Do wider tires hook better?
Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: Jun 2008
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Do wider tires hook better? Looking at 550rwhp after my APS TT is installed. Weight 0f 3600. I do know that high powered cars (z06's,Vipers,etc) come factory equipped with wide rim widths. I thought this was the way to go. 10.5 on the rear with a 305 35 17?
I am a little confused, as I see some threads saying wider tires slow the car down? Any help would be appreciated.
I am a little confused, as I see some threads saying wider tires slow the car down? Any help would be appreciated.
The short answer is YES. With street tires and 550 to the wheels I doubt your going to hook at all with something thinner than a 295 width. If your running slicks or good DRs you could probably get away with going thinner, but more meat on the tires is gonna hook better and it looks awsome. As far as the width goes, you probably wouldnt hook any better with a 315 over a 295, but by all means go as wide as you can.
think of it this way, when you want to reduce rolling friction on the fronts, what do you do. . .get skinnies, so conversely, wider tires must have more rolling friction. . . or traction. . .
keep in mind that the wider isnt ALL of the traction you need a taller tire as well to allow for sidewall flex with a shorter sidewall you will have just as little traction as you would if ther tire was skinner. i would run a 315/40/17 or 335/40/17 as far as the street goes. this will insure max traction as far as street tires go. plus they will look so good!
There is a limit to the width also before it starts hurting traction. Remember, the wider you go, the weight of the car is spread out over a larger contact area causing less downward pressure per sq. inch. Plus, you have to throw in all the other variables of tire design and materials used. Also, the bigger tire needs a bigger rim which all adds up to more weight.....usually.
Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: Jun 2008
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keep in mind that the wider isnt ALL of the traction you need a taller tire as well to allow for sidewall flex with a shorter sidewall you will have just as little traction as you would if ther tire was skinner. i would run a 315/40/17 or 335/40/17 as far as the street goes. this will insure max traction as far as street tires go. plus they will look so good!
Can I do 315 40 17's on a 10.5 in rim without rubbing? 01 T\A vert.
Thanks!
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TECH Fanatic
Joined: Oct 2008
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From: VA
wider tires increase traction and therefore friction. wider tires will make you launch better and get better grip for better acceleration at sub 100. then at whatever straight line speed you do have enough grip with your thinner tires, you will accelerate a little slower because of the extra friction.
If I were you i wouldn't do anything short of 315s.
If I were you i wouldn't do anything short of 315s.
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Like Duffster said, less rolling resistense and a wider tire dont cut it. A larger footptrint dont meen wide. Your going foward not sideways-cornering- like the ZO or Viper. Those cars also havea better suspension than the F body to help go straight.
keep in mind that the wider isnt ALL of the traction you need a taller tire as well to allow for sidewall flex with a shorter sidewall you will have just as little traction as you would if ther tire was skinner. i would run a 315/40/17 or 335/40/17 as far as the street goes. this will insure max traction as far as street tires go. plus they will look so good!
On The Tree
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 170
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From: St Petersburg Florida / Murren Switzerland
I'm lowered 2" and 285 / 40 / 17 is best I can do without sheetmetal work and that's out of the question. The thing to keep in mind with tires is the rubber compound i.e. soft vs hard. softer tread will hook up better but will not last as long, etc.
You are agreeing with me? Also, what size rim do you have the 285/40/17s on?
Staging Lane
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 90
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From: manhattan, KS
Friction is not what slows down your acceleration at x speed it's rotational inertia. Rotational inertia is what resists angular acceleration, so the more mass the wheel has and more importantly the orientation of the mass around the axis of which it will be rotating determines it's rotational inertia. To get a change in angular acceleration you must apply a torque and the greater the acceleration the greater the torque, however the greater the rotational inertia more torque will be required to generate the same acceleration. highschool physics we all learned newtons laws, the second being F=ma (force equals mass times acceleration) this is the same thing just think of F as Torque and Mass as Rotational inertia and Linear acceleration now becomes Angular acceleration. so that is why people say larger wheels will slow you down because they TEND to have a greater rotational inertia and take more energy to get them to move or change momentum. NEXT the amount of unsprung weight will go up which is just the amount of weight not being supported by the suspension (wheels tires rotors etc.) but that's a whole different chapter. and lastly this whole idea of friction so far is kinda askew (not trying to be an asshat just clarifying) frictional force whether kinetic or static is independent of surface area. (so why do the big boys have HUGE tires?) ADHESIVE properties are greatly affected by surface area however! That's why when people start putting on sticky tires they notice a change from a 265 to a 315 MT because it's not just frictional force (Frictional force= Coefficient of friction x Normal force) it's adhesive properties as well. I hope that clears up a few things and i have my flame suit on if anyone wants to go that route
Last edited by 03_r6; Dec 29, 2008 at 08:15 AM.
you'll need to hammer the inner wheel wells a little bit and roll the fender with a 315/35/17, im having to do it with my 315/30/18 that im putting back there and they are about the same size really
