Urban myth?
02-17-2002, 11:49 AM
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Urban myth?
I can remember one of my friends tell me that,
If you increase the wheel size of your car you get slower 0-60 but higher top end?
Also in reverse, smaller wheels mean quicker 0-60 and lower top end?
So does this mean that I have to go and find some 12" wheels for a 4sec 0-60?
So is it a myth or truth? Anyone know?
Anthony
If you increase the wheel size of your car you get slower 0-60 but higher top end?
Also in reverse, smaller wheels mean quicker 0-60 and lower top end?
So does this mean that I have to go and find some 12" wheels for a 4sec 0-60?
So is it a myth or truth? Anyone know?
Anthony
02-18-2002, 02:34 AM
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Sort of true.
Basically, by reducing the diameter of the wheel, you increase the amount of torque. Since it's torque that accelerates you - your 0-60 time drops. There's a gotcha though. It also means that you have to change up at lower speeds - so you may have to put in an extra gear change before you get to the magic 60 - which can make all the difference.
Steve
Basically, by reducing the diameter of the wheel, you increase the amount of torque. Since it's torque that accelerates you - your 0-60 time drops. There's a gotcha though. It also means that you have to change up at lower speeds - so you may have to put in an extra gear change before you get to the magic 60 - which can make all the difference.
Steve
02-18-2002, 04:50 AM
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If you reduce the diameter of your wheels you ought to be reducing the corner weights of the car, so improving the handling. This only works if you keep the low profile of the tyre, otherwise a higher profile will be a detriment to handling....
Ever wondered why Caterhams run on 13" rims...
Ever wondered why Caterhams run on 13" rims...
02-18-2002, 05:04 AM
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and if you want to picture it all, draw two circles of differeing diameters.
If both rotate at the same rpm, the circumference of the larger circle will have travelled a greater distance.
A shorter lever requires less effort to be moved, so the circle with the shorter radius has the potential for greater ease of movement and therefore acceleration.
Bog standard geometry and physics...
If both rotate at the same rpm, the circumference of the larger circle will have travelled a greater distance.
A shorter lever requires less effort to be moved, so the circle with the shorter radius has the potential for greater ease of movement and therefore acceleration.
Bog standard geometry and physics...
02-18-2002, 05:19 AM
#6
Originally posted by Dog Biscuit
and if you want to picture it all, draw two circles of differeing diameters.
If both rotate at the same rpm, the circumference of the larger circle will have travelled a greater distance.
A shorter lever requires less effort to be moved, so the circle with the shorter radius has the potential for greater ease of movement and therefore acceleration.
Bog standard geometry and physics...
and if you want to picture it all, draw two circles of differeing diameters.
If both rotate at the same rpm, the circumference of the larger circle will have travelled a greater distance.
A shorter lever requires less effort to be moved, so the circle with the shorter radius has the potential for greater ease of movement and therefore acceleration.
Bog standard geometry and physics...
02-18-2002, 05:36 AM
#7
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it's a gearing thing right? like big sprocket small sprocket on your bike - remember when you got your first racing bike with the big wheels.
Anyway - why bother changing the wheels - just change the final drive ratio - only one thing to change rather than 5 and it should have identical effect (unless I have forgotten something so obvious I've driven right past it).
Anyway - why bother changing the wheels - just change the final drive ratio - only one thing to change rather than 5 and it should have identical effect (unless I have forgotten something so obvious I've driven right past it).
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02-18-2002, 05:43 AM
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I am shackled to a herd of goats!!! 
PS Surely it would be far simple to change tyres rather the final drive ratio? Bear in mind I have no idea what the final drive ratio of a gearbox actually is!
PS Surely it would be far simple to change tyres rather the final drive ratio? Bear in mind I have no idea what the final drive ratio of a gearbox actually is!