I have decided to go with SSR Comps in 17" form for my GSR when I go turbo. At the least Im going 17 x 7.5 for all the traction possible. SSR also makes the Comps in 17 x 8. TireRack guys say only the 17 x 7.5 will fit an Integra. But the reps are like robots and just go by their fitment guide on the screen in front of them.

I had previously thought the 17 x 8's were impossible until I saw a red turbo GSR in an issue of SportCompactCar with SSR Comps 17 x 8 (unless it was a misprint).

I would like to go as wide as possible for all the traction I can get. Are the 17 x 8's impossible? Or do they require spacers or an extreme offset? What are some opinions on the 17 x 7.5 vs the 17 x 8?


Modified by Muckman at 11:31 AM 9/3/2003

 

No one has stuffed 17 x 8s on an Integra?

 

How wide a tire are you planning on running? You can't really go much wider than a 205, especially with 17's, and even more so if you're lowered at all. A 7.5" wheel is more than adequate for a 205 tire.

 

You can run a 205 on a 7 inch rim... like I am now on the stock rim.
It wouldnt be smart to buy a wider wheel and only run a puny 205 tire, they would be skinner than the wheel. 7.5 is 225 tire range I believe.

To answer your question, I want as big of a contact as streetably possible so a tire thats as big as possible. Prob 225 range.

Can I run an 8" wheel on a Teg?

 

You will net zero additional traction from going to a wider tire and the weight penalty isn't worth it.

A 16x7 would be a much wiser choice.

Cheers,
Roy

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Muckman &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">You can run a 205 on a 7 inch rim... like I am now on the stock rim.
It wouldnt be smart to buy a wider wheel and only run a puny 205 tire, they would be skinner than the wheel. 7.5 is 225 tire range I believe.

To answer your question, I want as big of a contact as streetably possible so a tire thats as big as possible. Prob 225 range.

Can I run an 8" wheel on a Teg?</TD></TR></TABLE>

That's what I was trying to say. A 225 or wider tire isn't necessarily going to be beneficial for you. You'll most likely run into clearance issues, and the steering would no doubt be less "direct". I would stick with a 215 or smaller, in which case an 8" wide wheel is overkill. Stick with a 7" wheel, IMO.

 

Ok let me clarify a few things. I choose 17s over 16s bc I wanted fill up the wheel well more. Weight is NOT my primary concern because:
1.) The SSR Comps in 17 x 7.5 weigh 13.0lbs - still 3.3lbs lighter than my stock GSR Swirls. 15x6
2.) Im going to have enough power, not to give two ***** about shaving that extra hundreth, Id rather have it look better and turn up the boost more.

How can you say a wider tire will not benefit me when I plan on running 400whp? Traction is my #1 priority.



Modified by Muckman at 5:21 PM 9/3/2003

 

That's not what I'm saying. I'm aware of the SSR Comp's weight. What I'm saying is that you're going to have clearance issues running a 225 or *gasp* wider tire, especially combined with a 17" wheel and the fact that you're no doubt lowered at least slightly. I'm sure it can be made to work, but you might have to roll your fenders some.

 

The amount of traction available is dependent on 2 things:
1. The coefficient of friction between the tire and the road
2. The weight (or load) placed upon the wheel.

The size of the contact patch has nothing to do with it as that is dependent on the weight placed upon it and the pressure inside the tire. You can go to a bigger tire, and your contact patch will remain the same size, you are only changing the shape. The only way to increase the size of the patch is to increase the weight or decrease the air pressure.

Your patch will go from squarish to rectangularish but have the same area. A different shape will get you better turn in response and be more prone to hydroplaning. No extra traction.

Cheers,
Roy

 

That sucks.

Are you saying the same compound tire in 15x3 @ 30psi will have the same contact patch as 15 x 8 @ 30psi and will thus yeild the same amount of traction?

 

In thoery, yes. In practice, such a large difference may show a small difference due to the fact that a 15x3 is such an extreme example. Only an actual test would bear the truth on that one.

It would also be unsafe, as the load carrying capacity would be drastically reduced and probably not safe to actually drive on.

The reason cars that have wide, low profile wheels (aka Viper for instance) is load carrying capacity. With only a 35 sidewall, there isn't enough air to safely support the car so it needs to be wider.

Cheers,
Roy

 

I dont know if I buy that.


Modified by Muckman at 5:30 PM 9/3/2003

 

Look at it this way, using Kumho 712's as an example. The number at the end of these 4 tires is the tires load index number:

195/45R15 78V
195/50R15 82H
195/50R15 82V
195/55R15 85V

for the same sized wheel, as the sidewall profile decreases (air volume decreasing), the load carrying capacity of the tire decreases.

Stepping all the way up to a 205/40R17 gets you a load index of 80W, which is a bit low. The only way to make that closer to stock is to widen the tire and going to a 215/40R17 which carries a load index of 83W.

So, on a larger car, the only way to get the load index higher is to widen the tire. You could also increase air pressure, but you can only go so far with that and be safe.

Cheers,
Roy

 

I personally would not suggest larger rims for your GSR.
1. Do to the fact that you have a hi-reving vtec engine you want to have a smaller wheel to help keep the power band up
2. A 13 inch wheel would be more practical for your car - especially if you are going the boosted route.
3. Smaller wheels will increase your low-end torque & give you faster quarter mile times
4. If you want traction go with Nitto Drag Radials (my .02 cents)

Only advantage I can see of larger wheels is filling up the fender walls.

I don't mean to knock your plan with the 17s, b/c i think they look very nice on cars. But if you are basically making a drag car then you should think performance over glam. Especially if you are going to turbo your car. I would consider full suspension as #1 priority.