Lots of cruising around town on summer nights with 2-3 visits to the track, 6-8 passes each time. I don't care if the drag radial wears out quickly riding around town on it.

During the winter I'd put my 18x9/18x10 bullitts back on and run all seasons.

Seems to me this has come down to whether the 3lbs. in weight savings is worth going with larger overall diameter. Which trumps which?

 

then none of the above....

get the new Racestars.... in 15"s

group buy at S197 just started

 

Styling and appearance is a consideration. I apologize for not making that clear. I'm trying to find somewhat of a happy medium which is what (to me) the Enkeis and the tires I'm looking at represent.

Yes I know the lighter 15" wheels would go faster.

 

ok.. I thought this was a good looking wheel:




in the alternative go 17's

 

Of the 15s I've seen that is the best looking so far. That said still not my cup of tea.

I appreciate the suggestion, thanks.

So you think the 3lb. weight savings is worth the extra .6" overall diameter then. We have one vote for the 17s.

I PM'd Norm Peterson since he's our local "physics guru" to see what he thought of the weight vs. OD question.

 

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/BS...N/?image=large

 

I'm with you now.

 

IDK much about the low profile tires, but wouldn't that extra bit of sidewall help the tire stick better for you guys?

the weight I dont think will effect you at all really. If it was 5+ per wheel/tire then yea, i think would.

 

Norm responded to my PM and it sounds like the 18x9.5" with the stock OD will actually be slightly quicker. Assuming equal traction.

Once you get enough whp into the picture then the bigger sidewall might be important and the 17" setup might be preferable. That said - you can get a higher profile tire for the 18x9.5" too. M&H makes a 275/45/18 for example.

It's tough to get under 46 pounds if you stay with a 17/18" wheel.

 

Agreed. Like I said before, if you're going for et at the track, factor in your max powerband rpm at the top of 4th gear through the traps and let that determine your decision. If you're just looking to be the quickest guy between stoplights on the street, find the lightest/highest sidewall combo possible. Hell, go to 4.30 gears.