what size for ultimate handerling?

[beetle1303]

Hey Rob, long time...

I would say go for the 17". IMO the "mechanical grip" that u were told about results in much more deflection on the tyre it self allowing more suspension movement that in turn results in incorrect angles (at the extremes).
personally i really like the advan a048 very much that also comes in the 225 45 17 dimension u specified.

if u look carefully for tyres u should find a rolling radius and section width dimensions which are useful to calculate final drive ratio changes and clearance in fender/ suspension

Chris

[Humble]

I say go for the smallest diameter rim that will fit over your brakes. The biggest reason to do this is the cost of rubber. If you're looking at street testing that means a semi-slick at best and the smaller the rim the cheaper the tire. I went with a set of 18's to get maximum tire diameter and width (I couldn't find a 285/295 16") but my semi-slicks also cost me over $1600 after mounting and balancing (including a discount). A set of 205 or 225 15" semi-slicks would be half as much at most. There's also rotating mass and unsprung weight to consider, smaller rims are are much lighter and better at almost everything except top end speed where the smaller wheel diameter bites you in the ass.

In all honesty I would rather have a smaller diameter wheel with cheaper tires and better price/performance than larger more expensive wheels. If I could have used 15" rims I would have in a heart beat.

[Simon]

Originally Posted by Humble

I say go for the smallest diameter rim that will fit over your brakes. The biggest reason to do this is the cost of rubber. If you're looking at street testing that means a semi-slick at best and the smaller the rim the cheaper the tire. I went with a set of 18's to get maximum tire diameter and width (I couldn't find a 285/295 16") but my semi-slicks also cost me over $1600 after mounting and balancing (including a discount). A set of 205 or 225 15" semi-slicks would be half as much at most. There's also rotating mass and unsprung weight to consider, smaller rims are are much lighter and better at almost everything except top end speed where the smaller wheel diameter bites you in the ass.

In all honesty I would rather have a smaller diameter wheel with cheaper tires and better price/performance than larger more expensive wheels. If I could have used 15" rims I would have in a heart beat.

couldn't agree more!

Look around if you can get used slicks for cheap and see if the rims needed for them will fit over your brakes.

Smaller wheels are lighter, but smaller tires are a lot lighter as well!
+The added benefit of the smaller tires being a lot cheaper if you want to buy new ones.

In general: 13-15inch should be fine, depending on what you can get (for cheap), your needs and budget.