but with wider wheels and tires on the Track = better handling...

 

True on the Polar moment, but the majority of the weight on the OEM 18"s is the 32lb tire. Since the overall diameter is the same, the OEM wheel feel heavier when rolling.

It is minimal, but I swear I felt a difference in straight line acceleration when I put the TE37's on.

 

that may be true for your case, but here the tire is only 1 lb difference, its all going to be a per car basis whether you see a change or not depending on the wheel you go to/from