Camaro 0wner

I was just curious about something. I have 275/40/17 02 SS wheels, all around on my car. If I was to put the stock salad shooter 245/50/16's back on the car, would it be faster? I thought the SS wheels were lighter than the stock rims, but am I wrong. Would there be a big difference in my track time, or would I never notice. I have always been curious. (The comparison of 16inch salad shooters, to 2002 17inch 10 spoke SS wheels)

ThatGuySkye

iTrader: (2)

I am willing to bet good money that the salad shooters will give you the faster time if you can hook up with them. I lost 2 tenths by going from my stock 16" TA wheels to my 17" Z06 replicas with 275s and they weren't too much heavier than my stock ones. I kept them stock rims for the track.

Camaro 0wner

Wow, 2 tenths. That's a pretty big difference. I need to look up the weight of the 02 SS wheels and the salad shooters. I just can't seem to find it though.

contraststriker

iTrader: (14)

It depends on how you hook up--17" wheels have less sidewall so they don't squat as well as a 16" will ---> less grip, slower times.

TurboZ28

I may be wrong on this, but doesn't the larger diameter have a detrimental effect on track times?

blackstang3o2

yes the bigger the rim the less power to the wheel. It has alot to do with interia of the rim. Much like a big brake kit can also sloe you down a tad due to more rotor. Its not always the weight rather than the way it transfers.

blackstang3o2

yes the bigger the rim the less power to the wheel. It has alot to do with interia of the rim. Much like a big brake kit can also sloe you down a tad due to more rotor. Its not always the weight rather than the way it transfers.

Camaro 0wner

So, if I put all my stock rims and tires back on the car and got it dynoed, I would have more Rwhp?

Old SStroker

More than likely. Only need to change the rears for the dyno, of course, but both for the track.

Also inflation pressure can change chassis dyno readings or even how hard they cinch the rear end of the car down on the rolls. If you have only enough load to keep the tires from spinning and air pressure near the max recommended for the tire you might see a few more rwhp.

It's the extra rotating inertia of the heavier wheel/tire that eats hp. The pressure, strap-down load and tread width affect friction at the tire/drum interface so that eats more.

FWIW, some chassis dyno operators have been known to play with these friction factors to show more improvement with their tune, or parts change. Is that common? Depends on were (and who) you are. Caveat emptor.