I have been reading and searching. Seems like the rule of thumb is to find the smallest wheel that will clear the caliper. Currently using Si/SiR brakes so I believe 14" will be fine, as I am using stock 14" steelies now. But I am in a cross road of picking wheels, new or used matters not but mostly, the size.

I went to the track last year with a set of Racing Sparco N1 14x6 wheel (I think they were 14x6) that had 195 Azenis on them. I sold the wheels later, reason being I thought about going 15x7 with +43 offset. (they were +37 offset) I was afraid if I change the suspension, +37 might rub the fenders hence, I sold them. But then I thought, the spring rates are 16/14, so they should be hard enough during cornering to prevent rubbing. I thought about that after I sold the wheels....

I just got a couple selections on my hand now and one of them is a 14x6 +38 wheel. Weights about 11 - 12lb as the seller claims.

Just wish to consult the experts on this. Many thanks

 

Go with the 15's, if only because the affordable sticky tire for the 14" rim is soon to be gone with the RT-215 (old azenis) being discontinued. Assuming these are street wheels for a mostly street driven car...

 

Tell me where I can find those 14x6's...

K

 

As for tire availablity, I think regular soft compound 14 inches won't be out any time soon.

So, what are some other opinions? I am not racing in any leagues, just paid tracking events.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Nova_Dust &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">So, what are some other opinions? I am not racing in any leagues, just paid tracking events. </TD></TR></TABLE>

205/50/15 Falken, Toyo RA1

Or whatever used r-tire you can get your hands on at $25/ea.... thats what I do toyo, hankook, yokohama, etc.. no matter.

 

I see, so you are suggesting not to use 14x6 but instead, go with 15x7 UNLESS the rule calls for 14x6 only?

 

well used 205/50/15 r-tires are so cheap and easy to get....

 

So your answer is based on price and accessibility, am I correct? That's why you pick 15x7 over 14x6?

 

Correct.

 

mmm... from a functional point of view, smallest wheel to fit the caliper should always apply, is that so?

 

weight, width, and rollout/gearing have an issue as well.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Nova_Dust &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">mmm... from a functional point of view, smallest wheel to fit the caliper should always apply, is that so? </TD></TR></TABLE>

the rule of thumb is smallest dia. to clear caliper, however, if there's no ideal tire size to theoretically fit that wheel, it's a moot search. how you define "ideal" can change, but for the most part i would think a 205/50/15 would be ideal for most honda race cars that weigh 2500lbs or less.

i would recommend the 15x7's since the added inch of rim width will be much better for contact patch size, and the added inch of diameter and 2 lbs of weight probably won't make too much of a difference to moment of inertia.

it's a fairly complex question to dissect, but the bottom line is you'll prob be faster on 15x7's than you would on 14x6.

 

I see. So most people prefer 15x7 as the choice of their track wheel size.

Is there a reason why certain race regulation only allow 14x6?

 

How about 14x7 Borbet Type T with 225/50-15 Hoosier R3S04 tires? I've got six, getting ready to sell 'cause I have this urge to spend a lot of money on something very light...pics at web site in sig...

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Nova_Dust &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">...Is there a reason why certain race regulation only allow 14x6?</TD></TR></TABLE>

That's how it used to be in improved Touring - ITB and ITC required stock diameter, 6" max width; ITA and ITS required stock diameter and 7" width. There are now allowances to go oversize in diamter but the width requirement remains.

K

 

I guess stock wheel size limits the caliper size, which effects the amount of braking power and engine HP rating.