OldeSkool

Someone asked about whether one could be competitive on the stock 16" size wheels. The response was that many folks are reasonably competitive.

But I got to thinking how you can pick up new 15x10 wheels for 50 bucks each. And how the tires are probably very cheap..

As long as they cleared the breaks, I think it'd be a neat thing to try.

If one were so concerned about sidewall flex, I suppose you could get a low aspect ratio tire on the 15 and just have shorter tires.. you'd effectively lower your gear ratio, which might be nice. Speedo would have to be fixed unless this was strictly a track-only thing

Your thoughts...

OldeSkool

Oh, I know there is a wheel+tire forum, but I figure that since this has more to do with handling than with fitment/appearance, it should go here.

subtlez28

iTrader: (15)

But, will they clear the brakes (like you said)?
If so...the nascar boys run 15s...If you slap on some slicks I'm sure you will do well. That said...275/40/17s are so common now that they are cheap to. And finding some used 17s for an f-body is easy also (or even new ones-like c5 Z06s are cheap!).

And as far as running low profile 15s...the smaller the diameter of the tire, the smaller the contact patch. So not only would it look goofy, it would reduce grip to run a shorter tire.

I think this is probly more of a concept question...but I vote "nay".

OldeSkool

mine came with 17x9.5... i just have some fascination with being able to buy much cheaper tires

sixvi6-camaro

iTrader: (9)

The Drag race guys run 15's all the time. F-bodies have a odd backspace so a 15x10 would need a 7.5" backspace which is rare to come be. Of the few 15x10's with the 7.5" backspace almost none of them will clear the brakes without grinding the calipers.. the Few 15x10's that do clear the rear brakes with no mods are made purely for drag racing only and will run the risk of failure if you go and road race them because of extreme heating and cooling of the materials that happens when road racing. Honestly 17's would be the way to go because 245-275 series tires for 17" rims are super abundant and the rims fit with no clearance problems.

Urban Legend

iTrader: (5)

Formula 1 runs 13" wheels and they are kings of the road course.

OldeSkool

they must have inboard brakes?

sixvi6-camaro

iTrader: (9)

Yes they do run 13's.. F1 cars have very small diameter carbon fiber composite brakes that fit in the 13" rim. cutting edge technology and allows the cars to stop with 5+g's of braking force. they also weigh 1200 lbs as well so they are a ton lighter than anything with 4 wheels on the street.

anyways this thread has gotten

roy

I know this is apples to oranges but I run 15inch rims on my Ford Sierra Cosworth and it rules the course even better than my SS.