To start, I fully understand that having a wider track is better for performance. The main question I have is with the low offset wheels that people use, which on our car causes the tires to stick way out of the fenders and cause drag. I saw some pics of maxrev's new setup a few days ago and have been thinking about it since. Going completely from memory, seems like he used to have 17x9 +63 non-staggered, and now he's moved to 17x9 +40 or +45 or so. That's almost a 2" gain in track width, but the tires now stick way out and there has to be some serious aerodynamic downfall to this setup. So basically, which has the bigger benefits, narrower track and better aero or wider track and more drag?

I guess I already know the answer to this... keep widening the track til drag becomes great enough that lap times decrease, just like wing setup, just felt like rambling and making a post about it. Just got off a 13-hour work shift and need to go to bed, sorry if something doesn't make sense.

Hopefully this will stay in the R&C forum, I don't expect I'll get the answers I want in the wheel and tire section.

 

pics were easier to find than i expected

17x9 +63


17x9 +40

 

I am interested to see what people think??

 

depends on the track!

 

If you look close at the front fender of the +40 you will see that it is extreemly flared... lots of modifications to fit that offset, plus it may not be allowed or will put you in a higher class for competition.

 

the flared fenders don't have anything to do with how the air coming from the front hits the tire. the flare just keeps the tire from rubbing. i know what it takes to fit wheels like that... all i'm concerned with is the aero part.

 

Every cm hurts the aero.

Greater track is of mixed benefit. It can side load the bearings!!! Some people don't like the turn-in.

I have never driven back to back on identical cars with different track, and the same tires and widths, but AFAIK it is just pointless hairsplitting. Stock track and superior tires.

 

If your concerned about aero loss run wide fenders... That is the idea behind a widebody kit.

 

Unless you are .01s off the podium I doubt it will help or hurt you by any measurable amount.