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HPDE Track Wheels, 15x6.5 or 15.7?

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Old Nov 18, 2004 | 04:41 PM
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Default HPDE Track Wheels, 15x6.5 or 15.7?

What is everybody's impressions on the difference in 15x6.5 and 15x7 for a set of dedicated track wheels? I can get a set of Rota Slips in 15x6.5 5x114.3 for $360.00. The Rota 15x7 H-T group buy sounds like it is going to take a while to come thru, and spares may be an issue if you bend/break one.

My other alternative is a set of 5zigen FN01R-C's. I know they are forged, and stronger, but they cost almost twice as much. That's a set of Azenis...

Can anyone really tell a difference in performance between the two sizes? It's not like I am racing Honda Challenge, just track days
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Old Nov 18, 2004 | 04:45 PM
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Default Re: HPDE Track Wheels, 15x6.5 or 15.7? (ITR Motorsports)

15 by 7 is better because you will have a more square wheel and tire combo when you use 205 width tires. This will mean less sidewall flexing and shifting and it will make the handling more predictable and consistent.
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Old Nov 18, 2004 | 04:55 PM
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Default Re: HPDE Track Wheels, 15x6.5 or 15.7? (jdmspoonitr)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by jdmspoonitr &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">15 by 7 is better because you will have a more square wheel and tire combo when you use 205 width tires. This will mean less sidewall flexing and shifting and it will make the handling more predictable and consistent.</TD></TR></TABLE>

15x7 for certain, and yes as your tires get wider you will notice the difference with turn in.

But don't limit yourself to just 205/50/15's. For certain start out with the Azenis but keep your mind open to eventually go to R compounds. And many good R compounds come in 225/45/15. Where am I going with this you may ask? Well, you can usually find a good to great deal on slightly to used R comps just off of the Honda Challenge series cars for less to alot less than brand new ones.

Just some things to think about and keep in the back of your head when you make your decision.

As well, you don't need super blingin wheels, Kosei's used or new are just fine and usually affordable new or even more affordable used.
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Old Nov 18, 2004 | 05:04 PM
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IMO it depends on what tires you plan on using.

For 205, I would recommend 6.5". The wheel would be lighter and the tire would sit most squared. You can mount a 205 tire on a 7" wheel and the contact patch would increase. But you would also be stretching the sidewall a little bit and the tire would more likely roll on the sidewall in hard corners.

for 215 or 225, 7" hands down. So it really depends on what you plan on doing in a long run.
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Old Nov 18, 2004 | 05:16 PM
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Default Re: HPDE Track Wheels, 15x6.5 or 15.7? (1GreyTeg)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by 1GreyTeg &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

15x7 for certain, and yes as your tires get wider you will notice the difference with turn in.

But don't limit yourself to just 205/50/15's. For certain start out with the Azenis but keep your mind open to eventually go to R compounds. And many good R compounds come in 225/45/15. Where am I going with this you may ask? Well, you can usually find a good to great deal on slightly to used R comps just off of the Honda Challenge series cars for less to alot less than brand new ones.

Just some things to think about and keep in the back of your head when you make your decision.

As well, you don't need super blingin wheels, Kosei's used or new are just fine and usually affordable new or even more affordable used.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Appreciate the advise, from everyone for that matter.

Fortunately, I just found the link for the Speedmaster wheels for sale at Team Orange. $320.00 shipped, cant go wrong. Ordering tomorrow as long as they still have stock.

http://www.teamorangeracing.com

I am now convinced that 15x7 is the way to go.

You moved on to another topic which I have interest in. 225/45/15 R comps on 15x7 with 38'offset, will they rub in hard cornering???
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Old Nov 18, 2004 | 05:55 PM
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Default Re: HPDE Track Wheels, 15x6.5 or 15.7? (ITR Motorsports)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by ITR Motorsports &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
225/45/15 R comps on 15x7 with 38'offset, will they rub in hard cornering???</TD></TR></TABLE>

Usually, yes.

You can mitigate the problem by staying close to OEM ride height, using heavy springs, introducing camber, and rolling the rear fenders under.



With 500# springs and Koni yellows, +38 15x7 and Toyo RA1 205 would rub on the rear of my car in certain turns. In that case, just rolling the fenders under solved the problem.
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Old Nov 18, 2004 | 06:02 PM
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Default Re: (Wai)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Wai &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">IMO it depends on what tires you plan on using.

</TD></TR></TABLE>
he mentioned the azenis so in that sense, 15 x 7 hands down.
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Old Nov 18, 2004 | 07:18 PM
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Default Re: HPDE Track Wheels, 15x6.5 or 15.7? (ITR Motorsports)

Your not going to be using R compounds on your first HPDE are you?

Stick with the tires that you normally use everyday for your first event, You know how they work and that's one less guess on a track you have to worry about.
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Old Nov 19, 2004 | 10:13 AM
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Default Re: HPDE Track Wheels, 15x6.5 or 15.7? (ITR Motorsports)

15x7 for sure, you'll love em

Just a heads up, the FN01R-C is cast, the FN01R is forged but big $$$.
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Old Nov 19, 2004 | 10:33 AM
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Default Re: HPDE Track Wheels, 15x6.5 or 15.7? (Chris93Si)

I second that you should stick to street tires. Actually my instructor said that it would be smart to stay with street tires until in HPDE 3 or 4.

