Nowhere does the difference between form and function become
clearer than when selecting wheels. For the cool street look,
there are many options from which to choose. Sometimes, making a
selection is similar to deciding which speakers you want to buy
for your stereo. Attaining a look that will compliment your
car’s personality is often the driving force behind which
manufacturer to choose.
On the other hand, if function is your priority, the selections
are more limited. Wheels for racing are generally not as
attractive as those for the street. In this case, the type of
racing in which you choose to participate will likely drive what
type of wheel/tire combination is best for your needs.
Wheels for the
street
Never in automotive history has there been a larger selection of
aftermarket wheels from which to choose. Prices can range from
$50 each to upwards of $4,000 per set. But how do you decide what
wheel and tire combination is best for your car? There are
several scenarios that can help make this often difficult, but
mostly fun, decision.
If you do not have a set budget for your project, then looks can
be your priority. The particular design of the wheel selected
should be one that enhances the overall look that you have
planned for your vehicle. Then shop around, as prices can vary as
much as $100 per set for the more expensive brands.
But if you have created a budget for your car project, then this
budget will help dictate what wheels will best meet your needs.
After buying the stereo, spoiler kit, intercooler, and exhaust,
you may find that you won’t have enough money left over to
get expensive wheels. Then again, wheels may be more important
than that stereo. A budget is all about compromise, but it will
help you to make sound decisions about your car guided by your
head, and not so much by your heart (or the limit on your Visa
card). Remember, you need to have enough money (or credit) to go
have fun with your car after the project is finished.
One of the big decisions that will come into play when planning a
wheel purchase is the diameter of the rim. Keep in mind that a
larger diameter wheel will serve to essentially lower the final
drive ratio of your transmission. In other words, the larger the
wheel, the less revolutions it will make compared to a smaller
diameter rim. The effects of this phenomenon are far reaching,
impacting many of your vehicle’s operating systems.
A positive consequence of choosing a larger diameter wheel is
that your tires will last longer (unless you’re doing
burnouts). Caution, since tires come in different compounds, this
point is only valid when comparing tires of similar composition.
Your car’s speedometer will also be effected by using a
wheel/tire combination that is larger than the stock diameter.
The common result of this phenomenon is a speeding ticket. The
reason for this is that the speedometer is tricked into thinking
that your car is going slower than it actually is (since there
are less tire revolutions per mile). A positive effect of
changing to a larger diameter set-up is that your wheel bearings
may last longer, however you will be putting more stress on your
transmission. It’s much easier to turn a small wheel than it
is to turn a larger, heavier wheel. That also explains why there
will be a reduction in torque when you use a larger wheel/tire
combination. The good news is that although you may not be
quicker off the line, you will be able to hold first and second
gear longer before having to shift.
The next factor to consider is the cost of the tires. Given the
same brand and type of tire, the 13” size will be cheaper
than the 17” version every time. Of course, some high
performance street tires do not come in 13” or 15”
sizes, but even if the brand you want doesn’t make a tire to
fit your 15” rim, there are always alternatives. Just
because a specific tire brand is “cool”, doesn’t
mean that you won’t be able to find a smaller size in a
different brand that will either match, or outperform your
friend’s “cool” tire.
The main advantage of larger rims over smaller ones is that you
can fill up your fender wells without having to lower your car to
the point where you won’t be able to straddle road kill.
Your car will have the effect of looking lower than it actually
is. Dropping a car too far has other disadvantages, as outlined
earlier, so to achieve that “racing” look, a larger
wheel will help maintain the streetability of your car.
Wheels for the
track
Generally, if you want to compete in a stock class (autocross, IT
or SCCA Showroom Stock road racing), you will be restricted to
retaining your stock rim size. IT racing will allow you a little
more width depending on the car and class. But check with the
SCCA first before spending any money. The SCCA is also known for
making changes in the competition rules from year to year that
could make the wheels you used last year (or even your entire
car) either ineligible or uncompetitive the following year.
Since alloy wheels are lighter than steel wheels, they are
recommended. Often factory alloys are excellent choices for
autocrossing in stock classes. You would think that some of the
more expensive aftermarket wheels would be lighter, but you would
be wrong. Stick with the stock wheels when possible.
For drag racing, all bets are off. Usually the rule is” the
wider, the better. But be careful that you don’t put too
much wheel under your car that you won’t be able to spin it
off the line. The bigger and heavier the wheel, the more rotating
mass. As a rule, a smaller wheel will net a quicker run at the
drag strip.
- Specific applications for your Import car are discussed in each of the Performance Handbooks listed on the main page -
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