BobP

iTrader: (1)

From a handling-only standpoint, primarily for road course, but also some autocross, and assuming that the brands and overall diameter of the wheel and tire combination stays the same, how noticeable is the difference between a 17" and 18" setup? Is there noticeable handling improvement? Is it worth the extra money?

Or, to put it a different way, would you choose BFG KD (not S or WS) 275 40 ZR17s on all four corners, or, for about the same money, settle for a somewhat lesser tire, say a Kumho or other popular sticky but less expensive brand, on an 18" setup?

Decision time is at hand! I'd love to hear some experienced opinions.

Thanks
BobP

trackbird

iTrader: (4)

The 18" will minimize sidewall compliance and should prove more responsive. I believe Lou said he runs 18's on his track car. If you are not a World Challenge racer, I think you can generate some pretty impressive levels of grip with a proper set of race rubber mounted on 17" rims. The 18's are likely to generate a slight increase in lateral grip and response. You may trade an increase in grip for some "wicked" handling once pushed past the limit (and a possible increase in rotating weight, or at least in the moment of inertia of that rotating weight). Hopefully Lou will jump in here and set the record straght if he has some free time. These are just my thoughts. Good luck!

BobP

iTrader: (1)

Thanks trackbird. I guess I should add that this will be a track-only wheel-tire setup, and I am a strict, but passionate, amateur. I hope to be on track 3 times this year, and may autocross 2-3 as well.

BobP

trackbird

iTrader: (4)

I am the "passionate amateur" type myself (My Goodyear Eagle GS-CS's are stacked in the garage for the first autocross next month). I'd probably still stick to 17's for the first year or so of track time, they are slightly less likely to be flattened by some of the rough spots at Summit Point (potholes etc) and will have better breakaway characteristics. I am going to start running 17" race rubber as soon as I finish off these Eagle GS-CS's that I already have. But....if all bets are off....I'd probably run 18's.....

BobP

iTrader: (1)

Anyone else?

BobP

BobP

iTrader: (1)

Anyone else?

BobP

DrkPhx

iTrader: (15)

Have you tried posting this in the Road Racing section?

BobP

iTrader: (1)

Good idea - I'll try that. Not a lot of traffic on that thread, so I thought I'd try here first.

BobP

VipZ28

iTrader: (4)

Personally I've heard bad things about 18s and handling... I thought about it and gathered input for a long time and decided on 17X9.5 for the front and 17X11 for the rear... just what I choose due to the info I gathered from people...

BobP

iTrader: (1)

Thanks for the comments people <img border="0" title="" alt="[Cool]" src="gr_images/icons/cool.gif" /> . I've pretty much decided on the 17" KDs on a 9.5" wheel. Sears has the KDs on special through April 5th for $250 each.

BobP

trackbird

iTrader: (4)

Bob..sounds like a good choice. Did you check prices at www.tirerack.com for KD's? Let us know what you think.

BobP

iTrader: (1)

Trackbird, tirerack wanted $269 vs. the $250 I just paid today locally in Roanoke. I'll pick them up next weekend, but won't get them on a track until the end of May. Tires were the definite weak link for my ability to date. Now, of course, there will be another weak link to upgrade, then another, and so on... <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="gr_grin.gif" /> .

You mentioned Summit Point earlier in this thread. Will you get down there this year? That's where I'll be on May 22nd for FATT. I need to sign up for another date soon though. They were booked through May (green class, so far...) back in early February! I'd like to get two sessions in before the main event with Car Guys at VIR in August.

Thanks for your advice in the thread.

BobP

trackbird

iTrader: (4)

I grew up 20 minutes from Summit Point (and my fiancee's mom will be working there this year). I hope to make an event down there at some point (a FATT event), but I'm not sure if it will be this year (I hate to break something so far from home). I will be there for the 12 hrs at the pooint on May 31. We are usually parked by the carosel grandstands (just inside the gate) and spend most of the day grilling. If you make the event, look for a black 2002 Z-28 and a white 98 neon adn stop by for a beer.


Kevin

BobP

iTrader: (1)

It's a good thing I don't live 20 minutes from a track, or I'd be poorer for it!

I'll be in New Hampshire trying to scare some bass on May 31st, but sure appreciate the invite. Enjoy the race!

BobP