17 Inch Track Wheels
12-16-2009, 11:59 PM
#16
Three Wheelin'
I ran 17" wheels for a while, and ultimately switched to 18's for better sizing options and more width. I ended up selling my 17" wheels, but later found out I could have saved a bundle by running the rear 17's (9" width) on FRONT on the 996, then get some 18" rears (10" width) and have staggered wheels. You can get proper tires to match the rolling diameter to keep your ABS happy. You might be able to accomplish something similar.
You should also make sure you have a proper track alignment and also flip/swap tires as appropriate to make them last longer.
-td
You should also make sure you have a proper track alignment and also flip/swap tires as appropriate to make them last longer.
-td
for 18" on my 99 I am going with 225/40/18 and 265/35/18 with BFGoodrich R1 slick....
the alternative for 18" is to go with 235 front and 295 rear... but that is very wide and would increase tire weight as well as surface area which would reduce your overall speed.... given I'm going to a slick I'm thinking the stock 225 and 265 rear of an 18" setup would do the trick nicely...
what setup were you using on 18" wheels? were you tracking at all?
12-17-2009, 02:25 AM
#17
standard 17" setup is 205/50/17 and 255/40/17... I have replaced fronts with 225/45/17 for some time to reduce under steer and it works well..
for 18" on my 99 I am going with 225/40/18 and 265/35/18 with BFGoodrich R1 slick....
the alternative for 18" is to go with 235 front and 295 rear... but that is very wide and would increase tire weight as well as surface area which would reduce your overall speed.... given I'm going to a slick I'm thinking the stock 225 and 265 rear of an 18" setup would do the trick nicely...
what setup were you using on 18" wheels? were you tracking at all?
for 18" on my 99 I am going with 225/40/18 and 265/35/18 with BFGoodrich R1 slick....
the alternative for 18" is to go with 235 front and 295 rear... but that is very wide and would increase tire weight as well as surface area which would reduce your overall speed.... given I'm going to a slick I'm thinking the stock 225 and 265 rear of an 18" setup would do the trick nicely...
what setup were you using on 18" wheels? were you tracking at all?
IMO, you shouldn't even consider tire weight. The additional unsprung weight of 18" tires is negligible for virtually all applications outside racing. You are talking 2 lbs a corner max anyway... And why do you think a wider tire decreases your speed?
Also, FWIW, the R1 is not a slick. Rather, it is just an R-comp. I think the R-1 is rated around 60 or 80. These tires are good, but they are slower than Hoosier R6s. And MUCH slower than a true slick.
-td
edit: Yes. I was tracking. Alot. Here is what running sticker Hoosiers with short drop links will get you:
12-17-2009, 08:50 AM
#18
Three Wheelin'
225/265 is not optimal for your platform. You want the widest contact patch you can get. I ran 245/295 on my 996 on the track for many years using a modified Kussumaul alignment on PSS9 and many GT3 parts to get the system "right." If you upgrade to R-comp tires you need to upgrade your brake pads and fluid as well. You will eat through stock pads in 1 day or less on sticky tires.
IMO, you shouldn't even consider tire weight. The additional unsprung weight of 18" tires is negligible for virtually all applications outside racing. You are talking 2 lbs a corner max anyway... And why do you think a wider tire decreases your speed?
Also, FWIW, the R1 is not a slick. Rather, it is just an R-comp. I think the R-1 is rated around 60 or 80. These tires are good, but they are slower than Hoosier R6s. And MUCH slower than a true slick.
-td
edit: Yes. I was tracking. Alot. Here is what running sticker Hoosiers with short drop links will get you:
Attachment 406537
Attachment 406538
IMO, you shouldn't even consider tire weight. The additional unsprung weight of 18" tires is negligible for virtually all applications outside racing. You are talking 2 lbs a corner max anyway... And why do you think a wider tire decreases your speed?
Also, FWIW, the R1 is not a slick. Rather, it is just an R-comp. I think the R-1 is rated around 60 or 80. These tires are good, but they are slower than Hoosier R6s. And MUCH slower than a true slick.
-td
edit: Yes. I was tracking. Alot. Here is what running sticker Hoosiers with short drop links will get you:
Attachment 406537
Attachment 406538
....I don't plan to upgrade to GT3 parts ...ever...
maybe GT3 sway bars... so taking that into consideration will 245/295 still be good or can I get away with the stock 225/265... the other alternate is 235/285 ? I already have a decent track alignment that made a *world* of difference...
I think the wider tires will give you more friction and hence reduce your speed in the strait aways.... not to mention the increased rotational mass that comes with bigger tire/larger diameter rim combo...
12-17-2009, 09:22 AM
#19
Rennlist Member
Stupid and rather obvious question for you. The tire size Tirerack recommends for the front is a 205/50, but the same size you are running at the rear. There is a much better choice of tires in the 225/45 size you mention. May I assume that the 225/45 size is working well for you? With the larger size in the front, is there any significant issue with more oversteer?
12-17-2009, 09:31 AM
#20
Drifting
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+1 Although I don’t fully agree with the rest of the statement. I have what I would consider a mild alignment, mostly street, and I haven’t done any damage to the outside of the tire. Sounds like to me your pressures were off, irrespective of aggressiveness of driving. JMHO
12-17-2009, 10:01 AM
#21
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
Fix the tire wear issue first.
+1 Although I don’t fully agree with the rest of the statement. I have what I would consider a mild alignment, mostly street, and I haven’t done any damage to the outside of the tire. Sounds like to me your pressures were off, irrespective of aggressiveness of driving. JMHO
+1 Although I don’t fully agree with the rest of the statement. I have what I would consider a mild alignment, mostly street, and I haven’t done any damage to the outside of the tire. Sounds like to me your pressures were off, irrespective of aggressiveness of driving. JMHO
I used stock pressures at one track day on a shorter, slower track, and lowered them for TWS. Can't remember what I used, but it was based on some searching here. I bought a infrared thermometer at Sears yesterday on sale for $20. Hopefully that will help me find pressures that make sense.
12-17-2009, 06:31 PM
#22
....I don't plan to upgrade to GT3 parts ...ever...
will 245/295 still be good or can I get away with the stock 225/265...
You could run 205/245 if you wanted to, lol
I think the wider tires will give you more friction and hence reduce your speed in the strait aways.... not to mention the increased rotational mass that comes with bigger tire/larger diameter rim combo...
-td