Why you ask?

Because if you are running sticky tires in the beginning, you won't learn much. The sticky tires will save your *** every time. Even if you are taking the wrong line and are jerky they will save you and you will think you are king **** til it's too late and you crash your car.

The best way to learn in the beginning is on street tires, because you have to pay more attention to the car and you have to be smoother. Once you start out driving the tires, then it might be time for a change. But for that to happen you would need to be going fast enough to over heat the street tires, which is difficult to do when you are just starting out.

Besides that they are cheaper tires.
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Old Nov 19, 2004 | 02:39 PM
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Default Re: HPDE Track Wheels, 15x6.5 or 15.7? (jdmspoonitr)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by jdmspoonitr &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">...if you are running sticky tires in the beginning, you won't learn much. The sticky tires will save your *** every time. Even if you are taking the wrong line and are jerky they will save you and you will think you are king **** til it's too late and you crash your car.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Some of us have seen scary sights from R-comps mounted on stock suspensions. The grippiness of the tyres can really jack up a suspension in a way that will heighten the chances of a rollover if there's a sideways off course excursion.

If you're just starting out, definitely stick with DOT street tyres. Azenis are good.

I'd generally advise people to wait 'til they're being shoved into Group 3 before investing in R compound tyres.

I'm sorry, guys, it never occurred to me to find out if he was a beginner or not. We still don't know, really.
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Old Nov 19, 2004 | 06:28 PM
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Default Re: HPDE Track Wheels, 15x6.5 or 15.7? (George Knighton)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by George Knighton &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

Some of us have seen scary sights from R-comps mounted on stock suspensions. The grippiness of the tyres can really jack up a suspension in a way that will heighten the chances of a rollover if there's a sideways off course excursion.

If you're just starting out, definitely stick with DOT street tyres. Azenis are good.

I'd generally advise people to wait 'til they're being shoved into Group 3 before investing in R compound tyres.

I'm sorry, guys, it never occurred to me to find out if he was a beginner or not. We still don't know, really.</TD></TR></TABLE>


Once again, thanks for the info....

I ran 1 HPDE event, level 1, with NASA this year at VIR North Course July 30 weekend. As my instructor put in my log book, "in normal circumstances I would not suggest graduating a new student to level two, but in this case I would because James is fast, safe, and runs the right line".

That said, I know that I am far from being an expert, but there is a huge difference in each students driving skill in HPDE1. There are some people out there that don't have a clue.

I plan on running the Falken Azenis 205/50/15 next year. I tracked my car with the original Bridgestone RE010's! I've only got 7000 total miles on my 2000 ITR today. I do not plan on running R comps anytime in the near future, but wanted to know more info, as I may want to run them in the future.

Still waiting to find out availability on the speedmaster wheels. If they have remaining stock, I will post a thread
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Old Nov 19, 2004 | 10:26 PM
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Default Re: HPDE Track Wheels, 15x6.5 or 15.7? (ITR Motorsports)

I'm glad you don't have plans to run the Rcomps yet. I have two years of HPDEs and next year I'll be trying the Rcomps and I have been told that I am a very good driver and know my car very well. I'm nervous about using them next season, but there is only one way to get over the fear, try...

I strongly sugest that you use the azenis for as many track events as possible, they are forgiving and MUCH cheaper to use then R comps.

Basically what I'm saying is learn your car to the most before you start making modifications to it. One HPDE is nothing in the world of tracking your car.
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Old Nov 20, 2004 | 04:46 AM
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Default Re: HPDE Track Wheels, 15x6.5 or 15.7? (Bbasso)

Basically what I'm saying is learn your car to the most before you start making modifications to it. .[/QUOTE]

I agree 100%. One HPDE is nothing in the world of tracking your car. Still much to learn.

My suspension is 100% stock, and will stay that way at least for 05'.

The best news that I have is that Team Orange still has those Speedmaster wheels. I just ordered a set. I do not know how many sets they have remaining, but suggested they post a thread in the classifieds here.

I saw that George stated that he has 15x7, 38' offset, and had rubbing with the 205's Toyos. His suspension is not stock though, and I dont know what his overall ride height is. Wondering if I'll have to roll the fenders in for clearance with the 205/50/15 Azenis?

Everyone with 15x7 wheels running 38' offset, or more?
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Old Nov 20, 2004 | 05:06 AM
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Default Re: HPDE Track Wheels, 15x6.5 or 15.7? (ITR Motorsports)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by ITR Motorsports &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
My suspension is 100% stock, and will stay that way at least for 05'.

