I am sure this has been topic has been posted several times- however, I did a search and didn't locate anything.

I am either going with the 15"or 16" rota circuit 8s. Give me some pros and cons about going with either setup (more tire selection etc..). I am also curious how much the 16" Azenis (205s) weigh in comparison to their 15" counterpart.

Thanks for the help.

 

15" is lighter in weight, both for the tire are the rim of the same given width.

 

There's a lot better tire selection in 15". The only 16" Azenis in 205 width are 205/55/16, which are too tall. The 205/50/15 will fit your car a lot better.

Since you've got an engine swap, you'll be running in Street Mod and can go with DOT racing tires, so you might want to consider getting dedicated competition wheels and tires.

 

Thanks for the input. So, 15s would be the choice to go with. I am definitely going with a set of race tires down the road. Should I still stay with the 15s for that as well, or get 16s?

I am in a very competitive class, and street tires in SM just isn't cutting it. Of course, the driving could always improve : ).

 

For race tires, you generally want the lightest and shortest combo you can fit over your brakes.

If you have stock brakes, you can fit 13x7 or 13x8 wheels (13x8 might stick out of the fender, which is ok for autox but not for track or street). If you plan to use 225 width Hoosiers, 13x8 is a good choice. If you plan to use narrower Kumhos, then 13x7 will be adequate.

Of course, some cars do not like super short tires/wheels because of particular gearing in the transmission (tires too short makes them shift to 3rd on some courses). I think some of the Subarus have this trait, but most Honda/Acuras seem to use 13s if they fit.

 

There is also a 215/45/16 Azenis which is slightly taller than stock, but is another option if you choose the 16 in. rims.