Track wheel question??????????????????
Thread Starter
Former Vendor
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,532
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From: SoCal Ca.
Track wheel question??????????????????
Alright, everybody always says that smaller wheels improve 1/4 mile times. My question is - what if the total circumfrence is the same size? Will a 20" wheel be slower than say a 18" or 19" wheel if the total size is the same. I know it will make a difference on a radd course, but what are the negatives on the 1/4 mile?
Thanks!
Thanks!
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 43,084
Likes: 33
From: Raleigh / Rolesville NC
YES.
The close the majority of wt is to the center of rotation the quicker the acceleration.
SO the smaller the rim the better.
Even three piece wheels take less energy to rotate then the same diameter one piece wheel.
The close the majority of wt is to the center of rotation the quicker the acceleration.
SO the smaller the rim the better.
Even three piece wheels take less energy to rotate then the same diameter one piece wheel.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 10,649
Likes: 32
From: Central Florida
What you want to compare is the manufacturer's tire rating for revolutions per mile. The more revolutions per mile, the more favorable the effect on relative gearing and hence acceleration. Small difference (1 or 2 percent) won't matter much.
Ranger
Ranger
Former Vendor
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 16,897
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From: Lewisville TX
St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13
Rotational weight is very important, if you have to have a bigger diameter wheel to clear a brake kit, then you need to make sure the weight is as close to the center of rotation as possible so there is not this large swinging weight at the end of a long lever arm. So diameter plays a roll, as does how the wheel is built. Tire weight should also be considered along with this.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 14,950
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From: St. Louis, MO
St. Jude Donor '08
A smaller wheel provides a taller sidewall for a given circumference. For the 1/4 mile, the taller sidewall gives more flex which gives better grip and is easier on the parts due to the give - as compared to a shorter stiffer sidewall. Some guys do a little grinding on the control arm and use 16" camaro wheels. CCW also makes a 16" that fits I believe but it is a little pricey. I use C5 17" front wheels.
