If larger diameter wheels hurt performance, then why do vettes and vipers come with..
#5
TECH Junkie
iTrader: (7)
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Prairie de Femme, LA
Posts: 3,809
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
this is just my opinion, but one idea i had is that the taller size allows the car to go faster at lower RPMs without having a tall sidewall(tall sidewall is usually bad for handling). they have the HP to overcome the extra hp it takes to turn the bigger wheels
#7
TECH Apprentice
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Maryland
Posts: 310
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by Xsta Z 28
Because the Vette and Viper are not designed to go only in a straight line . .
Your use of the word "Performance" is too generic.
Plus not all big wheels hurt performance . . .
Your use of the word "Performance" is too generic.
Plus not all big wheels hurt performance . . .
What he said. As someone on the Vette forum observed, we sometimes seem to obsess over 1/4 mile times. Don't get me wrong, sheer acceleration is an important part of performance, but on a road course, you drag race between corners.
Trending Topics
#9
TECH Apprentice
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Maryland
Posts: 310
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Alchemist and Phoenix 57 also make good points.
I don't think this is a reason but if one runs bigger wheels and lower profile tires, there will be less of a descent on that corner in the event of a flat or blow out;may be a bit easier to maintain control or limp to a service station if you have to.
I don't think this is a reason but if one runs bigger wheels and lower profile tires, there will be less of a descent on that corner in the event of a flat or blow out;may be a bit easier to maintain control or limp to a service station if you have to.
#10
LS1Tech Co-Founder
iTrader: (38)
18s are as big as you need for handling performance, and that would only be if you had larger brake rotors that required the clearance. Most road-racers and autocross guys prefer 16-17" wheels.
Vettes and Vipers come with 19s on the rear mostly for bling factor. They know that 95% of Viper and Vette owners never push the limits of those cars anyways.
Vettes and Vipers come with 19s on the rear mostly for bling factor. They know that 95% of Viper and Vette owners never push the limits of those cars anyways.
#11
TECH Apprentice
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Maryland
Posts: 310
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by Nine Ball
18s are as big as you need for handling performance, and that would only be if you had larger brake rotors that required the clearance. Most road-racers and autocross guys prefer 16-17" wheels.
Vettes and Vipers come with 19s on the rear mostly for bling factor. They know that 95% of Viper and Vette owners never push the limits of those cars anyways.
Vettes and Vipers come with 19s on the rear mostly for bling factor. They know that 95% of Viper and Vette owners never push the limits of those cars anyways.
#13
10 Second Club
iTrader: (14)
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Indy
Posts: 2,520
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
you should stay with a wheel that is as small a diameter as possible. ONLY reason why you should get bigger wheels is to accomidate bigger brakes IMO
the Z06 needs those huge wheels in the front to let those big brakes be there. the rears probably could be in an inch smaller but GM knows what they are doing
the Z06 needs those huge wheels in the front to let those big brakes be there. the rears probably could be in an inch smaller but GM knows what they are doing
#14
TECH Apprentice
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Maryland
Posts: 310
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by Cop Car
you should stay with a wheel that is as small a diameter as possible. ONLY reason why you should get bigger wheels is to accomodate bigger brakes IMO
the Z06 needs those huge wheels in the front to let those big brakes be there. the rears probably could be in an inch smaller but GM knows what they are doing
the Z06 needs those huge wheels in the front to let those big brakes be there. the rears probably could be in an inch smaller but GM knows what they are doing
Why does one want a wheel diameter as small as possible? I mean you need big brakes to be competitive these days (unless the vehicle weighs practically nothing) and a small wheel also typically means the tire sidewall would have to be super stiff for predictable handling. Someone related this discussion to Formula 1 a while back since they have relatively small wheels and tires with large sidewalls but I can't remember the reason. Then again the Carrera GT uses twenties on the rear.
#15
TECH Enthusiast
Originally Posted by Cop Car
you should stay with a wheel that is as small a diameter as possible. ONLY reason why you should get bigger wheels is to accomidate bigger brakes IMO
the Z06 needs those huge wheels in the front to let those big brakes be there. the rears probably could be in an inch smaller but GM knows what they are doing
the Z06 needs those huge wheels in the front to let those big brakes be there. the rears probably could be in an inch smaller but GM knows what they are doing
In fact, since all 17+ wheels/tires weigh more than their smaller cousins, the increase in unsprung mass can hamper road handling unless there are major suspension mods to compensate. Under normal street conditions, though, most LT1/LS1 drivers never notice the difference. On Autocross or Road Courses, it's a real setback.
#18
On The Tree
iTrader: (2)
Who said larger dia wheels are a bad thing? Larger wheels provide more speed and handling but not that great 60' times must guys on this site are looking for, for instance if you had a 16'' rim vs 18'' you will gain some mph in the traps, but you have to understand that those 18'' might have less bite than the taller sidewall tires of the 16''. Just got to pick your poison.
#19
TECH Enthusiast
Originally Posted by Viper
"On Autocross or Road Courses, it's a real setback."
How? When I went to 17's over 16's my autox times got better.
How? When I went to 17's over 16's my autox times got better.
You did not pick up time by just switching to 17's. If all else is equal, (width, compounds, etc...) you would definitely slow down--your car is heavier. It's likely you changed much more than just diameter.
With the right 16's, you can run some pretty decent AutoX times--right up until your stock brakes fade away. 17x11's are about the best you can do with an f-body for AutoX. 18x11's or bigger are too massive.
#20
TECH Apprentice
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Maryland
Posts: 310
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
"Are you familiar with the concept of unsprung mass?
You did not pick up time by just switching to 17's. If all else is equal, (width, compounds, etc...) you would definitely slow down--your car is heavier. It's likely you changed much more than just diameter."
This is an oversimplification where AutoX is concerned because it doesn't account for the increased grip and quicker response that can come with the ability to run lower aspect ratio tires. And if you are willing to pay enough, you can find lightweight 17 and 18 inch wheels that weigh the same or less than our stock 16s. The larger tires would of course add weight but one could at least try to choose the lightest tire possible.
You did not pick up time by just switching to 17's. If all else is equal, (width, compounds, etc...) you would definitely slow down--your car is heavier. It's likely you changed much more than just diameter."
This is an oversimplification where AutoX is concerned because it doesn't account for the increased grip and quicker response that can come with the ability to run lower aspect ratio tires. And if you are willing to pay enough, you can find lightweight 17 and 18 inch wheels that weigh the same or less than our stock 16s. The larger tires would of course add weight but one could at least try to choose the lightest tire possible.