Wider tires slower times?
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TECH Enthusiast
Joined: Jun 2005
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Wider tires slower times? 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)
formerly mystic-t/a (changed 02/05/2013)
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From: Oakley, CA
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.
Staging Lane
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 96
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From: Baltimore MD
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.
Staging Lane
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 96
Likes: 1
From: Baltimore MD
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.
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TECH Fanatic
Joined: Jun 2002
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From: Upstate NY
Originally Posted by 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?
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.
