Anyone running 17" rims for track use? I am considering a StopTech big brake kit and wanted to see if anyone has any experience tracking 17" rims and the Stop Tech kit for that matter. Also curious on rim availability. Doesn't look like there is a lot of selection on tires though. The Khumo V700 seems to be the only tire available in a 215/40R17.

Any insight would be much appreciated.

Wes

 

Tire selection is the problem. Personally, I don't like such a thin sidewall either.

What are you doing where you need such huge brakes? No 16's will work?

 

I'll echo what Todd00 said. The issue with 17's on a DC chassis is tire sizing. The typical size would have such a thin sidewall and in order to run a "fatter" tire you would need fender work and maybe even spacers. You could run a 17x8 +45ish but still subject to a thin sidewall tire to prevent trailing arm rubbing.

I happen to see a 16" CE28 wheel with massive 13" brakes and a Project Mu calipers tucked behind them recently. Not sure what it took to run that set-up and if there was custom work done though. Looked pretty sweet. There is a Brembo caliper set-up that fits behind a 16" wheel for the DC chassis so that may be an option as well. I mentioned these as it sounds like you would like bigger brakes and that is driving the desire to run 17's. Tire selection for 16's isn't that great either though.

I ran 17x7.5 TE37's back in the day and very much disliked the ride quality due to a thin tire. Swapped to 15x7 for track and 16x7 for street and never looked back.

 

I primarily use the car on the track and am pretty hard on the brakes, so I was considering doing something different. The tire issue (lack of availability) was the driving force for staying away from the 16" rims, and it sounds like the 17s will be the same way unfortunately.

That is correct though - I don't want to run 17" rims other than to allow the room needed to install bigger brakes.

I don't track the car competitively, so sounds like going "bigger" would introduce a bunch of other issues I don't really want to mess with at this point.

Thanks for the comments and feedback!

Wes

 

I believe user eggezy? (Sp) is running 17ss with big brakes. I cannot remember for sure who it is.it was on an eg chassis though.

 

There are plenty of adequate brake setups out there that fit under 15s. I can't imagine you needing anything bigger than 11" rotors for anything with less than 500hp. I've ran ITR calipers and Legend GS calipers on a full weight street GSR and also on a much much lighter RS. You just have to experiment with your pad preference. The larger sidewall will soak up bumps better and are more forgiving with driver error. But most comparisons will show the smaller sidewall being slightly faster. Hope this helps with your decision.

 

Hey Wes,
larger wheels have a lot of advantages but as you already found out, tire selection sucks. I actually was going to 235 tires with low offset wheels for the race car (or track car to be exact since I no longer race). I have B20 Vtec and ATS FD to compensate the larger tire combo. It would rub at full lock but I found that even at 225, there's just not enough tire for a 20-30 session.

 

Didn't Gil run 17x9's on his track car?

 

17s and big brakes far better than 15s any day.Wheels are 7 .5 by 17s with 215 45 17 Toyos.

 

Can you explain why its "better"?

 

Thats almost like having to explain why the world is round and not flat.
I suggest you do some research on brakes and how they work.
My Honda has been a race car from new in 2000.Many klms of development over the years.The fitment of bigger brakes a few years ago made a huge improvement in lap times.

 

I think RTW has a legitimate question, it would be good to hear more about your experience with different brake sizes. Larger diameter, more clamping area, more torque on the axle - all good. But is there a change in heat capacity of the setup when you have more mass? Do you find the increased weight of a larger setup worth the benefit? Do larger wheels give you smaller tire sidewalls and improved stiffness for feel?

It sounds like you have some good knowledge, I'm interested if you'd like to share.

 

^^ Yeah pretty much.

You cant just say "17s and big brakes are far better than 15s any day", and then post a picture. There are A LOT of factors involved in determining proper braking needs and Id like to hear what you have to say since you chimed in and said its far better.

 

I think the ITR braking system is pretty darn good. For track days throw in some race pads, braided lines, slotted rotors, and high temp brake fluid and its good to go.

 

you don't need no stinkin 17" grand touring wheels!

15x8 te37sl w/ alcon calipers w/ 2 piece 11" front rotors here.

zero fade on back-to-back track sessions (40 minutes total) at laguna and sonoma

stock calipers in the rear

 

Holy **** those alcons look like serious business
atc5: do you have any photos of your setup?

 

@atc5 Whats pads are you running?

 

those alcon's are gorgeous!

 

Not sure on pads up front, but I do know the pads have to go cuz they squeal like a pig being gang banged by a colony of fire ants.

The size of pad is standard Brembo spec. I'll have to confirm, but there's a ton of pad availability to fit the alcons.

In the rear I'm running stock ITR calipers carbotech XP20's (most aggro pad they offer I believe) with no lockup or modulation issues.

Those alcons with 11" 2 piece rotors (ICB/Rcrew rotors - the rotor itself is Project Mu and the hat is ICB/Rcrew with fastenal fasteners I believe) have amazing modulation.

Really a pleasure to drive on track and I've put them through their paces quite extensively.

Prior to the alcon's I had the spoon monoblock for DC5 (i had twinblock's a long time ago - I think that was my first caliper upgrade).

here's a shot from the track today:

 

Where did you get them if you don't mind me asking? I couldn't find a DC2R application. I'm guessing those SL are 15x8 +32? Curious about fitment with a 15x7 +42mm and size comparisons to the Spoon twin block

sorry for the threadjack/

 

Call icb if you want a set.

No idea on other wheel fitment.

 

bad ***

 

Totally Agree

 

I like.

Is this an off the shelf kit that rcrew offers?

 

Yes - there are a few of us here in Norcal running this setup.

Contact ICB.

Looks like Checkrd Sports has the kit: http://www.checkerdsports.com/rcrewp.../rcrewBBK.html