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Kirkham Motorsports

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  #1 (permalink)  
Old 02-04-2014, 08:05 AM
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Default 17" or 15" Wheels

I'm currently running 17" wheels. I would like to get a second set to have for Autocrossing. Should I stick to 17"? More tire options with 17". What are some other pros and cons?
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Old 02-04-2014, 09:43 AM
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You can fit bigger brakes under 17" wheels. Personally I like the look of 15" wheels, but to each his own.
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Old 02-04-2014, 09:46 AM
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I like the look of the 15s much better but the tires choices are limited. Avons are great but expensive. There are more choices for 17s, and far more for 18s.
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Old 02-04-2014, 09:57 AM
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You should be looking at 18s. Tire selection will be far greater. 17s are the next abandoned size (like 16s before them).
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Old 02-04-2014, 01:21 PM
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18 incher's for my Kirkham...
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Old 02-04-2014, 03:29 PM
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With tyres, where possible, bigger is better, particularly for racing type environments.

18s is a good call if it were my money.

That said, I've 15s on mine and wont be upsizing any time soon, I simply prefer the "look" but I'm not racing and not going for the win. You seemingly might be!
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Old 02-04-2014, 03:41 PM
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18 incher's for my Kirkham...
Really?
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Old 02-04-2014, 05:01 PM
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I have 15s for street and 18s for autocross.
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Old 02-04-2014, 05:07 PM
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lets see some pix...........................
this topic is pretty relevant as spring is coming and we all fantasize on how to spend $ on things... that we really must have and can not live without.

(Yes I am guilty of this ... mental game....; gettin kinda cagey in Upstate NY this time of the year)
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Old 02-04-2014, 05:53 PM
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(Yes I am guilty of this ... mental game....; gettin kinda cagey in Upstate NY this time of the year)
Yeah,

Like it is cold or snowy here now!
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Old 02-04-2014, 07:17 PM
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There are plenty of great performance tire options are available for 17 inch wheels. 18 offer even more but 17 inch tires aren't going anywhere. Way too many Corvette's and other performance cars on the street that were produced with 17 inch wheels. High performance 17 inch tires may go the way of the 15 inch tire some day but it will be many years before this happens.
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Old 02-04-2014, 07:37 PM
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Really?
I rode in Sandwhiches car at Kirkham on 18's, I'm all for the LOOK but I really prefer performance, I'll get Goodyear F1 18 inchers and fill in the Goodyear with tire paint...
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Old 02-05-2014, 09:31 AM
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Thanks for the info. I'm only in to AutoX for the smile on my face and learn a little along the way. It can be a challenge and lots of fun to try and keep the rear of the car to stay in the back . I think I will look for a used set of 18 for some stickys.
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Old 02-05-2014, 09:37 AM
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If you are going with 18s you may want to try the Michelin Pilot Super Sports, or Pilot Cups. Pricey but an incredible tire.
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Old 02-05-2014, 01:54 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by lippy View Post
I like the look of the 15s much better but the tires choices are limited. Avons are great but expensive. There are more choices for 17s, and far more for 18s.
Totally agree with you-15" all day. I've just laid my hands on a part worn set of Hoosier TD's, I'm going to try them before I commit. I'm 90% street use.
Anybody else tried them on the street?

Mark
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Old 02-05-2014, 02:51 PM
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Originally Posted by marco454v8 View Post
Totally agree with you-15" all day. I've just laid my hands on a part worn set of Hoosier TD's, I'm going to try them before I commit. I'm 90% street use.
Anybody else tried them on the street?

Mark
I'm with you on the 15"s. I went with Avons. And they are expensive but a great look as well as performance.
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Old 02-05-2014, 11:48 PM
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Why mess about with wimpy 15s and even 17s?

Here's my great old 1979 Arntz sporting 18X8 fronts and 20X10 rears!





You have to hand it to Steve Arntz. Thirty-five years ago he was making cars capable of running 15X12 rear rims. Even with these 20" monsters have a look at the interior room afforded by the Arntz design and the inboard Jaguar brakes.




Actually these wheels live on my son's Chevelle but we thought we'd try them on for size, just for fun. They fit and they're driveable but it makes the old lady look somewhat cartoonish.

Here she is with her usual 15s, 255 at the front and 295 rears. I'm not sure why the fence in the background looks distorted?????

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Old 02-09-2014, 05:46 AM
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Quote:
Actually these wheels live on my son's Chevelle but we thought we'd try them on for size, just for fun. They fit and they're driveable but it makes the old lady look somewhat cartoonish.
Whew! I never want to be the one that says...ummmm...that doesn't look so good! LOL
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Old 02-09-2014, 08:34 AM
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Here you go- ford mustang cobra wheels
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Old 04-20-2014, 12:35 PM
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Here's my wimpy Vintage 15"s with Avons.
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