Any drawbacks to running a smaller wheel at the track?

[rcl1221]

I drive an NA KA 240. I've been running 17x9.5 wheels at the track, but I'm looking to go to a 16x8.5 setup this season.

Will turn in be softer due to the increased sidewall?

How is tire availability with 16s? Seems like 17+ has more available these days.


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[freeagent3117]

it really depends on the size tires your gonna be running. The same sidewall tire on a 16 or 17 wont really matter if the tire sizes are the same. ex:205/40/16 vs 205/40/17 it would only change the speed per revolution. fatter sidewall would have less response and more flex. just my o2.....

[fliprayzin240sx]

I drive an NA KA 240. I've been running 17x9.5 wheels at the track, but I'm looking to go to a 16x8.5 setup this season.

Will turn in be softer due to the increased sidewall?

How is tire availability with 16s? Seems like 17+ has more available these days.


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If you're worried about having more sidewall, get tires that has stiff sidewalls. What tires are you looking on running to begin with? Personally, I'm partial to running Dunlop Star Specs up front. Advantage of running smaller rims is less weight...lets it easier to kick the rear end loose.

[rcl1221]

I'm talking about roadcourse days. When drifting, I already use 16s in the rear as drift spares.

Looking around, not a lot of choice for sticky 16in tires. I'd try my best to keep the same rolling diameter.

[fliprayzin240sx]

I'm talking about roadcourse days. When drifting, I already use 16s in the rear as drift spares.

Looking around, not a lot of choice for sticky 16in tires. I'd try my best to keep the same rolling diameter.

If you want sticky tires, R-comps are the way to go. I was gonna say Nitto NT01s but they only got one size for 16s (245/50-16). Thats too wide for 8.5j. Hankook Z214 are the next best choice since its fairly cheap compared to Hoosiers or Kumhos.

[mr.man.performance]

Agreed on the slim tire selection, especially compared to 17's and 18's. If you already have your suspension setup the way you like it, I don't think changing wheel size down will make any real positive impact.

If the tire widths and profiles and wheel widths are the same, going down an inch will reduce steering feedback due to a reduced scrub radius. Personally, I like having a very tangible steering feel. As far as the characteristics of the car is concerned, not much will change at all besides a different speed:wheel rotation ratio.

[mr.man.performance]

Also dependent on offset and camber. What are you looking to achieve? What don't you like about the 17's?