Is wider better?
08-24-2010, 11:46 AM
#1
Le Mans Master
Thread Starter
Is wider better?
I'm running 285x17 on 9.5 rims for autocrossing. Would 315's be much of a difference as far as traction? Ask this because I would have to invest in yet another set of rims.
08-24-2010, 12:38 PM
#2
Burning Brakes
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08-24-2010, 01:01 PM
#3
Le Mans Master
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2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
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You can be just as fast in a 285 as you can in a 315, just the 285 will not last as long. Its not worth buying another set of rims IMO.
08-24-2010, 01:43 PM
#4
Safety Car
One of the great myths is that when you put a wider tire on your car you have more rubber on the pavement. You do NOT.
When you go to a wider tire you simply change the shape of the footprint - not the area.
The size of the footprint is determined by the weight of the car and the inflation of the tire.
When you change the shape of the footprint you will obviously change the handling of the car. You could be changing it for better or worse - who knows until you compile your testing data.
Richard Newton
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When you go to a wider tire you simply change the shape of the footprint - not the area.
The size of the footprint is determined by the weight of the car and the inflation of the tire.
When you change the shape of the footprint you will obviously change the handling of the car. You could be changing it for better or worse - who knows until you compile your testing data.
Richard Newton
08-24-2010, 09:38 PM
#5
Le Mans Master
I've had 295's on my 9.5 wheel and had to run some 275s on them at the last event...
the wider tire is decent in the transistions but is great in the sweeper, and conversely the narrow tire felt quicker in the slaloms, but understeered more in the sweepers. SO... it depends what types of courses you're running normally around you as to what will work better as well.
My advice.. if have extra wheels, get some scrub sets and if you have a TNT event or something go out and do some testing. If not, then as Richard said, you won't know what is and isn't working until you try each setup.
GOod luck!
the wider tire is decent in the transistions but is great in the sweeper, and conversely the narrow tire felt quicker in the slaloms, but understeered more in the sweepers. SO... it depends what types of courses you're running normally around you as to what will work better as well.
My advice.. if have extra wheels, get some scrub sets and if you have a TNT event or something go out and do some testing. If not, then as Richard said, you won't know what is and isn't working until you try each setup.
GOod luck!
08-24-2010, 09:56 PM
#6
Le Mans Master
My last four events this year I ran 295's up front with 315's in the rear on my C4. We tend to run tighter courses though and I felt I lost some speed in those tighter areas. So when I'm able to get new rubber, I'm looking at going with 275's up from and 305's in the rear. I'm running C5Z wheels by the way.