I’ll be in the market for new wheels in the next few months and just starting my research. I plan on keeping the staggered fitment due to my noob-track skills. I’m shooting for an 18” 8.5 up front and 9.5in the rear, yet to determine tire size. I do see guys going as wide as 9.5 up front and 10.5 in the rear, would this be for looks or does the larger and heavier wheel have a performance advantage?

 

More rubber = more grip.

 

I have 10.5 up front.

I don't track so my coment is pretty useless

 

Jeez! 10.5 upfront!! pics please what about the rear? Fenders rolled all around?

 

What club do you race with?
Does the club have wheel restrictions?
These wheels are for street and road course and autocross?

 

offset is +18

I've known a few guys who have tracked on 18x10.5 +15 RPF-1 square set-ups

 

yup. cornering traction comes from big meats up front for sure.

Square set up would be key. very nicely done btw.. nice to see too.

 

damn jduet. that chett is cleeeaaannnnnnaaahhhh

 

These will be for HPDE about 4-5 times a year may be a little autocross to fine tune my skills . The car is a daily driver.

 

It is an interesting question. Wider wheels usually means heavier wheels. Heavier wheels mean more unsprung weight/rotating mass which is not good. So, if going to wider wheels means only a pound or two per wheel, probably worth it but if you are gaining 4, 5, 6 pounds or more per wheel, then you probably really want to gauge how much tire you need.

Just my .02.

 

Be realistic. Who attends HPDE 5 times/year? Figure $250/day. You will do as much racing in 2011 as you did in 2010.

 

I'm tracking on the aformentioned 18x10.5 +15 RPF1's w/275/35's f&r, no rub for me with 12k springs. Doooooo eeeet! Lol

 

Minimum of 9 inch front wheel, then you don't have to upgrade for 275's. Then 10.5's with 275's all around is pointless when you can easily get away with 9's or 9.5's that will be lighter.

 

Thanks for the info all. I wont be doing the upgrade for a while but your input has been noted. Thanks again.

 

Sorry I'm confused by your comment as I have not done any racing or intend to do so. I'm shooting for my first HPDE event in December and seen some ranging from $95.00 and above, I belive five times a year is reasonable. The one in December I mentioned is listed for $250.00 with an instructor which appears to be of good value,check it out; http://www.buttonwillowraceway.com/

All the best.

 

Not sure what you are trying to say here?????????????????

 

I am also trying to understand this? We have plenty of people who attend out 5-8 events a year and then some.

Plus it's closer to $250 a weekend on the east coast.

 

Dont mind him.........he has 36K of worthless ***umption post that make him simply that.......an azz.......

-J

 

OP, i completely agree with this......

9in has been an overall great wheel size for the Z..........

Moreso on drifting, but still pertinent:
going wider you must be on point with offset, or use the addition of spacers to ensure a proper offset to avoid Compression arm contact with the inner rim lip...
shown here:


either way, i see this with peeps that come over and have really wide wheels up front...

Steering Rack:
the factory steering rack has to work harder......I see everyone with leaking racks that run really wide rims.....its known the end seal isnt all that great, but doing 10.5's up front kills it quicker..

plus like already mentioned a 9" can be lighter wheel...

-J

 

Agreed. I was doing at least 10-15 plus Auto-X in between. And, you usually have to do more than that if you compete in NASA or RedLine Time Attack. Whatever...