Opinion on tire/wheels choices for tail of the dragon
 

Hey guys/gals of ft86 club. This is my first post on the site, been a long time lurker. Im going to tail of the dragon this summer, from what I have read the more rubber you can get on the car the better for the TOD. I picked up a set of Rota Grids 18x8.5 a little while back and I also still have my stock wheels. I was looking at either putting 255/35r18 on the Rotas or running a 225/45r17 on the stockers (going to be running rs3's). My question is is the extra weight of the rotas (roughly 3lbs per wheel) worth the extra width, or will running the stock wheels perform (feel) a little better? I primarily drive the car on twisty mountain roads, the whole reason I bought a BRZ. Thanks.

If you are at stock levels of power, the extra weight of the wheel AND the tire will make your car feel very slow, specially on the uphill. On the + side it will grip a bit better but the steering will feel more numb (less input for you, kind of delayed input). Stickier compounds (like the RS3 for example) on close to stock size will work better (the ideal is a lighter rim than stock too, but thats more money that not everyone wants/can spend).

Public roads.. Your just driving for the experience. - you can't/won't /shouldn't be pushing the limits when your one corner away from a head on with a truck.

If your still stock ish. Run the RS3s on the stock wheels and save the big wheels for car show days or daily ing

I forgot to add, yes Im stock power wise and suspension wise. I think Im just going to go with the 225/45r17's on the stock set-up. Save my money for when I can buy some proper light weight wheels. Thanks.