Getting the car ready for the track, just wanted to know if it would be better to run 4 14" rims or run 14"rims on the front and just leave the 16"rims on the back?
I assume drag racing
i would run 4 14" rims when I hit the track with 16"s in the rear I ran consistently slower times. My only guess was because of the larger wheels in the back...
I can't say for sure tho.. but I'd rather just run 14s all around to be certain
Weight is most important here. The rear wheels just need to turn so if the tire height is the same, you want whichever is lighter. 14" steelies probably weigh more than stock 16" alloys, but toss them on a scale just to be sure.
If they're about the same, go with the 14's since most of the weight will be closer to the hub.
Yea I would go for the 14's, I tried to run 15" alloys at the track one day cause I thought i'd get more traction... I did off the line but the extra rotating mass KILLED my top end... it was like my car tripped at about the 1/8th & couldnt' get back up, LOL... put back on the 14's & ran .5 if not a second faster than the 15's
http://www.motortopia.com/cavyfreak442/cars
Best ET to Date: 14.251 @ 98.51 mph. 13's or Bust Baby!
Wild Weasel wrote:Weight is most important here. The rear wheels just need to turn so if the tire height is the same, you want whichever is lighter. 14" steelies probably weigh more than stock 16" alloys, but toss them on a scale just to be sure.
If they're about the same, go with the 14's since most of the weight will be closer to the hub.
I agree with WW on this one, definitely! Lighter is better in this case. If they happen to be smaller diameter, even better.
Semi-related, but fyi...the steelies that came stock on base Miatas (the other car) were a good 7lbs heavier per corner than the typical alloys on higher trim levels. At least that was the case for most of the non-special-edition models from 90-97. Something similar is likely true for our j-cars as well.
As implied, weight of the tire (taking traction level into account, of course) and outside diameter (this can alter your gearing & shift points) can also play important roles in your track times.
Have you seen the turbo wagon?
13.90 @ 105.46mph
street tires
rough tune
keep in mind the only problem with 14" wheels is not many specialty tires are offered in 14" diameters
if you can get yourself a nice set of strong, lightweight 15" rims you'll be in great shape.
keep in mind, 15s will not clear big brakes tho so ask yourself if drag racing is truly what you want to do.
