ARC-8s?

Here are mine: Apex arc 8's 17x9 et 42 265/40/17

[Terry]

OOps, didn't know there were more responses. Damn my AOL spam box.

Katu - Yes, they are Anthracite and 18x9. I went with 245/35/18. 245s = more clearance, but I'm sure the ride quality might be a bit more harsh. Have had no rubbing even with four passengers following dinner. I think the performance might be better with the 245 too being that the tire is properly stretched to the wheel (think less under-tensioned rubber to roll over during corner...which would require more camber). 245s may also be up to a pound lighter per tire. I know that's not much when you're dealing with all this horsepower and torque, but anything for peace of mind knowing the car accelerates (saving gas and brakes more efficiently ;-). Just my thoughts anyway.

As for 17s vs 18s. I think the former is the more practical option...much better ride and wallet preservation.

BCleaver, I love your black shoes on that silver car. Stunning and aggressive stance with those meats.

-Terry

[murph]

I think the performance might be better with the 245 too being that the tire is properly stretched to the wheel (think less under-tensioned rubber to roll over during corner...which would require more camber). 245s may also be up to a pound lighter per tire. I know that's not much when you're dealing with all this horsepower and torque, but anything for peace of mind knowing the car accelerates (saving gas and brakes more efficiently ;-). Just my thoughts anyway.

Performance does in fact improve as you go wider, though certainly there's a much smaller jump between 255 and 265 than between 245 and 255. At 265 you're fighting gearing, floppiness, and weight, but it still grips better.

[MasterC17]

Ok, I weighed both the front and rear 135's on a good quality non-digital scale - worst case scenario I'm within half a pound. Here are my results

Front: 28.2lbs
Rear: 28.05lbs

[danewilson77]

Yeah....those 135's def shouldn't be in a thread titled "Auto Xing Wheels"

Good data. Thanks.

[spencers]

Ok, I weighed both the front and rear 135's on a good quality non-digital scale - worst case scenario I'm within half a pound. Here are my results

Front: 28.2lbs
Rear: 28.05lbs

Bricks!!!

[Terry]

Thanks for the accurate weights, MasterC17.

Okay Murph, maybe I should have been more specific Oversized rubber (ie, 265 on a 9") does help with lateral grip. But I think this mainly would apply to autocross. It is from my ancient club racing experience that I recall cars behaving much better on properly stretched tires. Speaking of corner transition, taking a set, etc. I think the extra rubber that a lot of people try to fit under their cars for cone dodging probably helps as the driver inputs are quite a bit more violent than on a track. With that said I'm not going to say going as narrow as you can is going to help. I think there must be an ideal width. I talked to a friend at a magazine and told him to approach a tire manufacturer and start doing some tire size comparisons. Would be interesting to see how various sizes benefit in various conditions.

-T