Ideal CCW specs for street with occasional track

[bambbrose]

Well guys, now that we are starting to get some more information on the stock rims, I think we can start talking about an ideal setup, at least for me. I'm putting the unknowns in bold so people may answer.

Stock specifications:
-Size: 17"
-Width: 7.5"
-Offset: +48 can anyone confirm?
-Hub: ??? what are most subaru?
-Bolt Pattern: 5x100
-Stock tires: 215/45/17


Preliminary aftermarket size:
-Front: 17 x 8.5"
-Rear: 17 x 9"
-Hub: ???
-Front Offset: +45
-Rear Offset: +39 ??? according to Greddy FR-S Rays wheels, there is 28.4mm of room on the outside face from the hub. -12.7 for the extra width, you could run down to +32 rear in 8.5", +39 at 9", and +45 at 9.5". I have no idea how much suspension room there is on the inside face.
-Bolt Pattern: 5x100
-Tire Front: ??? Same as rear if it'll fit. I have no idea on limits up front. Anyone know what Greddy is running on those 18x8.5 wheels?
-Tire Rear: 245/40/R17 (Hoosier) or 235/40/R17 RT-615. 235 will shorten the gear ratio, and probably offer improved performance.


Other off the wall ideas for CCW since they are built to order:

Run staggered, like Supra specs.
17" front, 16" rear. Can anyone discuss the merits of this idea? Obviously reduced weight, but what are the drawbacks? Hoosier makes a 245/45/R16 that is really close to stock diameter.

Run 9" or even 9.5" in the rear. What benefits would this offer? There really aren't a whole lot of tires above 255 that don't start making the gearing longer, so I don't see the need for the extra weight. Any comments? I know the Greddy car stuffed in the 9.5", but that doesn't seem necessary with the choice of tires on the market.


Just trying to get some comments rolling on this. If we can iron the details out I can be the guinea pig and get some ordered to be here on release date.

[JDLM]

I'm going to go out on a limb and guess that Cali will see a set of CCWs on a BRZ/FR-S 1st.

[blur]

Is this one of those hellaflush fad things?

[bambbrose]

Did you read the thread? I'm discussing whether or not to go down to 16", and what size is ideal for slick tire selection, weight, and gear ratios.

Looking for input from user Dave-ROR specifically.

[JDLM]

Originally Posted by bambbrose

Did you read the thread? I'm discussing whether or not to go down to 16", and what size is ideal for slick tire selection, weight, and gear ratios.

Looking for input from user Dave-ROR specifically.

Why not send a pm, if you are looking for 1 persons feedback...

[old greg]

Originally Posted by bambbrose

Run staggered, like Supra specs.
17" front, 16" rear. Can anyone discuss the merits of this idea? Obviously reduced weight, but what are the drawbacks? Hoosier makes a 245/45/R16 that is really close to stock diameter.

Other than weight, the benefit is better longitudinal traction from a taller side wall in the rear while leaving room for your large front brakes (not applicable to a stock AS1) and/or having better turn-in feel from the shorter sidewalls.

Originally Posted by bambbrose

Run 9" in the rear. What benefits would this offer? There really aren't a whole lot of tires above 255 that don't start making the gearing longer, so I don't see the need for the extra weight. Any comments?

Uhh, it would look cool?
If that's what you are actually concerned about then pick whatever you like.

But if you are looking for the lowest possible lap times, or maybe just to pass people in more expensive cars etc, you are putting the cart before the horse.

[blur]

Wait until you actually drive the car before you start to mod it, in that case. Reason I asked the prior is because CCWs is popular with the flush ppl, and optimal setups usually are based around the tire, not wheel.

[bambbrose]

I appreciate the input.

Also, thought it would be wise to add that the primary track use will just be solo ST class, most likely (STR with these wheels on Azenis?). I'm not trying to be competitive, just an enthusiast.

[old greg]

In that case, just get whatever you think looks good and don't worry about what is "ideal".

[bambbrose]

Maybe there is some confusion on what I mean by ideal.

I don't mean ideal for the track, nor do I mean ideal for the street.

I'm just going over what is ideal for both. What fits best, has the best look, and without significant compromise on the track.

That is why I was bringing up things like 16" rears, 9.5" width, etc. Is it worth it for looks? I'm trying to get some experienced drivers to comment on the differences in how they will act.

[old greg]

Originally Posted by bambbrose

What fits best, has the best look, and without significant compromise on the track.

The problem is, those are all completely subjective. I won't bother touching on looks and fit, because I think the issues there are obvious. But a "significant compromise" is different things to different people, and since you aren't concerned with competitive lap times I get the feeling that your definition may be more liberal than you realize.

The way I see it, +1" diameter and/or width isn't going to make that much difference in your lap times + or -, and offset is about looks and is subjective (as long as it isn't dictating how much camber you need to run). So if you aren't going to use some ridiculous 25 lb boat anchors, pretty much anything will fit your criteria. Really, you aren't trying to be competitive (and in STR you won't be) so is it really that big of a deal if your big wheels are costing you an extra second on a ~60 second AutoX run? Which is why I say don't sweat it, just get what you like.

[Harinjo]

i would try to stay at same offset like stock and put some wider wheels and tyres on it - like 17x8 offset 48 and 235/40 R17 all around

[MiguelAE86]

Honestly, for the amount of cash a set of CCW's go for, i'd rather buy 2 sets (street and track) of other, cheaper, wheels lol

[LSxJunkie]

Proper wheel fitment requires an actual car to test. This is a fairly useless conversation on spec.