to consider, as Seattle Matt points out, is that the sidewall rubber serves a purpose. As an experienced autocrosser, you can increase the sidewall stiffness by increasing the pressure or by buying a tire with a stiffer sidewall (usually one with a softer rubber compound for the tread). R-compound tires used for racing usually have stiffer sidewalls to take the load, but they're not really street worthy especially in the rain!!

A drawback with reducing the sidewall height is that road hazards really become hazards. We used to joke about dodging cigarette butts on the freeway, but the hiways are really getting bad these days (political rant here!) and the shorter sidewall transfers more shock directly to the wheels which means you have to replace an expensive wheel instead of balancing a tire after hitting a pot hole.

Running on "Dubs" is a great way to spend a lot of money on something you can't use even if you're driving on the track "at speed." It looks cool, but doesn't really give you any performance edge. There are lots of other things to consider (shocks, springs, unsprung weight, weight & balance).

I hope this wasn't a rant, but you're really better off getting the right tires for the wheels you have if you just want better street performance. If you want to race, address the whole package of suspension and weight disribution as well. The payback on the street isn't worth the expense and effort. But, that's JMHO. -Cal

posted by 69.107.35...

• wheels, 16 vs 17, TML , Fri, 7 Jan 2005 10:51:09
  • I've had TWO set's of 16's, and a set of 17's... and..., gavin, Sat, 8 Jan 2005 14:51:07
    • Re: I've had TWO set's of 16's, and a set of 17's... and..., troy, Sun, 9 Jan 2005 10:42:06
      • +38 offset of a 17x7 will rub on the INSIDE, gavin, Sun, 9 Jan 2005 12:49:09
        • Re: +38 offset of a 17x7 will rub on the INSIDE, troy, Sun, 9 Jan 2005 15:32:02
          • you know, i can't remember..., gavin, Fri, 21 Jan 2005 16:09:09
  • 17's on my 95 9k..., Mike C, Sat, 8 Jan 2005 11:53:44
  • My 9000 with 17" 215x45x17 tires, Joe , Fri, 7 Jan 2005 14:38:37
    • Re: My 9000 with 17" 215x45x17 tires, troy, Mon, 10 Jan 2005 04:45:51
  • All the answers here, Steve Brown-ex Hong Kong, Fri, 7 Jan 2005 13:05:32
    • Re: All the answers here, dboone, Sat, 8 Jan 2005 08:51:40
  • Re: wheels, 16 vs 17, AK Colin, Fri, 7 Jan 2005 11:42:15
    • Re: wheels, 16 vs 17, shane, Sun, 9 Jan 2005 11:29:44
  • Re: wheels, 16 vs 17, dboone, Fri, 7 Jan 2005 11:31:53
    • Re: wheels, 16 vs 17, TML , Fri, 7 Jan 2005 11:40:50
  • I have kicked this can myself, Chris M, Fri, 7 Jan 2005 11:13:06
    • Re: I have kicked this can myself, TML , Fri, 7 Jan 2005 11:41:53
      • Perf vs. Looks, Seattle Matt, Fri, 7 Jan 2005 11:55:38
        • Re: Perf vs. Looks, TML , Fri, 7 Jan 2005 12:04:11
          • Re: Perf vs. Looks, Seattle Matt, Fri, 7 Jan 2005 12:15:28
            • Another factor..., CalAero, Fri, 7 Jan 2005 20:43:02 <-- Viewing This Message
              • Re: Another factor..., shane, Sun, 9 Jan 2005 11:28:34
                • Actually..., CalAero, Sun, 9 Jan 2005 16:33:50

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