I saw that George stated that he has 15x7, 38' offset, and had rubbing with the 205's Toyos. His suspension is not stock though, and I dont know what his overall ride height is. Wondering if I'll have to roll the fenders in for clearance with the 205/50/15 Azenis?
</TD></TR></TABLE>

When I experienced rubbing (enough to throw smoke in some high-G manoeuvres), the car had 500# springs in the rear and sat lower than it does now.

The car is at 750# springs in the rear and is at stock ride height, corner weighted. We would not experience the problem at this height with these springs.

With the Spoon 16x7 +45 wheels and stock suspension, there was no contact with the fender lip.

That's all the information I have, and it might not be enough for you to decide if +38 with Azenis will rub the fender lip. Sorry...

It seems to me I remember seeing several people with 15x7 Kosei and 205 Azenis on stock suspensions at NASA Virginia (oops NASA Mid Atlantic) events. I'd probably give it a go.
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Old Nov 20, 2004 | 05:08 AM
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Default Re: HPDE Track Wheels, 15x6.5 or 15.7? (George Knighton)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by George Knighton &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">It seems to me I remember seeing several people with 15x7 Kosei and 205 Azenis on stock suspensions at NASA Virginia (oops NASA Mid Atlantic) events. I'd probably give it a go.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Those wheels suck, George. I don't know what it is about them, but they just don't "feel" right at speed. The Stern Aguzze(s) that I have feel much better. I know a lot of folks use them and like them, but I just didn't feel that good with them on.

Hopefully, I'll be able to afford some Volks before next season
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Old Nov 20, 2004 | 05:12 AM
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Default Re: HPDE Track Wheels, 15x6.5 or 15.7? (Jason Franza)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Jason Franza &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

Those wheels suck, George. I don't know what it is about them, but they just don't "feel" right at speed. The Stern Aguzze(s) that I have feel much better. I know a lot of folks use them and like them, but I just didn't feel that good with them on.
:</TD></TR></TABLE>

Is there a way you can describe the feeling so I know what you mean a little better?

Are they true? One of mine has a slight bend after a couple of seasons, and the guy doing the balancing has to care about what he's doing.
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Old Nov 20, 2004 | 03:13 PM
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Default Re: HPDE Track Wheels, 15x6.5 or 15.7? (Jason Franza)

Jason, could you please explain that, Curious minds want to know.
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Old Nov 20, 2004 | 03:39 PM
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Default Re: HPDE Track Wheels, 15x6.5 or 15.7? (Bbasso)

I havent had any problems with my K1's. The ' feel' fine, they're round

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by George Knighton &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Some of us have seen scary sights from R-comps mounted on stock suspensions.</TD></TR></TABLE>



<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">If you're just starting out, definitely stick with DOT street tyres. Azenis are good.
</TD></TR></TABLE>

This is kind of a contradiction I see presented quite a bit. "Dont get R-tires..... but get the street tire thats as close to resembling an R-tire if you can"
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Old Nov 20, 2004 | 03:46 PM
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Default Re: HPDE Track Wheels, 15x6.5 or 15.7? (.RJ)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by .RJ &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">This is kind of a contradiction I see presented quite a bit. "Dont get R-tires..... but get the street tire thats as close to resembling an R-tire if you can"</TD></TR></TABLE>

I understand. To my point of view, Azenis are close to a hybrid compound, but really very far from an R compound's performance.

They're good, but they're hardly Hoosiers.

When pushed, Azenis tend to overheat, get greasy, and howl like hell.

There's lots of warning before they actually send you into the weeds.
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Old Nov 20, 2004 | 03:46 PM
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Default Re: HPDE Track Wheels, 15x6.5 or 15.7? (George Knighton)

Falkens arent that much slower than old, heat cycled hankooks/toyos
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Old Nov 20, 2004 | 03:48 PM
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Default Re: HPDE Track Wheels, 15x6.5 or 15.7? (.RJ)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by .RJ &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Falkens arent that much slower than old, heat cycled hankooks/toyos</TD></TR></TABLE>

I'm not sure, but didn't you just prove the point?
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Old Nov 20, 2004 | 03:50 PM
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Default Re: HPDE Track Wheels, 15x6.5 or 15.7? (George Knighton)

Well, old head cycled toyos and hankooks are less forgiving, but my point was that the performance envelope of falkens is still pretty damn good and a complete novice would be better suited with a bit less grip, although falkens are not a bad choice and falkens on an ITR is a very easy to drive solution. I ran all weekend @ shenandoah on falkens and never really felt the urge to put the toyos on, they just work.
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Old Nov 20, 2004 | 03:52 PM
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Default Re: HPDE Track Wheels, 15x6.5 or 15.7? (.RJ)

I see.

I think we're actually within 1/2 point of agreeing...not much difference of opinion.

Remember those awful Michelins Sebastien was always collecting?
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Old Nov 20, 2004 | 03:54 PM
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Default Re: HPDE Track Wheels, 15x6.5 or 15.7? (George Knighton)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by George Knighton &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Remember those awful Michelins Sebastien was always collecting?</TD></TR></TABLE>

Haha, yes... I seem to remember he was on dunlop SP5000's for a while too. Loud as all hell on track, he was still pretty damn quick with them.
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