EVO8speed

iTrader: (1)

I'm building my evo 8 for track events and I'm starting with overhauling the suspension. While doing so I wanted to know what rim size would be more approriate for the track. I'm going to the get the the Enkei NT03+m in either a 17x9.5 38mm or in 18x9.5 40mm (with 25mm spacers in the front). I would imagine that the 18's might be better for road circuits which I plan to run, but the cost difference associated with them is quite different (cost more) from the 17's. Track Tires for the 17's are much cheaper than the 18's. So are the 18's worth the larger price difference in terms of performance. Can't I always just throw spacers and larger wide trires on the 17's for equivalent performance? Which rim size do more people run on their evo's if participating on road circuits?
Thanks!

EvoPooPoo

iTrader: (11)

I think you pretty much answered you own quesiton...

the cost difference in tires would sway me to sticking with 17's for the track.
However your wheel size and offset choice might require you to run spacers up front to clear the calipers.
You'll have slighly less rotational mass as well...

boomn29

iTrader: (47)

How wide a tire you wanting to run?

I think the reason a lot of track guys run an 18" rim is to run a 275/35-18 or even a 265-18tire. They don't make an equivalent size in 17"; only 275/40-17 which is taller than stock.

The 17" vs 18" debate is well detailed. I'm a fan of 17" and less rotational mass myself. It's also cheaper; and my budget is small. I'll step up to 18's if/when I need a BBK.

jid2

iTrader: (62)

I didn't want to buy wheels twice. So I was a man and bought 18's. And the 265/35/18 is a really nice size. Most true racing slicks are 18's, so if you ever want to run those you need 18's.

sscottttt

iTrader: (4)

I'm awaiting delivery of some 17x9.5 wheels for racing myself. I decided 17's were the way to go mainly because of the price of tires for 18's but also because of the rotating/unsprung mass of larger wheels (the ones in my price range anyway). I'm not convinced yet that there's a worthwhile advantage to be had in having a 1/2" shorter sidewall either but I'd like to hear some other opinions on this. I plan on competing in some Time Attack events this year which limit me to 255 width tires so there was no need for anything more than that, I think as boomn said if you want to go wider than 255 18's are the best option.

dsycks

iTrader: (10)

Each have an upside.

17s are light and new tires cost less.

18s will cover bigger binders and also give you an option of using more plentiful 18" slick takeoffs which can save you enough money over time to pay for other things.

Jeff_Jeske

iTrader: (66)

I'm sticking with 17's simply because I can't go any wider without buying new wheels, stiffer suspension, fender rolling, and more power.

I've had very good luck with the stock BBS rims and BFG R1 tires. The 255/40/17 R1s are wider than any other 255 R-compound that I've had.

EVO8speed

iTrader: (1)

Well, I decided to just go with the 18's since they have more track tire selections and the fill up the wheel well more. The Enkei site actually said that these weight 0.5 lbs less than the 17s, dont know why. Thank you for your opinions!

ripnbst

^I highly doubt that is true. Might be a misprint. You might be able ot find the weight of both wheels in question on here. People are posting wheel weights more and more.

goofygrin

iTrader: (5)

I'd do everything I could to avoid using spacers (especially a 1" spacer). Different wheels, whatever.

jid2

iTrader: (62)

Tons of track EVO's run the +40 NT03 with a spacer in the front - no biggie.

EVO8speed

iTrader: (1)

Jid2 - what size spacer are you running? and how much did you have to roll the front lip to fit the spacer and the 265/35 tires? I've seen that people using these rims are running anything from 10mm to 25mm front spacers. Thanks!