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What is the best wheel/tire size to run for optimal road track performance?


Red Power

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Hey guys I need your help. Especially anyone involved in road racing. I'm planning to start going to the track and I'm looking to buy new wheels/tires.

What I really want to know is what is the best performing (road course not drag strip) wheel size and tire size setup? I'm looking for what rim size and what tire width an ratio will handle best for my shelby GT500 2011 (stock).

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I won't debate the wheel diameter issue, but less sidewall is more responsive to a degree, I would reiterate that more front rubber is the key. CorteX-Equipped AI team cars are running 315's on all four corners.

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I won't debate the wheel diameter issue, but less sidewall is more responsive to a degree, I would reiterate that more front rubber is the key. CorteX-Equipped AI team cars are running 315's on all four corners.

His car is stock - a set of 18x9.5 GT500 rims with 285 35 18s or 275 40 18s - I like Nitto NT01s

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More often than not I read that 18's are the way to go. Lightest wheel / tire combo possible, along w/ maximum width and racing tread compound is what you want in road racing.

 

I believe that the Mustangs in the Grand Am Continental Tire Series run 18" wheels / tires, in fact. That's a good indicator.

 

As long as the wheel size clears the brake calipers, you're good.

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More often than not I read that 18's are the way to go. Lightest wheel / tire combo possible, along w/ maximum width and racing tread compound is what you want in road racing.

 

I believe that the Mustangs in the Grand Am Continental Tire Series run 18" wheels / tires, in fact. That's a good indicator.

 

As long as the wheel size clears the brake calipers, you're good.

And clears the front strut assembly and you put in the proper steering stops to clear brake ducting hoses and inner fender liners and clears the rear shock bodies , etc....

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I've been very pleased with my wheel/tire set up. Michelin Pilot Super Sport Tires: 275/30/20 Front and 285/30/20 Rear The car hooks up big time in the corners and launch of the line is very good (although I'm not a drag racer).

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Question. Are you driving the car to the track or trailering it? In most cases, the 18x9.5 or 18x10 rims with Nitto NT01's are a pretty sure bet. If you are driving to the track be aware though that R compound "D.O.T." approved tires have issues with rain and, because they are soft and sticky tires, they tend to pickup anything and everything on the road.

 

On my car I run the same set of tires for everything (track days and regular driving). I run Bridgestone RE-11's 285/35/19 on the stock GT500 rims all the way around.

 

Mark

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