Wheel Size Preference

[Bishop]

I got some great feedback when it came to my braking thread, so I figured why not check in here.

It's really simple, I'm looking for the best bang for my buck right now. Keep my BBS reps and run the Star Specs. Or sell them, pick up some 15x8s and run a 225/45 r-comp or hankook rs-3, something of the sort. I'm not currently pushing the 17s as hard as I'm sure they're capable of going, but they feel sluggish when it comes to accelerating, they feel like they're putting a lot of stress on the braking system under heavy braking. They do have awesome response though, I'm guessing because of the sidewall.

Weigh in with your thoughts?

Weekend warrior on 15x8s w/ an entry level r-comp or high performance street tire (will only be on the car for track days and autocross).
Weekend warrior on 17x8s w/ star specs (only on the car for track and autox).

[carnurd]

i got some great feedback when it came to my braking thread, so i figured why not check in here.

It's really simple, i'm looking for the best bang for my buck right now. Keep my bbs reps and run the star specs. Or sell them, pick up some 15x8s and run a 225/45 r-comp or hankook rs-3, something of the sort. I'm not currently pushing the 17s as hard as i'm sure they're capable of going, but they feel sluggish when it comes to accelerating, they feel like they're putting a lot of stress on the braking system under heavy braking. They do have awesome response though, i'm guessing because of the sidewall.

Weigh in with your thoughts?

>>>>>>>weekend warrior on 15x8s w/ an entry level r-comp or high performance street tire (will only be on the car for track days and autocross). <<<<<<<<<<<
weekend warrior on 17x8s w/ star specs (only on the car for track and autox).

And Nitto NT01's in a 225/45/15 will suit you well.....

[AlarmedBread]

15x7 205/50/15

Good street tires are pretty much FTW when it comes to bang for the buck. I've passed several cars on low tier rcomps and had an instructor in an e30m3 who could not belive how much more grip re11's had compared to RA1's. Plus you don't have to mess around changing them at the track, just bring a spare set of street tires for insurance.

[gverelli]

15x7 205/50/15

Good street tires are pretty much FTW when it comes to bang for the buck. I've passed several cars on low tier rcomps and had an instructor in an e30m3 who could not belive how much more grip re11's had compared to RA1's. Plus you don't have to mess around changing them at the track, just bring a spare set of street tires for insurance.

My friends instructor actually freaked out about his re-11s also, he didn't believe it. Although, my friend does have r-comps and said the grip does not come close so, I have never driven on them so I cant compare.


For the OP, definitely 15" for the track, 15x7-8 with 225/45's

[Jean]

15x8 with 225/50 v710s for autocross or more track friendly tire if autocross is not your goal.

There are some good wheels/tires in 15" size out there

[Bishop]

So 15s it is, I just have to sell my 17s... As for tires, I've only really considered the Hankook RS3s and the NT01s in 225/45.

[2002maniac]

Nto1, Ra1, or R888 are nice because you can drive on the street with them (don't last long though)

[gverelli]

I would buy the rs-3's, just so they last a bit longer. You can always keep your 17's for daily driving and buy 15" with r-comps for track days??

[7pilot]

Before you spend, I think it would be interesting for you if you could borrow some 15s and try them.

I usually run 225 45 16s on my M3. I switched back to the stock size 205 55 15s which were two BFG touring tyres and two off brand tyres.

I find that I prefer the steering feel on the street with the 15s.

Must be the read from the sidewall flex :)

m

[SkinnyVT]

And Nitto NT01's in a 225/45/15 will suit you well.....

+1, on 15x8's, run them from full tread depth, they aren't the fastest tire out there but they are nice and consistent from start to end.

[priapism]

It feels sluggish on 17s because it's effectively gearing the car up, not to mention the extra unsprung weight they're adding. Bigger wheels mostly serve to clear larger brakes or to accommodate wider tires. If you can still fit the width you want on a smaller size it's generally better to go with that one.

[JRKOUPE]

+1, on 15x8's, run them from full tread depth, they aren't the fastest tire out there but they are nice and consistent from start to end.

w/ a 225/45 15 on a 15 x 8...what offset works best for clearance?....

and isnt 225/45 a wee bit short? , it might force a shift into 5 th where I normally dont....I run 225/50s. Ill do a qwik calculation to see how short.

225/45 shows as 584 mm in diam
225/50 shows as 606..........

thats almost an inch diff.......leading to higher revs...and prolly a bit better turn in due to shorter sidewall.

[Massive Lee]

15" x 8" lightweight rims w/ 225.45.50 NT-01 R compound tires that will last a long time.

[Bishop]

Thanks for all the input guys, it's still between the RS3s and the NT01s based on size and price.

[kuzimmer]

w/ a 225/45 15 on a 15 x 8...what offset works best for clearance?....

et 20 works, I'm running et 16 (et 36 wheel with 20mm spacer) and -2.5 to -3.5 degrees camber without issues.

and isnt 225/45 a wee bit short? , it might force a shift into 5 th where I normally dont....I run 225/50s. Ill do a qwik calculation to see how short.

225/45 help with the gearing and my car seems to accelerate better with the smaller diameter tire.

225/45 shows as 584 mm in diam
225/50 shows as 606..........

thats almost an inch diff.......leading to higher revs...and prolly a bit better turn in due to shorter sidewall.

The turn-in is better, but not dramatically so when comparing 225/50-15 RA-1s to 225/45-15 RA-1s