215 245 vs 205 225 with 17 inch wheels on AP1
 

Hey all,

Will wider tires impact low end speed on an AP1 due to the lower torque compared to the AP2? I have AP2 V1 wheels on my AP1 with 215 245 set up and I think its slowing me down from a stop. I was considering getting 17x7 and 17x8.5 light weight aftermarket wheels (RPF1 or OZ HLT) with 205 and 225 set up. I live in northern VA and there are stop lights everywhere! My car is close to stock.

Your tires aren't slowing you down. Not any more than the OEM 16" tires did.

Tire diameter of the OEM size 16" tires and OEM 17" size tires is identical (the 17" tires are lower profile). Consequently they have the same wheel torque. Your 17" 215/245 arrangement is the same diameter as 205/225 tires on the original OEM 16" wheels.

A thousand dollars of different wheels and new tires won't change anything. Increased engine power will. And that requires a dyno tune and an aftermarket ECU.

You in E-check country in Northern VA? Need a ECU that will pass smog -- or move south! :)

-- Chuck

Yeah I'm thinking Doctronic with dyno tune and 4.44 gears. I'm leaning towards Doctronic because yes I have to deal with emissions.

Sounds like a lot of money to spend for minimal gains. Stoplight to stoplight reaction time is still important and our cars are not built as dragsters. ;) But the slightly lower gearing may provide more driveability in city traffic. I gotta admit I'm spoiled by my VTEC engagement at 3600rpm. You may want to see how your proposed tune helps before changing the differential. FIPK intake, high flow cat, and Tanabe Medalion Touring dual exhaust on my car indicated 221bhp at the rear wheels on a conservative Mustang dyno.

We're in the process of moving to Chesterfield (between Richmond and Petersburg) and I was happy to see I don't need an E-check even though my S2000 passes Ohio emissions (OBD2 port check). Now I gotta figure out getting tags, drivers licenses, and carry permits.

-- Chuck

Lighter wheels would have an effect but I wouldn't trade grip for slightly faster feeling acceleration. You would be fine with an Apexi Neo test pipe/HFC and tune. That would liven up the car quite a bit. Like chuck said I would do that before messing with gears or anything else. Also like he said this car isn't a drag racer.