I'm about to order another set of wheels for this season as Id like to be able to bring 2 sets with me to the track. Current setup is 18x9.5 with 275 BFG Rivals, they fit pretty well on a 9.5" wheel; Id dare say almost square, though I know this wont be the case for other 275s. I will be staying on street tires at least for the 2015 season, but R comps may be in line for next season.

What are peoples thoughts on 9.5" vs 10.5" wheels? Obviously the 9.5's carry the advantage of less rotational mass, but I know it could be a limiting factor down the road if I intended on running wider tires.

Car is at near stock power levels (300/300 at the wheels) and will likely stay that way for some time.

 

if you are ok with doing a little bit of fender rolling/pulling and shaving the rear trailing arms a bit, then 10.5's. There is a thread in this motorsport section about fitting 10.5's on an evo. I'd recommend going through it.

 

I dont think Ill have any issues fitting 10.5's on the car now. You think from a performance point of view, the ability to run a wider tires with a 10.5 outweighs the advantages of something a bit smaller, and lighter Andy?

Edit - for reference, this is on an X.

 

i wouldn't even consider 9.5" for an X. 10.5" would be automatic and I'd be trying to fit 11.5's or 12's with 315's.

 

oh if this is a X, then for sure 10.5, no question.

 

Mega thread on the topic:

https://www.evolutionm.net/forums/mo...-body-evo.html

 

Good read for sure, but it seemed to talk mostly about fitment (and specifically fitment on VIIs and IXs)

 

Go with 10.5's for 275 tires. You will control sidewall rollover much better, tire will be more stable. This will become very obvious as you go faster and especially if you move up to stickier tires. I can get away with less tire-coilover tire-fenderwell/fender static clearance on the 10.5's than I could with the same 275 on a narrower rim. Less wiggle and less deflection under load.

 

+1 to everything.

I run 10.5 +12's on my X and 295/30/18 AD08-r's. Its a pretty badass setup, though i'd be willing to bet 285 or 275 in a similar sidewall height would provide more predictable feel due to the slight "stretch" of the sidewall. 295's by the way are absolutely perfectly square. Probably a mm under square compared to a 245 on a 8.5 inch rim.

Eventually when i make more money and have the patience for custom body work, i'll look into fitting 315's or 335's on 12/13 inch rims.