Okay, if you have average weight aftermarket 17" wheels and some stock 14" (spiral 5 spoke) alloy wheels should you run at the strip w/ the 17's or the 14's or a combination like 14's in the front and 17's in the back or vica versa?

atleast leave your 14's on up front since there lighter and they have the same outer tire diameter as 17's. The weight on the front tires makes a big difference cuz of the rotational mass you can leave the 17's on the back since its only gonna be a couple pounds difference.

I could tell a very noticable difference in acceleration from the stock RS 14's, to my 17's. The 14's seemed to get me moving faster from a stop. IMO, run the 14's up front, and use at least some good drag radials,like Nitto 555's, or better yet, true drag slicks. I am looking into going with true drag slicks to either fit on my 14's, or find some cheap steel 15's to put the slicks on.. Its VERY difficult to get very good launches with a FWD car, esp with a turbo. Takes lots of practice.

Hey, thanks for the info!

If you are still naturally aspirated, then run 14s at al 4 corners. Even though the rear wheels don't have any power going to them, you still have to turn them. Lighter is better, and less rotational inertia is better, especially when (relatively speaking) you have no power (like me). ;)

If you have a turbo and are pushing 250+ hp you might not notice a huge difference, but with you only have a little bit of power, small differences become huge difference.

Arn't our stock 14's heavy for 14's though?

Yep. I do.

They don't seem too heavy to me, maybe 14 lbs or so.

Is that a bit heavy for a 14 inch alloy rim? Probably. Is that heavy compared to the majority of rims out there? Nope.

Also, the tire's weight (and width) is important too. A wide tire will have all of its weight on th tread, at the outer edge of rotation, increasing rotational inertia significantly. now, like I said, if you have a 500hp car that wieghed 2500 lbs. you probably wouldn't notice. But for our cars, it makes a difference.

And, thanks Mike. You just have to get to that drag strip and practice more ;)

The only problem with running 14's is wheel spin/hop. Last trip to the track, endof last season. They didn't seem to want to grab at all. It takes a fine touch to launch them. Something Todd has down (%&^%^* is a good driver).

I'm actually thinking I may put the 14's on the back for less weight ad friction in the rear, pump em up nice, and leave my 215's up front, the extra rubber is nice for grip. What I actually want are a set of drag radials... I have them picked out... anybody want to fund it?



15.9 @ 86.7mph

Injen CAI, 55mm TB, P&P Intake, Crower Cams, Hooker Header, ERT/Catco Cat, GS-T Muffler, AFX UDP, Crane Ign Amp, S-AFC

Hey Michael, are you lowered with aftermarket shocks? Your pic doesn't look like it so I thought i'd ask.

Tokico's made a HUGE difference on my launch. I race with the settings on 3-front 3-back and 1-front 5-back and the launch was completely different for the latter. I think with the right suspension, 14's would grip alot better.

Unfortunately no, I'm stock on the springs/ahocks.

I would love to get the pro-kit, illuminas and RM Racing sway bars, all that should really help hold the tires down. Just need the cash.



15.9 @ 86.7mph

Injen CAI, 55mm TB, P&P Intake, Crower Cams, Hooker Header, ERT/Catco Cat, GS-T Muffler, AFX UDP, Crane Ign Amp, S-AFC