ifb_mole wrote:I was wondering something for a road race course. Our Lemons car came with 17" (Nissan Maxima) wheels and a team mate suggested we consider going to a 15" or 16" to not only lower the car but it effectively lowers the gear ratios to get "better grunt out of the corners".
So presupposing we use the same width tire (I know the tire patch will still be smaller with a 15" vs. a 17" 245/45) but would a smaller diameter tire make the car handle better??
Yes, decreasing the rolling radius of the wheel/tire assembly will improve accleration and braking response. As you note, the contact patch will get smaller in the longitudinal axis, but that can be made up in width somewhat. This is a free "cheat", since rules allow unlimited tire size/budget, but it's gonna be tough to change diff ratios within a 500 budget.
Jim C.
If God meant for us to race, we'd all have baggy Nomex skin.
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