Hi, I have an Evo VI TME with stock 17" enkei wte II rims (stock tires are 225/45).
I've just adquire works emotion cr rims that are 18x8.5 offset 43.

I want to know what would be best for track? The other rims will be use for street only.
Also what tyre measure would be the best for each aplication.

I've coilovers by the way, and was thinking to use 235/40 in the 17" and 245/35 in the 18" ones.

Thanks to all in advance for the advices and info, cheers.

R.-

 

Lightest for track.

 

That simple?
Isn't the surface that is in contact with the ground important?
What about the measures?

Thanks

 

Well, its never that simple.

Contact patch is based on the tire used.

The 245/35R18 are 5mm shorter than the OEM 225/45R17. You gain 20mm in section width. Have to watch with width of the rim too.

You'll need to watch tire weight changes also. Have to take everything into account. Wider tire means lower turn in response. But shorter aspect ratio will give you more precise feel.

 

go with what smike said. Lots of factors to consider, but take weight and strength into account. you want a light wheel that provides you with enough contact patch to match your needs without giving you extra weight.

also, tire choice plays a big factor. some ride wider than others. you dont want to stuff too fat of a tire on too wide of a wheel. turn in feel and response also change with the size choice.

also, what suspension are you running/planning on running?

a ton of factors, but generally the lighter the better!

 

I am very interested in this as well. Since I autocross quite a bit I run RE-11s in 245/45/17 and it feels a lot more precise around corners. Is there a benefit running 17's over 18's vice-versa?

 

The circuit i'll be running is a fast one, so I think wider tires will help, or am I wrong?



About the tire size, you mention that 245/35R18 would be 5mm shorter than the stock 225/45R17, what size would be the more appropiated in this case? The 18" rims are x 8.5.
Also in the 17" would it be better to run 235/45 or maybe 235/40?

I've just now a set of Stance GR+ and a set of Sachs coilovers, what would be the best choice?


Thanks again for all the info, cheers.

ps: sorry for my bad english

 

235/40 would be more responsive due to the smaller tire wall i believe?

 

Compounds being the same. 235 will react quicker but have less ultimate grip.

.4 inch difference (the 235/40 is the shorter).

215/45 to 235/40 to 6mm shorter.

235/40R17 to 245/35R18 is 9mm taller for the 18.

 

^wurd, and you also need to consider not only the tire sizes but the tire compound, which will probably even make more of a difference.

 

There is heat build up to think about too. Width, aspect, weight, compound...

Like I said, its not easy.

 

For street I'll use neova ad08; a048 or a050 for track

 

A wider tire will almost always give you more grip. So wide = better in my book.

A smaller wheel (17") typically means lower overall tire diameter so you have a low-end acceleration advantage but less top speed. A taller wheel (18") typically means higher overall tire diameter so you have less acceleration advantage gearing but more top speed due to "gearing".

Ok bottom line here's what I would do -- I would use your 18 X 8.5" wheels and fit 245 or 255 Nitto NT01 (if for track only) or NT05 (if for street and track). If they were 9.5" wheels I'd go for a 275 or 285 if I could fit them under the wells.

 

I want your tires. Dying to try them out.

I want your tires too (ad08). Dying to try those out.

Oh hell who am I kidding, I want them all!

 

I honestly don't believe there is a simple or magical answer to 17" or 18" for track. There are so many other variables involved. Wheel weight, car setup, tire compound, tire size, etc. It's probably more important to find a set of wheels that are light, and you are able to run a nice wide tire for grip without rubbing or adverse handling issues.