Race Weekend Wheels

[Lebischak]

Now that my son has gone through a new set of A/S tires in three months, it’s time to look at some dedicated wheels/tires for race weekends. We want to stay in the street class, so sticking with the factory offered wheel on that year G35, we can go with either a 17” or 18” wheel. He currently has 18’s and I was going to go with another set of the same, but I’ve read a few things lately about a smaller wheel size wheel being better for acceleration etc. Looking for input from those that have gone with a smaller size wheel. Any noticeable advantage or disadvantage?

[nickrd10bk]

I would recommend going with 18's as you have more tire options on the 18" wheels. In regards to tire diameter, the shorter tire will give more torque, but the tires will struggle to put power down as well as you will have a reduced contact patch. It will be a compromise.

The G35 has been running in street touring which allows for much more leniency in the wheel department.

In street class, the wheels will need to be the same offset as factory, but you can go +-5mm.

For example, Rachels car came with 19x8 wheels et55 (+55mm offset) we went with 18x8 et50 (-50mm offset). This pushes the wheel out toward the fender 5mm, and allows for more tire fitment with her car.

You can probably find used wheels that will work, as these cars are fairly popular. With that being said, make sure the hub bore of the wheel is the same or larger than the hub on the car, or they won't bolt up.

When it comes to tires, that's a whole topic in itself!

[Lebischak]

Thanks for the reply Nick. That's sort of where are are leaning. I've found some crazy cheap used Infiniti wheels in both 17" and 18" sizes. I'm looking at a 350Z wheel now with the same width, but 3mm less offset so it will be within the allowance. They will also fit the 350z's we are looking at to replace the G35.
Also, you mentioned less contact patch with the 17's, but if the widths are the same, the contact patch should be as well, right?
Lol, no doubt. That's why I didn't mention tires.

[Lebischak]

Nevermind. I see your point on the contact patch difference.

[nickrd10bk]

Nevermind. I see your point on the contact patch difference.

Yeah, that's why it's common to see Porsches on 20" wheels from the factory now. Everyone wants the longer contact patch for the longitudinal grip.

The new Corvette Z06 is supposed to have a 21" rear wheel, which sounds like you'll only be able to find the tire they sell it with.



If y'all are talking about switching cars for street class, be sure to look into the results for each class. The Z cars are in F Street like the G35, and unfortunately, they are playing that class on hard mode these days.
Each class has a car or a couple that are really competitive. Some cars unfortunately get buried.
It doesn't matter so much for local events, but it is something to consider.

[Lebischak]

It makes sense.

You are absolutely right, and that’s been the dilemma. What he would like for a daily and what he knows is a more competitive car, is two different things. We looked at what cars were doing well on the national level and the 350z wasn’t one of them.
I think for now, we will get some actual performance tires and do what we can with the G35 through the summer.

[nickrd10bk]

It makes sense.

You are absolutely right, and that’s been the dilemma. What he would like for a daily and what he knows is a more competitive car, is two different things. We looked at what cars were doing well on the national level and the 350z wasn’t one of them.
I think for now, we will get some actual performance tires and do what we can with the G35 through the summer.

I think that is a solid move. He can still be competitive locally in that car, and he will develope his skills more. Y'all will get an opportunity to ride in the cars that you are looking into, and a more informed decision can be made at a later time.

If you and him are both looking into doing this sport together, keep in mind cost of tires between two drivers is much more than just a single driver. Those small wheel miatas start to look prettty nice at that point. LOL

[Lebischak]

If you and him are both looking into doing this sport together, keep in mind cost of tires between two drivers is much more than just a single driver. Those small wheel miatas start to look prettty nice at that point. LOL

That's pretty much why he is the only one racing right now. The difference in tire costs from size to size is crazy. The plan was for us both to race the G35 until I settled on a Corvette, but with the mileage of his car and the price of tires, we are letting him have the fun for now. I've got a an Integra GS-R that I'll start running as soon as I get some better tires, which should hold me over until I can find something for myself.

[nickrd10bk]

That's pretty much why he is the only one racing right now. The difference in tire costs from size to size is crazy. The plan was for us both to race the G35 until I settled on a Corvette, but with the mileage of his car and the price of tires, we are letting him have the fun for now. I've got a an Integra GS-R that I'll start running as soon as I get some better tires, which should hold me over until I can find something for myself.

The Integra should have some cheaper tire options.