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Maximize Wheel & Tire

Discussion in '348/355' started by Phil Altomare, Sep 19, 2007.

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  1. Phil Altomare

    Phil Altomare Rookie

    Feb 29, 2004
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    Phila., PA
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    Phil Altomare
    #1 Phil Altomare, Sep 19, 2007
    OK for all you Hard Core 348 guys... Anyone KNOW how wide of a rim the 348 can tolerate before serious interference occurs. I want to maximize rubber at all four corners for the track, and after some preliminary measurements it looks like I can stuff a set of 10.5 x 17's on the front and 12.5 x 17's on the rear without too much trouble (specifically, touching suspension components under heavy load). Tires would be 265/40 fronts and 335/35 rears ,and the rims would have stock offset although I will probably add a 9.5mm spacer on the rears. Any comments or wisdom?
     
  2. speedy_sam

    speedy_sam F1 Veteran

    Jul 13, 2004
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    Sameer
    #2 speedy_sam, Sep 19, 2007
    Why would you need that much tire for a car that makes only 300hp?
     
  3. B Feelgood

    B Feelgood Rookie

    Oct 16, 2005
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    Brian
    #3 B Feelgood, Sep 19, 2007
    Seems like that would be overkill... My 500+hp Viper has 335/35-17 rears but for a good reason!
     
  4. eulk328

    eulk328 F1 Rookie

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    #4 eulk328, Sep 20, 2007
    Very valid question. I see an increase in lap times on the horizon after such a mod.


     
  5. TopElement

    TopElement Formula 3

    May 14, 2005
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    A Montoya
    #5 TopElement, Sep 20, 2007
    Wide tires are not for straight line speed. 300 or 3,000 hp on the same car makes it corner the same.
    IMO, the estimated max wheel sizes are a bit too wide. But thumbs up for trying to put as much rubber on the road ass possible. Post pics with the final result.
     
  6. eulk328

    eulk328 F1 Rookie

    Feb 18, 2005
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    #6 eulk328, Sep 20, 2007
    ??

     
  7. potxoli

    potxoli Formula 3

    Mar 22, 2007
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    Eric B.
    #7 potxoli, Sep 20, 2007
    Isn't weight also an issue? I've got to believe tires and rims that big in 17" would weigh quite a bit more than the magnesium 355 wheels in 18" with 285s in the back, which would slow you down....
     
  8. eulk328

    eulk328 F1 Rookie

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    #8 eulk328, Sep 20, 2007
    Absolutely, it could be an issue. Regarding 300 vs. 3000 hp, as an example, it also can make a difference in the curves. Talented drivers/race car drivers use the throttle to steer also, not just the steering wheel. If you don't have enough power for the size tires you can't steer using the throttle or at least not as well as would be ideal.

     
  9. BT

    BT F1 World Champ
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    Mar 21, 2005
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    #9 BT, Sep 20, 2007
    I hope you get the widest tires possible and show us what it looks like. I think a 348 with 335's in the rear would be awesome!!!!
    BT
     
  10. cscott67

    cscott67 Formula Junior

    May 13, 2007
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    Milwaukee
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    Scott
    #10 cscott67, Sep 20, 2007
    It would be fairly easy to do in a custom made 17inch wheel and still be light. (as light as the 18inch challenge wheels) The rear rim would have to be10.5-11inches as I recall. (11 would be better as the sidewalls are very stiff and hard to get that big of a tire on a rim any smaller) The fronts would be fine at 245, not sure any bigger would make any difference. Good luck, Scott
     
  11. Dr.T348

    Dr.T348 Formula 3

    Jan 8, 2004
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    Richard T.
    #11 Dr.T348, Sep 20, 2007
    Not only the increased weight, but mechanical resistance as well. You will not be as fast. Go with 18 355/355C rims with 275 or 285 on the rears. Go with better tires (auto cross or DOT race tire) for better grip. Michelin PS2's are 5lbs. per tire lighter than Goodyears according to Tire Rack specs.

    Lighten up for better performance. Don't make it heavier.
     

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