esi4161

So for the track I know most guys are running 255 square, but I wanted an opinion on another setup I'm considering. Assuming all else equal, I'm looking for comments on grip (including tire ability to absorb/handle heat) on these setups:

17x9 wheel with 255 tires (standard road race setup, still lighter than AP2 stock)
17x8 wheel with 245 tires (20 lbs lighter than above, 5 lbs per corner between wheel/tire combined weight)

The ultimate goal is grip, so the question is between weight (and accompanying road-holding from the lighter wheels) versus tire width grip and possibly how much more heat the slightly larger tire could handle before giving up (my current problem with 225 fronts).

Thanks!

deepbluejh

Generally folks try to cut weight elsewhere so they can run beefier tires. The tires are one area you really don't want to skimp if you are looking to go fast around a corner.

Given the options, I would go with the 255 setup over the 245 setup. Just make sure you get the highest performance tire you can stand, as this will make FAR more of a difference than 10mm difference in width. It makes no sense to nitpick over small differences in width just to go with a mediocre tire.

Spectre711

Tire option is going to make the most difference. Plus you could get a 245 that's just as wide as another companies 255. People use (I will soon most likely) a 275 Nitto on CR wheels that aren't really any wider than say a 255 Starspec.
As deepblue stated...the tire will make far more difference than the width.

esi4161

Ok, so again, assuming all else equal (same tires), any comments?

GT Motoring

Larger tires mean increased corner ability at the cost of lower speeds and acceleration due to higher rolling resistance. Every track is different and every car is different. On some courses with some cars, wider tires are better because you pick up more time cornering than you lose in acceleration due to rolling resistance. On other tracks, the opposite is true.

deepbluejh

I would go with the lighter setup. After going with a heavy wheel/tire setup I can tell you that it is noticeable in terms of reduced nimbleness and acceleration.

Sebring AP1

the 9" 255 setup will be faster in just about every instance unless the track you're referring to is a drag race.

Regardless of added weight.

Z3papa

I'm kind of surprised a third option of a 245 on a 17x9 wheel is not considered. I'd bet the width difference on a stretched tire would be less and there would be a little gearing benefits, although I tend to fall into the camp of the more the merrier.

GT Motoring

the 9" 255 setup will be faster in just about every instance unless the track you're referring to is a drag race.

Regardless of added weight.
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I'd say that's debatable and to its true in all instances without any data doesn't count. Show me the proof and I'll believe it. Just because everyone runs 255s doesn't mean its faster, it just means the crowd follows what the fast people use. Why do you think all the cars you see at the track are generally always prepped the same? Cause it works and is fast, not because each of those people did the testing to see which was fastest for them.

deepbluejh

the 9" 255 setup will be faster in just about every instance unless the track you're referring to is a drag race.

Regardless of added weight.
[/quote]

And if you did nothing but race your car, this might be valid.

I'm going to assume the OP drives his car on the street more than on the racetrack. In which case, acceleration probably matters him.

For me personally, for every one corner I enjoy, there are about 5 times where I wish my car was faster in a straight line. I didn't give up a whole lot by heavy wheels, but it's just enough to annoy me.