Is there any advantage of running 9 or 9.5 size wheel or is it just for looks? as opposed to my SE BBS rims.
and this is for DD and once in a while track days?

thanks for your input

 

Well, simply put, wider wheels = wider tires = better handling. Depends on what you want to do with the car though. If by track you mean 1/4 mile, then the stock wheels on a set of slicks would work fine, but if by track you mean road course or auto-x, a wider wheel/tire combo that is properly setup will be beneficial. If you are going to be competing in a certain class, be sure to look into the rules though as they will probably restrict the wheel/tire size.

 

by track I mean road course and auto-x.
and that makes sense, I was looking at some enkei rpf1's 17x9.5+ 38
nothing to expensive

but thanks for your input.

 

It depends on what size tire you are looking to run. For the best performance, you don't want the "stretched" look or your tires to look like baloons. 9.5's usually work really well for everything from 245-275's.

Now I will add to that and say that it depends on what brand the 245 or the 275 is. Even though the numbers are supposed to be the same no matter what the brand, they aren't. Anything smaller or bigger than those numbers and you should look at other rim size options in my opinion.

 

Many times you can get a wider tire without having to use a wider wheel. Many of the 9.5" wheels might require you to roll fenders to avoid rubbing.

 

simply put, better contact patch. NOT more, but better. so if you plan to hit the track once and a while, going a little wider couldn't hurt.

RPF1s are a great choice when it comes to upgrading and not tipping the scales more in the process either. the 17x9.5 weighs less than 16 lbs. at that point, the real added weight comes from the wider tires. i say go for it, but be prepared to tramline a whole lot more on the streets with a wider footprint.

 

On the street you're mostly looking at drawbacks: Response that's less sharp and immediate, a car that feels heavier and more held back, higher fuel consumption, slightly slower acceleration ....

 

dang I did not know that. thanks for you input. I have another question.
If I keep my BBS and put a 10mm spacer all around, will my alignment or the way it handles change?

 

Oddly enough, stretched tires may also be functional as it's a lot more responsive. A lot of WTAC cars run stretched...obviously not a 215 on a 10. But I'm sure you get the point.

 

FJF has it right. There is a lot to really think about in wheel and tire sizing.

XXX/AAR__

XXX is section with. DOT mandated. Measured from mid-sidewall to mid-sidewall.

AA is an aspect ratio based off of XXX for sidewall height.

R = rim.

What people always think is tread width. That depends on the mold design, tread cavity, and tire carcass.

That "stretched" look is not functional. Unless you like the function to be unseating the bead from the rim

In serious, a 9in width + 245 is a popular STU sizing.

 

Not functional my ***

 

That is not 'stretched' as Smike is referring to. That is properly sized to avoid sidewall squirm. Smike is talking about the dumb-a@@ kids who put a 205 tire on a 9" rim and go all hella-flush stupid. I suspect Smike knows a good deal more on this subject than you suspect.

As far as the OP, a 17x9 +35 is a good compromise setup. with a 245/255 40/17, it fits without rolling or other mods and gives a little better contact patch and more sidewall stability than the OEM size stuff. That setup has carried me through the NASA DE ranks and done the job well.

 

okay cool I was looking at the rpf1s 17x9 +35 as well.
those don't require spacers right? just some fender rolling?

 

Where did you see me say a 205 on a 9 is functional. Anyways...gunna shut up now before you and Smike get all butthurt

 

I think I was pretty clear when I said "stretched" look.

Here is a tissue