Re: [Scirocco] Wheel Question

["Ian Overholt" <ioverholt@hotmail.com>]

Even with the smaller wheels Shawn is running, look at the aspect ratio.  
It's a 45!  See, that's the best of both worlds, smaller wheel diameter for 
less unsprung weight and low profile tire for minimal sidewall flex!  The 
tradeoff (from a top speed point of view) is that the rolling circumference 
is smaller.  That means that your speedo will be off (which Shawn is not 
concerned with) and your top speed will be lower since your gearing is 
effectivly reduced (which Shawn also does not care about).  This could be a 
bad thing for road racing (depending on the course and how long the back 
stretch is), but for autocross, the lower gearing helps your acceleration, 
and that is what Shawn is concerned about.  The lower profile and wide rim 
also give an edge in handling which is very important for autocross.

Bottom line is that different wheel sizes are better for different kinds of 
racing.  Notice on F1 cars they don't run 13" wheels.  The have to clear the 
massive brakes and they have to run high speed while using a low profile 
tire to limit sidewall flex.  So they go with exotic materials to reduce the 
weight of that huge wheel.  You have to figure out what you want your car to 
do, and that will help you figure out what size wheels and tires you will 
run.

Ian Overholt
'88 16v
'78 Champagne Edition

>From: Kevin Stoddard <herephydeaux@juno.com>

>I could be wrong, but I'd guess that Mr. Meze would take that bet if
>you'd make it worth while.  If I remember right he's running 13x8 wheels
>with 225/45-13s when he's racing.  Actually, he proves my point (and I
>didn't even realize I had one 'til just now!) cuz he runs 13s when he's
>racing (go) and 15s when he's on the road (show).  So the bigger wheels
>aren't his performance choice.  Hmmmmm.

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