AutoX Tire/wheel question
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Location: Long Island, NY
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AutoX Tire/wheel question
I don't have an RX-8, but I plan on autocrossing my NA 89 RX-7 this up coming season. I am looking for opinions as to which of 2 tire and wheel choices would be most beneficial. I already have the wheels and would prefer not to buy another set. I'm not interested in being in a particular class, just my times vs. my friends' times. I don't care about classification rules. Assuming same tire model and constant driver skill, which of the following setups would be better?
Choice 1 : Stock 15*6 (16 lbs) with 225/50/15
Advantages: Lower gearing due to smaller diameter
Reduced tire weight
Disadvantages: Narrow wheel means less control of contact patch shape
Choice 2 : SSR 17*7.5 (14 lbs) with 225/45/17
Advantages: Larger overall contact patch
Less wheel weight
Wider wheel
Shorter sidewall
Disadvantages: Taller gearing
Higher tire weight
I think the reduced weight and lower gearing of the 15" combo is my best bet despite the narrow wheel. Tips? Advice? Thanks in advance.
Choice 1 : Stock 15*6 (16 lbs) with 225/50/15
Advantages: Lower gearing due to smaller diameter
Reduced tire weight
Disadvantages: Narrow wheel means less control of contact patch shape
Choice 2 : SSR 17*7.5 (14 lbs) with 225/45/17
Advantages: Larger overall contact patch
Less wheel weight
Wider wheel
Shorter sidewall
Disadvantages: Taller gearing
Higher tire weight
I think the reduced weight and lower gearing of the 15" combo is my best bet despite the narrow wheel. Tips? Advice? Thanks in advance.
#2
dizzy snake pilot
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: berkeley, ca
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autox is funny, usually the wider tire will be faster, even if it weighs more. the taller gearer is more of a factor, but id try for a 245 or so with a 7" rim. since you are changing the rim width, you are out of stock class and maybe can use camber plates to get better geometry.
in any case, a 6" rim is a challenge.
james
in any case, a 6" rim is a challenge.
james
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