Moorron
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| posted on 17/9/13 at 07:06 PM |
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Down sizing from 17" alloys?
Hi guys since I bought my MK Indy way back in 2005 with its 17" alloys which I am now looking at getting some new tires for and think it may be
better to go for some 15" 1.2 or similar alloys. But I wanted to know if the handling and feel of the car is much better running on them as
everyone seems to say here the smaller the wheel the better.
My car handles fine, its a little snappy but I don't mind it after 7 years of ownership but will the 15's with higher profile tires
improve the cars feel and with lighter wheels and less rotating mass be as noticeable?
I run Avon ZZ3's on the rear and have some unknown brand on the fronts which I have never replaced (so at least 7 years old). I was looking at
some road legal slick in my fitment for the 17" wheels, 215/40 and 205/40 but they cost as much as a whole set of 15" alloys with road
tires and this is now the ideal time to change.
Any tips welcome, I see the thread about Westfield's deal which is right next to my place of work. Tempting.
Many thanks
Sorry about my spelling, im an engineer and only work in numbers.
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Wadders
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| posted on 17/9/13 at 07:42 PM |
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Well someone is bound to say it, so might as well be me ..... 13" 13" 13" 13" 
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bi22le
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| posted on 17/9/13 at 08:34 PM |
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True in all that you say. There has been some good back to back comparrisons done on here by people that have changed. Do a search and have a read.
I have only had 14" which I dont recommend. You cant get T1R and other commonly good tyres in that size.
Personally I would like 15" for the road and 13" track.
Track days ARE the best thing since sliced bread, until I get a supercharger that is!
Please read my ring story:
http://www.locostbuilders.co.uk/forum/13/viewthread.php?tid=139152&page=1
Me doing a sub 56sec lap around Brands Indy. I need a geo set up! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EHksfvIGB3I
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Worzey
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| posted on 18/9/13 at 07:03 AM |
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My Velocity had 17" wheels when I purchased it. Looked great, the handling was terrible.
I swapped them for 15" Team Dynamics and it transformed the car. The difference in mass is very noticable. The ride is much more compliant and
doesnt feel like the car was trying to throw me over the nearest hedge on country lane blats. Following the wheel upgrade I've replaced the
front vented discs and callipers (Wilwood) and upgraded to R888's to reduce unsprung weight and improve grip. I now have a very sweet handling
car 
Ideally I would have gone for 13" but I needed the clearance over the callipers. 14" would also work but 15" wheels and tyres
proved easier to source.
Don't delay, make the change
Caterham R400
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dhutch
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| posted on 18/9/13 at 07:29 AM |
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I've not done the comparison but I would expect the main things you would get would be the improved comfort and the increase in progressiveness,
ie, a more controlled loss of grip when pushing the limits, rather than snappy loss of grip.
At which point, I dont understand why people would have 15inch for the road 13inch for the track.
I fully understand why 13inch is so common on track, but equally would expect it to be the otherway round if you where going to have any differential
between the two.
Unless your doing it totally for looks, which while an personaly thing is in my book not the look I associate with a kitcar nor the proraty I would be
placing on one.
Daniel
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Not Anumber
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| posted on 18/9/13 at 11:24 AM |
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Ive got 15" Team Dynamics with Toyo Proxies and am looking to change over to 13" steel wheels with higher profile tyres.
IMHO they win on handling, comfort on the road and classic looks.
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