from what i gather reading on here and other forums, 15's are pretty much the best all around sized rim to get. i am planning on doing auto crossing this year. But also just alot of city and HWY driving. i am debating on getting 15's or 16's. tire size i am also wondering about.. if they are 15's should i get 195 50 15 or 205 50 15 then with 16's what size should i get for tires?

thanks

 

Stick to 15's for track use, along with 205/50/15 tires.

Andy, who 's going faster than guys on 225's on his puny little 205's.

 

If these are dual use (street+track), then 15 is a good size for most Civics/Tegs. One thing to look into is tire selection, some of the stickiest tires have limited sizes, so be sure the tire of choice is available in whatever rim size you want.

Another thing to consider is car classification. SCCA requries stock size wheels in the stock classes. But, if you are running STS or SP, 15s will be ok.

Definetely go with 205s.

 

How much on average does a 15" racing wheel weigh?????? thanks anyone.....!

 

Anywhere from 8 to 14lbs. OEM alloy 15s tend to be in the 15-18lb range. I think the Kosie K1s are about 13lbs and a pretty good value for what you get. Rota Slipstreams are about 12lbs and similar price to the Kosei. The 8lb wheels tend to be ultra-expensive multi-piece things - not worth the money unless you are determined to win or have a sponsor.

 

usually between 9-15 lbs, depending on the width and the material. As the weight goes down, the strength usually goes down too, and the price goes up.

*edit* damn, in one minute behind the monkey. must...smoke...more...crack...must...keep...up...w ith...monkey...


[Modified by ITR#231, 9:46 PM 1/2/2002]

 

...as I'm finding out the hard way. I'd like to get some Falkens when my current tires wear out, but I need 205/45/16, and they don't come in that size (yet). Maybe later this year I should just get a set of dedicated track tires in 16"... and some 15x6.5 Slipstreams with Falkens for the street...and maybe some winter tires on the stock rims. Gonna need to clear some junk out of the garage to store all these wheels and tires.

 

So does going to a 15" racing wheel from a 17" monster make a big difference in hp? thanks....

 

No, not per say, it is a matter of rotational mass and inertia. Corey explained this really well one day. Cut a piece of string 2 foot long and tie a rock on the end of it. Try and spin it in a circle and notice the forces involved in getting it up to speed, maintaining that speed, and lowering that speed.
Now take 6" or 1' of string away and do the same thing. There is less force from you involved in rotating the rock. Same concept with wheels. It also changes gearing and acceleration.