17" VS 18" Rims

[TBULL]

So I've been going back and forth on new rims and sizes. I've been looking at different tires and the availability of some tires in the sizes that I want. Especially in the high performance tires. SOOO since we NEVER swap 315's to the front and more 245/255's to the rear, has anyone put 18's on the back and 17's on the front? I was wondering what everyone thought of the pros and cons of this. The 18's would fill the rear wheel well better, but the ride would be rougher. Anything else? Let the discussion begin

[MPTech]

What is the height of the 18" tire vs the 17"? Good point and most wheels I see on the hotrod TV shows are staggered.

[PaulProe]

You're really building for ride comfort? Do you think you'd be able to tell the difference? I suspect that metric may hold true on a factory designed suspension with attention to Noise/Vibration/Harshness. NVH is not a term commonly found in the cobra circles.

Sorry, just being snarky.

I believe tire size/availablility will always be an issue as the market they are building for is constantly evolving and our market isn't on their radar. Many of the newer cars are coming with staggered sizes.

Paul

[TBULL]

Paul - No, I'm well aware of the ride and I'm building for performance. I was just giving a for instance in the Pro/Con to start the conversation.
Mark - Good point 315/30-R18 is actually shorter that the 315/35-R17 due to the aspect ratio? Seems weird but true. Hmmm.

[MPTech]

What other sizes are available for a 18x10.5 wheel? You're not confined to a 315 and I would definitely not go to a 30. Do they make a taller tire & sidewall? Is Steven's BD running 18s?

[WallyB]

If my car ever gets here I'd be running 18's. I've never seen staggered wheel setup at a trackday, people typically just play with tire sizes. Usually people try go squared tire setup if possible. Production vehicles are geared toward understeer since its easier for the general public to drive/accept. That's why when you watch production car reviews they like it when the car allows them to induce oversteer.

staggered tire setup (specifically tire contact patch) usually encourages understeer
think of the tire sidewall thickness another shock/spring option to play around with (another potential issue is sidewall rollover in hard cornering)
different sized wheels will have different weights (and maybe brake clearance issues if you go smaller)
can't rotate tires if different sizes

Suggest making adjustments based on on your driving style and what the car is telling you.

[TBULL]

Yeah for track days, the plan is to use the halibrand 17"rims that came with the kit with slicks. This would be for the daily driving, which would be most of it. I have Nitto 555s on the Halibrand rims right now, but they were manufactured in 2014. Thought is to start with them and then move to the new rims and tires. Currently looking at Toyota Proxes R888R or Nitto NT05. Both have 17 and 18 inch 315s. Toyo also has a 335 as well.

[Kent D]

Dan. What’s the width of the rear 17” Halibrand wheels you currently have?

[WallyB]

Been eyeing those R888R too

[TBULL]

Kent I think they are 10.5". They are with the car right now at the body guys house.