Why so many 16" wheels for performance?
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2nd Gear
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 74
Likes: 0
Why so many 16" wheels for performance?
I understand they are possibly lighter, cheaper cost, but don't they feel more sloppy on turn in than a 17"?
I ask this because I am looking for a new set of rims, as my Exel E-2's seem to bend a little too easy. They are 17", and I like the look of a 17" wheel, although I have seen some sweet MINI's running 16" wheels with a nice suspension on them.
After one track day, I am totally about getting the car to improve on the track, and maybe learning to autocross as well.
So...should I stick with a 17" wheel, or go to a 16" for some reason? If the 16" is better...that's what I want? Do those Falken Azenis tires take away a lot of that added tire flex because the sidewalls are so stiff?
Thanks for the info in advance, hey help a brother out please!!??
I ask this because I am looking for a new set of rims, as my Exel E-2's seem to bend a little too easy. They are 17", and I like the look of a 17" wheel, although I have seen some sweet MINI's running 16" wheels with a nice suspension on them.
After one track day, I am totally about getting the car to improve on the track, and maybe learning to autocross as well.
So...should I stick with a 17" wheel, or go to a 16" for some reason? If the 16" is better...that's what I want? Do those Falken Azenis tires take away a lot of that added tire flex because the sidewalls are so stiff?
Thanks for the info in advance, hey help a brother out please!!??
3rd Gear
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 169
Likes: 1
From: Oregon
There are many reasons that there are a lot of folks who autoX or track chose 16 over 17. Much of which are from accummulated knowledge from early owners through trail and error. I think 15 and 16 are the preferred choice for autoX due to lightness, which is more important than on the track. Folks usually don't use higher aspect ratio than 45 series so the turn-in with good tires is very good and there is minimal side wall rollover in turns. The gearing ratio however drops anywhere from 3 to 11% which for pre-05 works out well as the lower gears are ratio challenged.
17 or 16 works equally well for track I think. For me I chose 16 due to lightness and lower ride height at the expense of speedo accuracy.
17 or 16 works equally well for track I think. For me I chose 16 due to lightness and lower ride height at the expense of speedo accuracy.
Originally Posted by gavin7777
I understand they are possibly lighter, cheaper cost, but don't they feel more sloppy on turn in than a 17"?
I ask this because I am looking for a new set of rims, as my Exel E-2's seem to bend a little too easy. They are 17", and I like the look of a 17" wheel, although I have seen some sweet MINI's running 16" wheels with a nice suspension on them.
After one track day, I am totally about getting the car to improve on the track, and maybe learning to autocoss as well.
So...should I stick with a 17" wheel, or go to a 16" for some reason? If the 16" is better...that's what I want? Do those Falken Azenis tires take away a lot of that added tire flex because the sidewalls are so stiff?
I have the Azenis Sport in 215/45-16 and there is no side wall rollover to speak of.
Thanks for the info in advance, hey help a brother out please!!??
I ask this because I am looking for a new set of rims, as my Exel E-2's seem to bend a little too easy. They are 17", and I like the look of a 17" wheel, although I have seen some sweet MINI's running 16" wheels with a nice suspension on them.
After one track day, I am totally about getting the car to improve on the track, and maybe learning to autocoss as well.
So...should I stick with a 17" wheel, or go to a 16" for some reason? If the 16" is better...that's what I want? Do those Falken Azenis tires take away a lot of that added tire flex because the sidewalls are so stiff?
I have the Azenis Sport in 215/45-16 and there is no side wall rollover to speak of.
Thanks for the info in advance, hey help a brother out please!!??
6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,244
Likes: 0
From: Speedway
To add to Zociac's response:
Some of the racers are restricted in wheel selection to OEM selections. 15 and 16 are offered OEM "from the factory" for Cooper, while the MCS has 16 and 17 available. Even in these diameters, there are further restrictions in offset.
For a more detailed expaination, visit (Racing & Competition Forum)
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=20464
While the above is for SCCA AutoX Stock classing, similar restrictions reside in other forms (BMWCCA, SCCA ProRoad, etc.)
Some of the racers are restricted in wheel selection to OEM selections. 15 and 16 are offered OEM "from the factory" for Cooper, while the MCS has 16 and 17 available. Even in these diameters, there are further restrictions in offset.
For a more detailed expaination, visit (Racing & Competition Forum)
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=20464
While the above is for SCCA AutoX Stock classing, similar restrictions reside in other forms (BMWCCA, SCCA ProRoad, etc.)
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