questions about going Forged

[mp5build2013]

Actually using skinnier and smaller diameter tire/wheels accelerates you quicker...

Really? how do you figure? i mean you may be correct but, i think its the other way around.
For example: take a 18" tire and a 16" tire. mark them both and roll them both exactly 10 times and stop on the marks again, the 18" tire will be farther than the 16" tire will.

 

[tweety2300]

Smaller and lighter are better. Why else would all the drag civics run slicks on 13s instead of 16s

And then dragsters use the small skinny front wheels for a reason

 

[mp5la]

It's true, the lighter the better. It reduces unsprung weight. Drag racers run the smallest diameter wheel they can fit over their brakes. The rears are just generally fatter to provide traction.

 

[mp5build2013]

Can i get an example at least?? i am really looking into wheels myself and "drag racers use them" isint a very great explanation. I understand how lighter is better... but how is SMALLER better? Im probably going with 17's and my current 205/40 tire profile i like it

 

[tweety2300]

From a 40-100 mph run it made a 1.5 car difference going from stock 195-60-15 to 215-45-17 wheels on a 1.8t golf.As in with stock wheels it he pulled a car length on me, after swapping to bigger wheels I pulled 1/2 a car on him. They were about the same weight maybe a lb or so off

Going from a heavy 14" wheel to a light 15" wheel on my 323 didn't make any difference at all

I will edit this soon since its breaking forum rules

 

[mp5build2013]

From a 40-100 mph run it made a 1.5 car difference going from stock 195-60-15 to 215-45-17 wheels on a 1.8t golf.As in with stock wheels it he pulled a car length on me, after swapping to bigger wheels I pulled 1/2 a car on him. They were about the same weight maybe a lb or so off

Going from a heavy 14" wheel to a light 15" wheel on my 323 didn't make any difference at all

I will edit this soon since its breaking forum rules

hmm i see.. well since made no difference at all, i guess im fine going with some 17's i like how they fit the wheel wells when dropped about 1.9" ill deff. try to get some light ones.. any material suggestion?

 

[tweety2300]

You're going to pay a good amount for lightweight rims. As in over $1,000 for just rims plus tires which 215-45-17 will run you a decent amount

 

[Tamn]

Really? how do you figure? i mean you may be correct but, i think its the other way around.
For example: take a 18" tire and a 16" tire. mark them both and roll them both exactly 10 times and stop on the marks again, the 18" tire will be farther than the 16" tire will.

Larger tire/wheels are heavier, it takes more power to get them started rolling. Also they are geared higher since essentially they work as gears. Everyone knows higher the gear the slower the acceleration from a start.

Skinnier tires have smaller contact patches with the road, which means less rolling resistance and friction.

If rules allow all dragsters would use the smallest front wheels they can if RWD. Only reason rears are bigger is because its too easy to light up small tires with lots of power. If they could get traction using smalls would be even faster.

Going from a heavy 14" wheel to a light 15" wheel on my 323 didn't make any difference at all

I would assume that the smaller "gearing" of the 14" wheels offset whatever weight loss you gained by going to 15" when considering acceleration.