Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Wheels & Tires 17" Rim width/offset questions and durbilty for track use

I was wondering what would be the correct/best offset and wheel width for a 17 inch rim on a 99 SVt that has been lowered 2 inches. I would like to run 225/45 size tires.

Also I was looking at the koing toxxins advertised by someone else, and I like these rims and I know the come in a 7.5 inch width the should fit the SVT but looking at the size of the spokes am concerned about how thay would fair for use on the track. These spokes look kind of spindly and I was wondering it these would be best suited for show or not.

I'd personally spend more than $160 US on a
wheel I was specifically planning to subject
to track conditions. You want to consider a
forged wheel for that sort of thing. Even a
wheel like the SSR GT-1 (which is way cheaper
than something like a Fikse or HRE wheel, is
known to fit our cars, and is carried by Tire
Rack) would be stronger and lighter than this
Konig wheel you are considering.

T.

Any other suggestions for rims that aren't quite so expensive as the SSR's and others. here aren't many wheels out there that I know of that come in a 7.5 inch width that fit our cars.

Have you checked on the OZ superleggera - they are cheaper and lighter than the SSRs (rumored to be in the 14-15 pound range). They look a little like the OZ novas and BBS RK/RS. I think they will be available in the spring. I think they are cast as opposed to forged like the SSRs so do not know about the strength. The SSRs went through many cavernous potholes and escaped unfazed here in MN so I think they will hold up nicely on the track.

This link may be helpful, although it doesn't list fitments or price, it does give you an indication of the weights of various wheels (once you know narrow down your list).

http://home.earthlink.net/~cvlocas/wheels.html

The OZ Superleggera would be a very good choice. It utilizes a titanium enhanced aluminum alloy to maintain a tremendous amount of strength while also being very light weight. cost is only $280.00 ea.



------------------
Luke Pavlick
Sales Representative
Performance Specialist
ASE Certified Master Tech
for more info or to place
orders please call
800-428-8355 ext. 362
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best service.
www.tirerack.com

What about rim width. Most of these rims are 7 inches wide. If I'm not mistaken isn't wider usually better. If I want to use 225's what would be the best rim width and do you guys have any suggestions for wider rims if you recommend going wider than 7 inches?

Why don't you use your stock wheels for track events and keep the nice wheels for the street? Put a set of 225/50-16 Kumho V700s or Toyo Proxis RA1s on the stock 16 x 6.5" wheels. Both of those tires will stick a whole lot more than anything suggested so far.

------------------
John Coffey
johnc@betamotorsports.com

[This message has been edited by johnc (edited February 13, 2001).]

So how wide of a tire can I put on the car, comfortably that is. I would be keeping the suspension as is (stock) for now anyway. No plans to lower the car, just tighten it up a bit.

I would like to put 225, with 17" rims. However, someone at Tire Rack told me that only 215 are recommended (Not Luke). Someone please tell me what I can do, and what my options are. In addition, If I do go 225, how wide should the rim be to get that little bulge look from the tires, I like the way that looks, doesn't really affect performance much, and on top of that protects the rim a little.

Any recommendations and opinions guys??

For track use i run 235/40-17's. Team Dynamics Spyder 17x7.5 (45mm offset) and i am running Yokohama A032R's. On the street i run 225/40-18's with a 18x8 rim (40mm offset), so i had already had the rear fender lips trimmed.


derrick