I bet everyone here is getting sick about me asking so much about these damn rims but I got ome more (maybe more to follow).

It looks like I got 2 options right now:

13x8.5 panasports =~$1200
14x8 or 9 Willamette Custom Wheel with OE Honda centers =~$250

This makes me wonder "Can I be nationally competitive on 14x8 rims"? With the $1000 I could put rubber on the rims or get some much needed brake pads. On the otherhand if I can't be competitive on 14x8 then it's wasted money. Don't mention that I could make up any handicaps with driver skill because I know for a fact all the DSP drivers in my region are better drivers then me.

 

I answered this question in your other post.

 

I did OK on 14X7 rims.

Though I would rather had 13X8+ rims ...

 

Not what I wanted to hear! Thanks for the imput

Crosser: Thanks for pointing out the problems in finding a good tire size. That's something I hadn't thought about.

 

Why can't you get 13x8" in the williamette's? Is it a problem fitting over the brakes or something? Cuz lots of people up here (including johng) run them on civics up here.

-Mike

 

I called them and they said it wouldn't clear the calipers. Why is it that one 13" can clear the calipers and none of the others can!


[Modified by Geratol, 8:54 PM 1/16/2002]

 

Yeah...tire sizes are extremely limited in 14".

 

Hrm. In street prepared, could you update/backdate to some smaller brakes to fit under the smaller wheels? Or are only the 3G 'tegs on the same line? In Street Mod you could put on Civic Si brakes, which should be enough for autocross.

-Mike

 

I guess I could back date to smaller calipers but I would rather go 14' then to do that.

 

>>I guess I could back date to smaller calipers but I would rather go 14' then to do that.<<

I know it sounds crazy to do such a thing, but I'd sacrifice a lot to keep my 13's. I'd rather give up 30 hp and put drum brakes all the way around than go with a 15 or 16. IMO, the 13's are worth that much for all the reasons stated above. And while you're at it, you may want to seriously consider 9 inch wide wheels instead of 8's. Ideal would be 9's in front and 8's in back, but if I had to choose, I'd definitely go with the 9's.

 

13's all the way. For all the reasons below.

Also check out the tire selection for 14's. Very spartan. Kuhmo even just introduced a 235/45/13 which is ideal for the small SP cars. There's no 14 equivalent in width (from any MFG) to the best of my knowledge.

 

Well, the 13" are 1) lighter, and 2) give better gearing. So that would be worth, say .5 second on a 1+ minute course? Welcome to 10th place.

However, if your last name was Daddio, the above rule does not apply

 

Daddio managed to stay ahead of me al last year on 14X7 rims. Of course, he is Mark Daddio... There was another Teg that finished right behind me at Nationals and I believe he was on 15s so go figure.

Tire size selection would be my main concern with 14s and the 13s sure do help gearing a LOT.


[Modified by RacerMike, 11:55 AM 1/17/2002]

 

It is a hard thing to use Nationals as an example for times...I was there when Racer Mike and all the other DSP folks were finding out about the WTC bombing. It is not an excuse, but I have to say it messed with everyones head. I do not think it would be a good example to use for comparison.

 

>>It is a hard thing to use Nationals as an example for times...<<

Very true. I think the best comparison is the 2000 nationals. Weather was very nice and very consistent throughout the entire week. AFAIK, there was no rain at all.