Why Square when Factory Stagger?
 

Hi everyone,

I'm in the midst of purchasing wheels and tires. I can't seem to understand why most track guys are running square instead of staggered. I have read the build article on MotoIQ and it didn't really explain advantages over stagger. Hope someone can shed light on this.

I really like the way stock drives, I just feel that it needs more grip and don't want to sacrifice turn in characteristics, and responsiveness.

I have an 2004 AP2 stock, I'm planning on going with 17"x8, and 17"x9 at the rear. So my question is, which tire size combo should I run with these wheels? I've asked around and it seems most prefer 225/255 over the stock 215/245 sizes. Can anyone explain to me what exactly is being compromise running these set ups? and more importantly why square instead of staggered?

Also, I will track the car, and don't care about looks at all. So this is purely a performance mod.

you should be good with your setup your looking at. a little wider on the tire and wheel and you should still get your steering response.

just try and get your wheels lighter than factory so you get rid of some unsprung weight

You have to understand the friction circle: http://www.auto-ware.com/setup/fc1.htm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HCqPU90Xfuo

i also see a lot of guys running a square setup at the track and don't totally get why. the S2000 has plenty of oversteer even with a staggered setup. by going square you are adding more grip in the front than you are adding to the rear which would create even more oversteer. if you run a wing in the rear it could add enough downforce to compensate for the square setup and help keep the rear planted. but i also see most guys with a wing also run a front splitter which it encouraging oversteer again! i personally have run 215/235 and 225/255. just mounted up a 225/245 setup on 17x8, 17x9 but haven't tracked it yet. haven't run square but the staggered setups have treated me well and felt balanced for the most part. will also be running a rear wing for the next track day so i'll see how it all pans out...

Some of my general thoughts on this. Hope it helps a little. http://racings2000.blogspot.sg/2011/...ughts.html?m=1

The adjustable wings allow u to tune for higher rear downforce to match the fronts non stagg + splitter.

The set up you posted should be fine assuming the wheels are lighter than stock or the same weight and the tires are stickier or the same as stock. I have wondered about the square vs staggered set up myself so some good info in this thread :)

Doesn't allow you to compensate for low speed, 2nd gear corners though

Doesn't allow you to compensate for low speed, 2nd gear corners though
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True. Low speed 2nd gear corners will probably require more rotation and the better turn in afforded by the bigger tyres up front may help while speeds are lower so that the wing & splitter have minimal effect.

Most of the guys that runs square setups have a big front sway bar. It compensates for the oversteer.

You will be fine with the setup you're thinking on. Just be sure to have proper offset 50-60 plus so you won't have rubbing issues