Rear tire difference for 1/4 mile?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,178
Likes: 15
From: Montreal Quebec
Rear tire difference for 1/4 mile?
I will go to the dragstrip (again) soon and since i had replaced my 285/40 17's with 295/35 18's on Z06 wheels my speedo is little off from actual speed if i look at my gps...
For 1/4 mile will it be better to stay with the 18's or put my 17's back on for that day?
For 1/4 mile will it be better to stay with the 18's or put my 17's back on for that day?
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 4,724
Likes: 16
From: Little Elm TX
In theory, I think probably the 17's.... a little more side wall cushion to absorb the shock and hook-up. But, with street tires, I doubt if there is any noticeable difference. What is more important is the compound of the tire.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 11,772
Likes: 177
From: Rolla Missouri
2021 C4 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist
St. Jude Donor '10 thru '25
Those two tire sizes are so close in overall diameter, your speedometer difference is hardly noticeable.
285/40-17 = 26"
295/35-18 = 26.1"
Your speedometer would be off by 0.6%
Speedometer reading of 60 mph, you would actually be going 60.4 mph
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 81,241
Likes: 3,063
From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
^^^^^^^^
Sticky compound plus more sidewall= hook
The least width you can use that hooks the better. Less rolling resistance
Theres guys running stupid fast times on 8-10 in tires out there.
Sticky compound plus more sidewall= hook
The least width you can use that hooks the better. Less rolling resistance
Theres guys running stupid fast times on 8-10 in tires out there.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 21,543
Likes: 3,216
From: Park City Utah
What these guys said...plus, the 17" rim is lighter (assuming same quality of rim) and aluminum weights more than rubber so shrinking your rim and growing your side wall reduces rotating inertia.
I like Jack Didley's idea. Then you can let us know which side of your car got to the line first!
I like Jack Didley's idea. Then you can let us know which side of your car got to the line first!
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