Doe's anyone auto cross or do any weekend racing with 18s? I'm wondering if they hurt the performance compared to 17s or stock S-Lites?

 

If you look hard enough, you might find someone autocrossing on 18's. But, if you look at 95% of the fast guys in the stock class, they're on 16's.

I wouldn't run 18's for performance driving. There's just no reason.

 

If all you want is performance buy 15"/16", but size doesn't mean that they weigh more, sure it's a big possibility but not a fact.

 

I think Gabe of motoringfile fame autocrosses on JCW 18's.

If your budget allows for light 18's, go for it! Mine certainly doesn't.

 

my car looks good with 16's...

 

so weight is the number one issue! what's light... 15-20 pounds?

 

I have some 16x6.5 SSR's that are supposedly under 10lbs. With my V710's on them, they don't feel THAT light, but I think most of the weight is in the tire.

 

What do the JCW 18'' wheels weigh?

 

^^ probably 26-27lbs

 

Really, really heavy...

I'm looking at OZ Ultraleggra 18"s at 17lbs apiece

 

My 3 cents: What you lose in performance you gain in style. I autocrossed with my 19's. I'm sure that I would have done better with smaller wheels, but I looked good doing it.

 

I've run 18's at Portland International Raceway without trouble. Ditto Autocross, although I prefer full track events.

Iv'e seen a number of guys witrh JCW wheels out at HPDE days as well. Not trying to win a race though.

autocross would seem to me, to be the biggest affect from a larger rotational mass (assuming you didn't decrease your overall weight, like I did when I switched up a wheel size).

 

I've seen mine on the scale at 22lbs. 3lbs lighter than s-lites but 3-4lbs heavier than most "light" 18" aftermarket wheels. That said they are my spring, summer, fall daily drivers and have offered a good compromise in that they have survived Chicago roads for over a year now without any damage. They do feel fantastic on the track. I do a couple of events a year with them.

If I was buying 18" wheels meant mainly for the track I'd opt for something like a OZ.

 

My 18" Exel rims are pretty light. I drive the car liike I stole it and have had no problems!

 

as far as autocross goes i think your better off with a smaller wider wheel. 16x8 is a nice set up.
18s are more for show i feel.

 

I've autocrossed every oem tire/wheel combination back to back to back. 18's have easily the best feel and the best ultimate grip in the combinations I've experienced. 16's feel more chuckable and make the car seem more eager in the tight stuff. 15's (in standard width) give the car "interesting" handling characteristics at the limit in the wet ( ) but can be had cheap and light.

17's are probably the best price, performance, comfort compromise. Personally I have 18s.

 

oh?

 

Awesome in-put; thanks everyone!

 

I have a new set of OZ 18" Ultralegerras in my garage waiting to be installed. At 16lbs, not bad for an 18" wheel.

 

good point. i can see what your saying. i guess it all comes down to driving style and personal preference. im on 17s myself but, if i was goin to seriously autocross then i would be on 16x8s'.