I am on a small buying spree for the new car (well new to me) an 88 CRX Si with a B18c. I need to do some suspension mods too but then that is another topic. This is a dedicated track car that still will have a license plate so that I can drive to the track or occasionally play on some back roads. Maybe I will wander into HC racing. What wheel size are people running and why? The car has 14s. Should I go to 15s and why? Would think more rotational weight. I am not going the $$$ panaracer route but something in a team dynamics wheel or something light is what I am looking for. Should I put on spacers? Without spacers what size, offset, etc. With spacers what size offset. I have 195 azenis (aspect I can't remember) but am looking to put on a set of Toyo RA-1s for track work. What tire size/wheel size combo is recommended this particular car? I tried a search first and didn't see a thread on this specifics. TIA.
Barry H.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by apexinghonda &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote"> I tried a search first and didn't see a thread on this specifics. TIA.
Barry H. </TD></TR></TABLE>

The info's out there, but it might be less obvious. The majority of competitive CRX Si's (88-91) will be running 14" wheels because ITA, PS2, and H4 all dictate the 14" size. They are also limited to a 7" wide wheel, which is why you see 14x7's at a premium price. However, 14x6's are plentiful and much cheaper and would be fine for HPDE use (and racing for that matter). 205/55/14 RA1's will fit on those just fine without spacers. 14" tires are cheaper than 15's so I see no reason to run 15's unless they simply don't fit over your brakes.

Spend some more time with the search function and you'll find anything else you need. There has been a LOT of discussion about 14" wheels for these applications, as well as 13" for autocross applications.

 

Thanks. Yeah I just found the thread on the Team Dynamics wheels coming out. I really like that wheel set. I will have to get better at the search function.
Barry H.

 

Barry,

The only real reason to run 15s is if you are planning a brake upgrade. I went with a Fastbrakes kit on the front that requires the larger wheels. I love the brakes, but for gearing, weight, class rules flexibility and general wheel/tire availability on the used market I think I'd still prefer to have 14s.

As for the Team Dynamics wheels, I have the Team Dynamics Pro Race 1s like a lot of the Miata guys run. They are fairly light weight, strong, a good value and (I think) a very nice looking wheel. BUT, they are a total pain in the *** to clean with all those little spokes. More importantly, the spokes extend outside the edge of the rim. This is another PITA because it prevents you from using standard toe plates (like Longacre's) for alignment and it scratches the spokes all to hell if someone sets them on the ground with the spoke-side down, touching the concrete. They look and perform great, but that's just more complexity than I need from a set of wheels.

Thawley

PS: Forgot to mention, the 7" wheel width is the ideal size for a 205/50/14s or 15s if that's what you're gonna run. The ITA/H4 guys all run 205 or 225/50/14s.

 

Hey Thawley, thanks for the heads up on the problems with that wheel set too. I am looking for something reasonably light without killing the wallet too bad. You answered my question on the 15s. Sounds like staying with the 14s may be the ticket. I have not tracked the car enough (20 minutes driving it when the student owned the car) to come to a conclusion on brakes. Seems like I have heard GSR rotors/calipers are an upgrade and if they would fit inside 14s, I will stick with lower rotational weight. Thanks.
Barry H.

 

And if you like a bit of the old school, the Panasport Ultralights are nice. They weigh 11.7 lbs each and have good durability. Besides, many of the CRX's are running this wheel in ITA and H4.

 

Slightly OT, and Im not trying to jack the thread here, but does anyone know where to get Panasports. I need 14x7 wheels ASAP for ITA and I can't find dealers anywhere. TIA.