12-30-2016, 05:19 PM | #1 |
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Best tire sizes for track wheels
There are lots of threads about optimal offsets, how much wheel/tire can be fit, etc... but this is a slightly different question.
Tire manufacturers provide an "ideal" or "measuring" wheel width for each tire size, and it seems reasonable to assume that the wheel width/tire size that matches the "ideal" would be the best choice... and for regular street driving, it most likely would be. But for maximum grip on track (assuming a fixed wheel width) would it actually be better to run a tire that's slightly narrower to stretch it a bit? A tire size for which the manufacturer indicates an "ideal" wheel that's 1/2" (or even 1") narrower? Here's an example of what I'm contemplating... On my car, I know that a 9.5" wheel is at the outer limits of what I can squeeze under the front fender, so I'm trying to figure out what would be best for a track-only wheel/tire setup - the options being:
For the best track performance on a 9.5" wheel, which tire size would you choose?
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Last edited by DVC; 12-30-2016 at 06:22 PM.. |
12-30-2016, 05:37 PM | #2 | |
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I've settled on 18x8.5 square with 255/40/18 MPSS tires. I figure the most I would do is run RE-71R on the track in that size and if that's not enough, I just need better skills and/or better car. |
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12-30-2016, 06:38 PM | #3 | |
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This is exactly what I'm trying to get some insight on... where the point of diminishing returns is on going with wider tires on a given wheel width.
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02-17-2017, 05:01 AM | #4 | |
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02-25-2017, 10:51 AM | #5 |
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Yes, they can fit - I know of a couple forum members who've done it. (Of course you need ample camber, and offsets need to be just right.) But a 9.5" wheel is the most we can comfortably fit without fender rolling or extreme camber, so in most cases a 265 tire is a better choice on a 9.5" wheel. (Many 275 tires on a 9.5" wheel can tend to feel a little sloppy.)
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02-26-2017, 05:13 AM | #6 | |
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02-26-2017, 02:41 PM | #7 |
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You have rolling resistance and proper 'alignment' to consider. Am sure others here may know the optimum setting for your car at a given track, since each track could need a slightly different setup. Dry and wet setups can also vary of course. Do you have a pyrometer, as after a nice 15 minutes of running them 'hot' you could check the tires and see the temps across the contact area and adjust accordingly. Camber plates are nice to have if you plan to track often. i assume you're going to have extra set(s) of rims with one having R-compound/slicks, a set for intermediate/rain, and perhaps street tires.
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02-27-2017, 08:48 AM | #8 | |
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Optimal handling depends on the circumstances... for track use, -2.5° or more is a must for front end grip (and mitigating outside shoulder tire wear), but on the road, could lead to inside shoulder wear over time. I have no input on (or interest in) 'stance', so for me the discussion begins and ends with grip.
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03-16-2017, 07:40 PM | #10 | |
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What size wheel are you planning to mount them on?
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03-19-2017, 11:16 AM | #12 |
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Same...I got in on the Apex ARC-8 group buy...$200 off plus free shipping was too good to pass up.
I went for the new matte bronze finish...hope it looks as good on the car in person as it does in my imagination.
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03-28-2017, 08:34 PM | #16 | |
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Love the bad ass matte "Montreal Gray" paint work... : )
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Factoring in the extra ~13mm of width for a 9.5" wheel (6.5mm of which is on the inside) - but with the reduced ET35 offset, it should actually yield about 0.5mm more clearance than my current wheels. That said, every tire is different, so there's only one way to find out! Speaking of 5mm spacers, I actually tried those on the front for a while, and noticed some vibration. I determined that 3mm is the max for me before I run short on hub centering lip real estate... maybe xDrive cars have more lip on the front hub? There's more on my rear hubs, so maybe BMW specs more for drive wheels... [I created a thread a while back to share some experiences with spacers]
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04-01-2017, 09:41 AM | #17 | |
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Didn't have a chance to wash her ahahaha all the cars look matte. It is for sure my tires since I went with some beefy ones. My wheels do clear its the tires that rub. I'm thinking of doing a 10MM in front but I feel like it would throw off the driveability. I might consider downsizing the front ones to 255 |
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03-31-2019, 08:05 AM | #18 |
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Bumping a really old thread here but curious what tire/wheel setup people are running on their F30 (square vs. staggered, tire and wheel width F/R and suspension). Also what's the benefit to a square wheel setup vs. staggered? I have KW Clubsport coilovers which do have camber plates. Appreciate the insight.
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04-15-2019, 05:23 PM | #19 | |
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Another huge advantage of running a square setup is being able to do front to back tire rotations (unidirectional treads) or a proper X tire rotation (Asymmetrical, non directional) to double tire life essentially. |
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04-24-2019, 10:05 PM | #22 |
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Yea, that is true...but why do people tend to track with 18" rims instead of 19" rims, even for aftermarkets?
What's a good bang for the buck brand aftermarket 18" square setup that would be lighter? Those Apex seem awesome but $$.... |
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