I want to go to a 18" wheel to get a little more direct steering, and less sidewall flex, but it looks like there will be a 3lb per wheel hit on increased weight (based on what I can afford and the tires I've chosen).

I'm curious if anyone has done the swap and can comment on the better cornering feel vs slower acceleration trade-off on the mini? I'm assuming the unsprung weight loss also affects turn in, directions changes etc.

 

What size are the Sparco wheels? What size tire are you running?

 

I went from 17" to 15" and no regrets they ride so much better, and faster autocross/track times

 

I'd stay with 17 and pick a good summer tire like Michelin PSS or Conti ExtremeContact Sport, assuming you have winter tires/wheels as well for upstate NY.

 

I upgraded to 18 inch and have no regrets. Honestly, I wanted the look of the bigger wheel.

 

Yah the 17 sparcos are holding my winter blizzak lm32's (actually had them left over and they're 225 instead of 205's, but they handle ok. They are my go-to tire for winter. For summer, I'll likely do the michelin pilots sports again, although the sidewall is a bit softer than I like, they have a great compound that holds the road.

What I like most about a rim/tire setup is a low series sidewall for a quick, unwallowing corner turn in. I'm really leaning towards the 18's. I just wanted to make sure that 3lbs per wheel isnt going to significantly impact performance. I may end up with a light oz wheel to negate the difference. I mean, the stock wheels are like 20-22 lbs on some of the styles, so I dont think it will impact me much if I go with a 18lb heel thats 18".

 

it does affect performance, I run 11.6 pound wheels on the autocross & track cars and it's noticeable

I have a set of OZ's and the bend very very easy, all of mine are bent but they dont really vibrate bad enough to replace yet

 

I went down to 15's and noticed performance gains in every aspect. Sure there was more sidewall flex, but the acceleration and grip through the corners due to sticky (not to mention cheap) tires negated that. Also the ride quality on the street increased dramatically.

 

i am on 16's and love it.
Ben

 

Which Oz are those? They must be 16" ?! That means you'll have a few more pounds per wheel in rubber, so what I'm seeing is that the tradeoff with a smaller lighter rim is not really as much as it appears to be.

 

I have 17" on mine now, If I could I'd go smaller. Bigger is a look-smaller is lighter and better performing.

 

17x7 ultraleggera I think, I'll check when I get home

15" is sooo much better my fillings stay in my teeth