17" Wheel Build - how wide should I go?

[chaw704352]

I am having a set of 17's built from Fuch centers. Finally located four wheels (thanks Pelicanites).

I have turbo fenders snd plan on dropping in a 3.6 by year end Should I do 11" in back or something a little less wide to save weight?

Is there good rubber for the 17x11 or better choices for smaller widths (like a 10")?

[jjwood]

I vote for 17x11 (which is what I have). Many choices in tires and sizes. I run a 315/35, but there are those that run 275/40. I'm running 275/40's on the front on 9.5" width, and I think next time I'll back off to a smaller size for street driving. Steering is a little more challenging with those wide tires. However, 315's in rear are fine (and look cool too). FYI, if you're interested, there are some pics of my car in the Tex-Mex forum under Woodlands GTG.

[chaw704352]

Thanks JJ.

I was planning on 9's up front. Maybe that 0.5" will make it easier to steer.

Does anyone run 11's on the back with 8's up front? Is there any issue dialing the car in with that much variance between the two?

[JeremyD]

9's and 11's all the way.




(255's and 315's)

These are my track wheels (RA1's 235/275's)

[chaw704352]

Thanks Jeremy I was hoping you would weigh in (since your car is my car's hero).

[David]

The nice thing with 11's is you can run 315's or 275's. With 11.5" it's too wide for 275's.

[JeremyD]

Who's making your wheels?

[chaw704352]

Mike Lindsey will be building them.

[Jnduda]

Just my 2 cents would be to go with the 9.5 Frt and 10 back. You can even go with inexpensive but good Sumitomo Z rated tires. Thought I would throw in a Pic of my Lidsey built rims on the track.

[chaw704352]

Nice looking car. Can an unskilled driver like myself tell the difference between a 10 and an 11 on the back?

[jjwood]

How heavy is your right foot! I'm also another very pleased Lindsey customer.

[chaw704352]

I hear good things about Lindsey. He is also in OKC which means I can easily drive and pick them up to save some shipping costs (though with gas prices skyrocketing it may be cheaper to ship them down to Dallas).

Mike has been very helpful so far.

[chaw704352]

Both builders I spoke with (Lindsey and Trudesign) try to steer me a little smaller (8's or 8.5's up front and 9.5 to 10's rear). But neither will really give a solid recommendation (since it's a matter of choice).

As much as I'd like to think that it would, this car will likely never see the track (maybe a 20% chance). So, these will likely be more for looks and moderate Texas speed-limit abuse.

Does an 8" vs a 9" up front really make that much difference in steering effort?

[JeremyD]

why bother getting flares? My car with 255's on 9" rims is light and easy to steer - I really don't understand the theory of going smaller.

[jjwood]

This Jeremy is in agreement with the other Jeremy on this one. IMO, especially in the rear --- street or track, the 315/35 on 11" looks awesome. With turbo flares there's plenty of room. If you want a more narrow wheel / tire then why not go with an ST flare (or none at all)? In the front, an 8.5" wheel would be OK.

[chaw704352]

I think I'm convinced on 9's and 11's. I've already gone through two months and a a not so small pile of cash for the steel flares, so let's fill them up!

I'm sure there are people on Pelican who would love my 9's and 11's if I don't!

[chaw704352]

I booked it. Mike Lindsey has already started building my 9x11x17 set with the RSR style finish (which is actually an Anodized Aluminum-color powder coat which is then filled in with Black urethane).

Thanks for all the advice and help.

Now I need to choose my street tires. Thinking the 315/255's.

[jjwood]

congrats on the purchase. Very pleased with my Lindsey's, also in the RSR finish.

[wayner]

I am also getting a set built, but went with Jim at True Design.

Jim has been fantastic to deal with. Rims should be ready in another couple of weeks.

I went 10s on the back after losing some of the flare to a bad install by the prev owner. We salvaged them and did them right, but a 315 was too tight so am planning on running 275s.

[chaw704352]

Bummer about your flares. 10's will be nice. 11's are just greedy!