17" vs 15" wheels pros and cons Options

[moggy]

I don't seem to see many 914 circuit racers with 17" wheels on. Everyone seems to stick to 15". Is there a reason for this? I'm less bothered about the looks of 17" vs 15", I'm more interested in this from a performance perspective. Who out there has tried both wheel sizes? what size did you decide on, and why?

I personally have 15" (Cookie cutters 7" wide all around)
(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i31.photobucket.com-3285-1440357310.1.jpg)


and 17" (Cup1 7"front 9"back)

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i31.photobucket.com-3285-1440357310.2.jpg)

At the moment, I'm forced to use the 17" on tracks where I need the top speed, due to my low ratio gearbox (a hangup from when it was a rally car). The 17" wheels have a 26" overall diameter. Whereas the 15" wheels are used on slower, twisty tracks.

There is a huge weight difference between the wheels (including tyres) of 32kg (70.5lbs) total, which is an obvious benefit to sticking to the 15 "cookie cutters. But weight can't be the only reason why you circuit racers stick with the 15", so what are your reasons?

[Cracker]

From a functional perspective, a lower profile tire/wheel combo will provide a different (read "better" to most) experience. Of course, this also has allot to do with factors other than simply the wheels diameter. Tires, suspension, sway bar(s), springs, etc obviously all play a role...

Visually? This is purely subjective...I can make a case either way. Looking "old" versus a slightly more-modern look could be debated ad-nauseam like that stupid 904 thread forever (yes, I un-subscribed)!!!

Here is my steel flared track car on 17's - I can't say it looks bad but I'm sure someone probably thinks it does - I don't care. I actually prefer the look but more importantly - they offer better performance (my opinion only). They "work better" than a 15" wheel and with allot more support/supply of tires and sizes from the manufactures.

Regarding the "weight" issue...how fast do you want to go and how much can you spend? The answer to that question will lead you down several different paths. Light (and larger) wheels are available - $$$$! Not everyone needs larger brakes, as noted in this thread, so budget, HP, intended environment (Race track vs AX, etc.) will go along ways in influencing what the correct decision will be for you.

All the best!

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/www.clubcobra.com-11316-1440510128.1.jpg)

[stownsen914]

Regarding the "weight" issue...how fast do you want to go and how much can you spend? The answer to that question will lead you down several different paths. Light (and larger) wheels are available - $$$$! Not everyone needs larger brakes, as noted in this thread, so budget, HP, intended environment (Race track vs AX, etc.) will go along ways in influencing what the correct decision will be for you.

One point to note about weight in the case of wheels and brakes is that in going larger, you pay more for the additional weight (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) so when using unnecessarily large, you can wind up paying more for no improvement or even a decrease in performance. It is not a simple equation though, since as you note the selection of street and DOT race tires is better in the larger wheel sizes. And of course there are other factors like looks that are obviously a personal choice.