If given the choice between 17" Volk CE28Ns with S03s and OEM rims with race rubber, what would you choose for running the S2000 Challenge? I am trying to determine if the weight savings in the Volks along with more rubber on the track would be better than slightly heavier rims with less rubber and more grip.

-YS

 

No question - OEM rims with race rubber will outperform the SO3s.

 

What Josh said.

 

Not only the tires, but i believe the 16 inch wheels will out perform the 17 inch wheels as well.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by docofmind
[B]Not only the tires,

 

16" wheels have less weight (little bit), but a lot les polar movement or rotational inertia. I have done a lot of research on this in the past copule of days/weeks and the evidence definately points towards 16's being much better for performance. An additional benefit that you have with the 16's is the additional sidewall flex. This may seem counterproductive to a good lap time, but a 17" or 18" wheel specially has so little sidewall flex and deflection that all the the energy gets transferred straight into the suspension and the suspension can't handle it.
Tha's why most race cars have relatively small diameter wheels. Look at the wheel diameter and the size of the sidewall of an F1 car, for example.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by slick rick
[B]most race cars have relatively small diameter wheels.

 

To clarify what I wrote above, I absolutely agree that stock 16's with race rubber would be faster than 17's with street rubber. My question was specifically about the assertion that, all else being equal, 16's are preferable to 17's.

Steve

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by docofmind
[B]Not only the tires,

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by PedalFaster
[B]To clarify what I wrote above, I absolutely agree that stock 16's with race rubber would be faster than 17's with street rubber.