Rim size for race/rally and avgas

[samham]

Howdy peeps,
Im trying to figure out what wheel diameter to go with for my ke25 (dx/celica running gear) club car.
What do uz reckon 14", 15", 16", 17". I hear this can make a big difference to performance (even thou 17" is bling bling).
Ive been told bigger is not always better, is this true?
Any advice would be cool.
Also dose any one know where to get avgas in Palmerston North area etc.
Cheers

[Otomo]

Depends on your engine and preference.

I'm running a stock 20V on a 4-door AE100 sedan and found that either 14s or 15s are good, but anything bigger or smaller than these sizes would slow down the car.

[samham]

Cheers man, I was thinking along those same lines.
The engine is 4age.
and my preference for THIS car is performance.

[escortman]

smller rims usually equal quicker accelration and 17,18 higher topend

[Mr Revhead]

14/15 for rally and 15s for race woul dbe what id use.

[BZG Wagon]

Whats the size of your engine?

I found 15" Low Profiles very, very good on previous cars.

Smaller engines tend to rev out a bit better which is why smaller mags could make a big difference. I dont think you would notice such a difference quite as much with a larger engine however.

[vhpacer]

You can get avgas at most aero clubs. Or here in dunedin curzon or mag and turbo sells it, cant remember which. Ring a car club and they will hook you up with some contacts.

[Otomo]

smller rims usually equal quicker accelration and 17,18 higher topend

Yeah, usually the bigger the rims, the ultimate goal is top speed. Smaller, then acceleration is gained.

But for a 140hp - 160hp motor like the 20V, I believe that 17s or 18s would be quite too heavy already - if performance is the goal. 16s may be marginal.

[wde_bdy]

For something like a KE25 I would look at 185/60 14's or 195/50 15's.

Callum

[fangsport]

what diff ratio are you running??
what diff is in it??

i use 185/205-60-13 for tarmac and 175-75-14 gravel, using a 4.3:1 locked diff. the higher the diff ratio (lower number) then the smaller the wheels and vice versa.

if you can gear it down, i.e 4.8/5.1:1, it will be real easy to get good second hand 15"gravel/tarmac tyres.

[Leon]

light = good
smaller than standard rolling diameter = good (assuming you're running a standard diff ratio)

[TRD Man]

samham, are you talking gravel or seal?

Presuming you've got a std diff ratio - if gravel look for some 13" - 165/80-13 or 175/70-13.
Wheels will be easy to find, tyres are still available in these sizes and they're cheaper than bigger sizes. But most importantly, it's the size that'll work best.
Too many competitors over tyre their cars to the detriment of performance.
Resist the temptation to go larger but if you must 175/65-14 would be the biggest you should consider.

If you're playing on the seal there's nothing to be gained from going any bigger than a 185/60-14 unless you need a bigger wheel to clear big brakes.

As for AVGAS you can buy it at the Mobil on the Northwest side of Manfield. They have it on pump. You may have to take your competition licence with you and depending on who serves you they may not fill your car unless it's on a trailer.

[samham]

Cheers guys and gals this is helping heaps.

The engine is 4age 16v

The diff is a trd lsd unit, 6" I think, Im not sure about the ratio thou, how do you tell?

It sounds like 14" is a good size to go with, now I have to decide what mags,
any advice?

Lighter is better? Whats a good light 14" mag?

[Dell'Orto]

As for AVGAS you can buy it at the Mobil on the Northwest side of Manfield. They have it on pump. You may have to take your competition licence with you and depending on who serves you they may not fill your car unless it's on a trailer.

Nah they're pretty cruisey, you just need to fill in the log book they have there, no competition licence needed at all. You're not allowed to pump it straight into your car though

[fangsport]

Lighter is better? Whats a good light 14" mag?

steelrims off a mid-'80's RWD Sigma (the 5 spoke ones). cheap, don't look too shitty, 6" wide and real strong.

[escortman]

i got some i 14in off i think 1 of them bg mazdas for the fx went to chuck them on but the studs are bout 4mm to short this is dodge with the nut not fully on aye they looked quite good on it as well

[Otomo]

Cheers guys and gals this is helping heaps.

The engine is 4age 16v

The diff is a trd lsd unit, 6" I think, Im not sure about the ratio thou, how do you tell?

It sounds like 14" is a good size to go with, now I have to decide what mags,
any advice?

Lighter is better? Whats a good light 14" mag?

For me, yes lighter is better - I feel better throttle response and quicker acceleration. But then again, the lightest wheels are forged wheels as compared to cast wheels.

Before I was very particular to forged wheels as they are very light and sturdy. However when forged wheels get damaged, the break into pieces and restoring them would be....messy? So now, I just use light weight cast wheels - I'm currently using 14x6JJ ADVAN ARS wheels - relatively light. Works good for me.

[TygerTung]

The smallest wheels you can fit over the brakes.

14" is good as there is a good tire selection

[Mr Revhead]

that just means ya brakes are too small

[GOLDAE86]

if you're playing on the seal there's nothing to be gained from going any bigger than a 185/60-14 unless you need a bigger wheel to clear big brakes.

For seal the more rubber that u have on the ground=more traction=more cornering speed=faster lap times.But going to big can be bad as it slows the car down on the straights.Id go for 14 or 15's.I have 205/50/15 on my 86 but want bigger. 225/50/15