Stock wheels + Upgraded Tires vs. Wider wheels + upgraded tires
 

Lets say I want to stick with the stock wheels but upgrade to Super Sports (215/45ZR17)

Would I be at a huge disadvantage vs. getting an 8" - 8.5" wheel + super sports? How much slower would I be in a track or autoX setting? I know there is more grip/contact patch with a wider wheel/tire combo, but at what point is it a diminishing return? I don't want this to come off as a dumb question.... just want to know do I really NEED wider wheels if I have great preforming tires?

And to spice things up a bit. Lets say I have

Bilstein B8 + RCE Tarmacs on Stock Wheel w/ Super Sports vs. Bilstein B8 + RCE Tarmacs on 8.5" wheel w/ Super Sport

How owned would I get on stock vs. the 8.5" (generally speaking)

From what I understand, stickier compounds typically trump wider but less sticky at the track. So if you're going to be tracking your car I'd go even more aggressive like RE-11A 's than the Pilot Sports at stock width.

If you're going to be AutoXing, then wider is generally considered better. Get them as wide as you can.

If you're staying on the street, then I'd look at cheaper (slightly less sticky) tires all around than PSS like BFG COMP2s, Direzza DZ102s, Hankook V12 Evo 2, etc. but that's me trying to save you money.

What about street with some track driving every month or two? I typically don't do auto-x. I may in the future but after my first track day this weekend, I'd like to do that more often.

I'd go RE-11A at stock width or go to a 225" section but nothing wider on stock power, brakes and suspension. That should be plenty of tire.

Hit up @ATL BRZ 's build thread, he tracked on RaceComp yellows + RE-11A's extensively before upgrading to RaceComp Tarmac 2s.

HERE http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=13157

The bigger wheel, means more weight, and more expensive tires. On top of that, unless its the same compound, you can get the same grip with a lighter, cheaper setup.

I just weighed my new wheel/tire

17x8 with 225/45 and on my super accurate nano technology 10 year old sister's bathroom scale

43.5 lb

I believe stock is ~40.5 lbs

I can weigh my stocks when I change brake pads tomorrow. (but not too accurate as they have some street and track time on them)

@ZionsWrath @Firestorm_86 @DAEMANO where do you guys go for wheels and tires online?

Stock size will be faster: http://www.roadandtrack.com/special-...transformation

tirerack, they mount and balance free and for me close enough to drive and pick up so no shipping charge, just gas/time

I agree. They went from a 215 17, to a 235 18, same compound. Which is more wheel and tire; weight wise. I run 17x7.5 Wedssports with a 225 Michelin Pilot Sport AS3's. It's a good halfway point. Slightly wider tire (so a little more weight), but I shed weight with the lighter than stock wheels.
@themajesticone

My wheels came from Vivid Racing, but I'd just as readily recommend CounterSpace Garage. Tires, I went with a local place that'll price match and has good service, but I used to use Costco.

@ZionsWrath what wheels/tire are you running?


Also, a word on wheels. You can go with the cheap stuff, but you'll likely pay for it in weight. You'll balance looks and performance. If you want both, it's $$$. You can go Rota, and get the same look, but you'll be hard pressed to get the same performance/weight. On the other hand, you can sell a kidney and get Volks. Inbetween, there's WedsSport, SSR, and Enkei, among many others.

17x8 +45 Enkei PF01
225/45 RE11A

I haven't use them yet, I'm registered for track event on the 13. Waiting on brake pads to show up, I hope they fucking do lol

Those are pretty. Black or silver?
The RE11's are too much tire (or not enough?) for my DD and mountain run uses. If I ever move back to a place where it doesn't get to freezing I'll run summers.

BLAAACK

http://i.imgur.com/aBw2CwK.jpg