Has anyone gone with smaller diameter wheels in the front.

[sailchef]

Just wondering.

Its a question I've been meaning to ask for a while.

What are the pros and cons. Has anyone done it.

[racer]

It might make more sense to go with a smaller diameter rear to affect a gearing change. Not sure going to smaller fronts would do much, unless its a cheaper way to create a change in the vehicles rake (front to rear).

[Peter Zimmermann]

When I built my '81 SC for PCA Club Racing I went to 10 x 17 rears, and used 8 x 16 fronts - worked fantastic.

[sailchef]

Originally Posted by racer

Not sure going to smaller fronts would do much, unless its a cheaper way to create a change in the vehicles rake (front to rear).

That was one thought.

[sailchef]

Peter, thanks for the picture.

I have seen your car posted here several times and was pretty sure it wasn't an illusion.

I figuered that it would probably turn quicker with the larger diameter rear trying to run over the smaller front.

If that makes any sense.

[efhughes3]

Wheel diameter does not necessarily effect outside diameter. 17" tires typically will have lower aspect ratio numbers than 16's keeping the OD's similar.

[Bill Verburg]

Originally Posted by sailchef

Just wondering.

Its a question I've been meaning to ask for a while.

What are the pros and cons. Has anyone done it.

It would depend on what your goal is.
a bigger wheel can accommodate bigger brakes
a bigger wheel of equal width can run a lower profile tire that will run at a lower slip angle that will generate more grip and run cooler