ROCNDAV

iTrader: (100)

I remember reading sometime back (I think when the ZR1 was just coming out) in one of the popular magazines that they mentioned that the "new" 17"x11" rear ZR1 tire had a better "contact patch" area than that of a Lamborghini Countach's 15"x15" tire.

They stated the bigger diameter of the tire more than made up for 4" in width. I'm not sure what the differences are in O.D.'s between the two tires, nor between a 17" and 18". The standard 18" wheel/tire combo is 9.5 or 10 (IIRC), would this yield a better contact patch than the 17x11?

Thanks,

David

screamin94Z

with a larger diameter wheel, you would get a larger contact patch because the tire compresses on the ground. and more area will touch the ground because of your increased radius, depending on tire pressure. with a larger diameter tire, however, you must have more power to turn it over. best way to get a larger contact patch is a wider tire. one inch in wheel diameter wont make as big of a difference.

also depends on the height of your sidewall.

ROCNDAV

iTrader: (100)

Yes, I know that I will get a larger contact area with a larger diameter. I don't know the diameters of the following tire sizes:

275/40 ZR 17 (17 x 9.5)
315/35 ZR 17 (17 x 11)
245/40 ZR 18 (18 x 9.5)
295/35 ZR 18 (18x10)
305/35 ZR 18 (18 x 10.5)

I was wondering if anyone knows which of the following has a greater contact patch area, and if they have the calculations for figuring out such.

Thanks,
D

screamin94Z

dont have any calculations for an exact contact patch but i'm gonna say that the 305 series 18s and the 315 series 17s are gonna give you the best.

ROCNDAV

iTrader: (100)

That's what I was thinking too. I think I might be leaning towards the 17x9.5 (Front) / 17x11 (Rear) as the Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3's are available in that size. I switched to those when the GSC's became obsoleted and have reallly liked them.