Track Day Wheel setup 15 vs 16 or 17's

[anthrazit]

I am hoping some people can offer their opinion. I have search a bit, but have not found an answer.


What are the benefits/negatives to running a 15 in wheel for primarily track duty?


Here's my thoughts so far:

1. Lighter wheels/tires package.

2. Less expensive tires

3. Better tire selection (?)



Negatives:

1. Faster tire wear

2. Could it gear the car too low with the new gearing change in the 05 cooper S?


Thoughts? Need to make a decision soon! Thanks!!!

[luke o'callaghan]

running 15s you'll get better fuel consumption ,if you're using for primarily track you should stick with either 15s or lightwieght 16s

[KATENKEITH]

Quote: Originally Posted by anthrazit

I am hoping some people can offer their opinion. I have search a bit, but have not found an answer.


What are the benefits/negatives to running a 15 in wheel for primarily track duty?


Here's my thoughts so far:

1. Lighter wheels/tires package.

2. Less expensive tires

3. Better tire selection (?)



Negatives:

1. Faster tire wear

2. Could it gear the car too low with the new gearing change in the 05 cooper S?


Thoughts? Need to make a decision soon! Thanks!!!

If you are not doing a big brake upgrade there doesnt seem much point going larger than 15 or 16".
15`s will give a slightly lower gearing (depending on tyres) and less weight so be slightly more accelarative. I doubt you`d affect top speed unless you are on a mega long flat out section.

[:: Jon ::]

Quote: Originally Posted by anthrazit

I am hoping some people can offer their opinion. I have search a bit, but have not found an answer.


What are the benefits/negatives to running a 15 in wheel for primarily track duty?


Here's my thoughts so far:

1. Lighter wheels/tires package.

2. Less expensive tires

3. Better tire selection (?)



Negatives:

1. Faster tire wear

2. Could it gear the car too low with the new gearing change in the 05 cooper S?


Thoughts? Need to make a decision soon! Thanks!!!

i used to race my old austin mini 1380cc every other weekend before i blew the stage 4 head and sent the oil all over the engine bay and on to my tyres causing me to spin a few times into the run off also i did the odd hill climb in it too.. i use to run with 10x6 inch wheels for racing then convert back to 13x7 for every day use..

so as far as wheel selection goes the smaller the better.. go with the 15s this will use the power from the engine and displace it directly onto the track for max grip.. if poss use semi slick tyres too.. yokos are good

[pocketrocketowner]

Someday I'm gonna try a set of 13's on my MINI for track duty. Anyways, you can't go wrong with 15's.....better cost and better acceleration are key. No way you can get it into 6th at any race track that I know anyways.....

[KATENKEITH]

Quote: Originally Posted by pocketrocketowner

No way you can get it into 6th at any race track that I know anyways.....

Thruxton-Hampshire-UK?

[pocketrocketowner]

You might just nip it into sixth for like a tenth of a second around the back, but I would rather doubt it. Matter of fact, I would find it hard to think you could red line it in 5th there. Having said that, have not been there with ole PKT RKT...... In the UK, maybe Silverstone GP, maybe down Hangar Straight. The British isles are just not known for their long tracks.

[s_and_m]

If it weren't for the fact that I am so heavy footed that I need the extra braking capacity of an AP Brake upgrade, I'd be running a cheap set of 16 inch X-lites for track work.

S

[BRGNICK]

I picked up a set of 15" on ebay cheap the other day and did my 2nd track day with them on 01/07/05. They only were 175/15/60 so I was a little concerned about grip.

When I got to the track I was pi**ing down and I thought that I would not be having any fun and would be spinning and sliding every where. Not at all. I didn't really think about this as thinner tyres are better in the wet as thicker ones make u aqua plan more.

The day was amazing and I've saved by 17" runflats another 1000 miles or so in wear. So all in all .

Definatly faster acceleration and significantly improved economy. Plus the drive down on the motor and A roads was nice and smooth and I arrived quite comfortable. Definatly an improvment on the Runflats.

BRGNICK