Track Use Wheel Set-Up? ?

I'm seriously contemplating getting a set of wheels/tires for the track because I just don't see my 20" wheels fairing that well and I'd like to get my car the times it deserves.
I know most hardcore guys go with 15's. I could put them on the rear but then my problem is my big brake kit up front. Would it be ok to have 18" wheels front and 15" wheels rear? This is only for track use, not street.
Would 18's all around be a better option?

While 15's are the optimal rim size due to rotational weight... there are a few guys on 17's and 18's still getting sub 1.4 60's.

The front tires do not effect the rotational weight as much. However skinnies have shown that once past 130 MPH they actuall help with wind resistance.

Even if you found a nice set of 15's just for the rear you would notice a big difference.

FYI on the fronts Justin Burcham ran his 05 in the power tour with 20" saleen rims up front with 15" rims on the back. That was back when he was only in the 9's.

The 15's in the rear also allow for more sidewall, which will help with traction.

Get your self some cheap 17x9s all the way around. I have Mickey Thompson 295/45-17s on the rear (or sometimes the shorter 275/40-17) and the 255 any brand up front. Cut 1.6 sixty foots all day long. Tire cost is reasonable. 18" drag tires start getting expensive.

Boss281 wrote:Get your self some cheap 17x9s all the way around. I have Mickey Thompson 295/45-17s on the rear (or sometimes the shorter 275/40-17) and the 255 any brand up front. Cut 1.6 sixty foots all day long. Tire cost is reasonable. 18" drag tires start getting expensive.

I agree unless you really want to get in to draggin your car regularly and getting every little bit out of it. some 17s with DRs out back will be a big advantage over your 20s.

I dunno ...

there is a black notch that some of us know that runs 8's with 17" DR's...

TT_05_Stang wrote:I dunno ...

there is a black notch that some of us know that runs 8's with 17" DR's...

hey Mike,
bored at work so i was looking around......found these on AM.

http://www.americanmuscle.com/17inchwheels.html?gclid=CPK7-oD63pkCFQJN5QoddgztVg

not too bad of a price

http://www.stage3motorsports.com/product/BRW15X10D10?meta=FRG&utm_source=GBASE&utm_medium=CPC&utm_content=&utm_campaign=

not trying to steal your thread Mike.....

if you aren't an "avid" dragger, such as mwah, would 17's be the way to go?

07caligtstang wrote:not trying to steal your thread Mike.....

if you aren't an "avid" dragger, such as mwah, would 17's be the way to go?

They'd most likely be fine....shoulda kept those stockers, eh?

yeah, should have...SHYT! oh well.......

i can see this turning into another money whore for me.......errrr

I'll give the 17"s in the rear a shot and see how I like them. With as rare as I make it to the track, I'm going to keep my big brake kit and just get some 18"s for the front as that is the smallest wheel I can fit.
So 17x9 with 295/45/17 MT's are a good bet with my power or should I try wider?

You already have wheels... Laura ;)

if you want a track only set 15's 17's and 18's will work fine.

Its not really the wheel size anymore that makes the HUGE difference in 60' times. With the Drag Radial technology today even 18's are able to get 1.4 60' times.

You would be better off getting a set of drag radials.

Once you get used to launching yuor car you will need a stickier tire and doing 5500 dumps off the line...

Of course once you do that you will need LCA's because it will load(bend) the stock LCA's and then rebound.... which causes wheel hop = loss traction/power/time...

05RedDevil wrote:
So 17x9 with 295/45/17 MT's are a good bet with my power or should I try wider?

I run 305/45/18 Nitto 555r's