18" wheels look better but do they out perform 17" on the track
06-02-2005, 09:24 AM
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18" wheels look better but do they out perform 17" on the track
Assuming all other things being equal like tire width and tire compound etc. I got in an argument about it with a friend and I don't think they do, but what do I know. I do know that they will show a little less HP on the dyno but that doesn't mean much on the street. I had no proof to back up my argument so it was pretty weak, but I figure you guys will know.
06-02-2005, 10:37 AM
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Here is my theory...
There will be a fine line of traction between rim sizes.
I would say a 17" rim would have better traction do to the taller side wall. This will allow the tire to mold to the road better therfore keeping more rubber on the surface during aggressive cornering. A 18" wheel will have slightly less tire roll/form to the road. If you went with a rim too small you would loose traction with too much tire roll. Thats the fine line I speak of. Just my idea...
I would say a 17" rim would have better traction do to the taller side wall. This will allow the tire to mold to the road better therfore keeping more rubber on the surface during aggressive cornering. A 18" wheel will have slightly less tire roll/form to the road. If you went with a rim too small you would loose traction with too much tire roll. Thats the fine line I speak of. Just my idea...
06-02-2005, 11:32 AM
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Re: 18" wheels look better but do they out perform 17" on the track
<center><img src="http://www.formula1.com/photos/190x177/manual/tyres2.jpg"></center><p>Assuming the 18" wheel is heavier...
1. There's the HP loss, as you mentioned, due to extra weight further from the axis of rotation. More energy is required to spin the wheels so acceleration would be lower, and more braking force is required to slow them down.
2. If the 18" wheel+tire is heavier, the additional unsprung weight can adversely affect handling.
3. As for tire performance, there's the "body roll vs rubber on road" tradeoff mentioned by 00Black1.8T. But Formula-1 tires are not exactly low-profile are they?
As for <b>how much</b> of an effect these will have, I cannot give numbers.
1. There's the HP loss, as you mentioned, due to extra weight further from the axis of rotation. More energy is required to spin the wheels so acceleration would be lower, and more braking force is required to slow them down.
2. If the 18" wheel+tire is heavier, the additional unsprung weight can adversely affect handling.
3. As for tire performance, there's the "body roll vs rubber on road" tradeoff mentioned by 00Black1.8T. But Formula-1 tires are not exactly low-profile are they?
As for <b>how much</b> of an effect these will have, I cannot give numbers.
