Finally buying rally wheels... uh so what size???

[409industries]

Yep, so the RS is getting some rally wheels (01 RS) but I have no idea as to which size to get or what offset is best.

Basically i have these options:

Team Dynamics Pro Rally1

15x6 +40 offset
15x6 +49 offset
15x7 +40 offset
15x7 +53 offset

I am thinking most likely the 15x7 with +40 offset since i was told these can clear DMS50's no problem (if i can ever save enough $$$ to get a set) but why not plan for the future now!). The car is NA so it doesn't have loads of power to spare, but i like the idea of having a 7" wheel. I am planning on rolling the fenders to get as much space as possible.

Bonus points:
Some rally tire advice would be awesome too! is a 205 width rally tire good for a 15x7 wheel?

[JacksonRally]

Definetly make room for the DMS's, good thinking. If I were to buy rally wheels again I would have bought the 15x6. Only because the BFGs are actually narrower than my Kumhos were. Plus since you don't have mucho power your car may work out better with a narrower rally tire??? I'm sure LandE will chime in and offer some actual experienced advice.

[I Like It Sideways]

I've always thought for an underpowered car, a narrower tire is more likely to be used, easier to spin.
I rallyxed on 195/65/15 Silverstones, and had a good amount of luck with getting the tires to spin when I needed them to.
I'd personally go with a 15 x 6, +40 if thats what is needed to clear the DMS50s.

what color will you be going with? Kickassness anyhow, these are going to rock on the RS

[rsSLC]

Is it for RallyX? I use the TD pro race 1's in 15X7 with Hankook r211 tires. Its okay. Come to find out I bent a wheel from a earlier rally this season. Tires have okay grip... Will try something different next season.

[sebhockey]

Aaron if you're planning to use the RS for stage rally and youre thinking about the DMS's then maybe you should plan ahead for the wheels too. The Team Dynamics can't handle the stress of stage rally that well. Get some Speedline 2118s and be done with it. Sure they cost more, but they're much stronger and worth it.

[I Like It Sideways]

It depends. Several teams run TD wheels with a lot of luck.
In an open class car, no TD wheels wont cut it.
But they are budget friendly, and a great place to start.
Wheels won't be the weakest point of the car, relatively speaking.

[sebhockey]

No, but I like to spend more at once and save in the long run.

[L and E Fab.com]

When I was rallying the Impreza with a 2.5L engine, I used the 15" x 6" with the 16-65 / 15" Hankook, Michelin, ect.

Yes the 16 is correct you want the narrow tire so you can get them moving out of the corner and up to higher speed.

the 6" wheels are wide enough for the 300whp I am putting down at the hill climbs as well. I just went to to the 17-65/15" Michelins.

Just my 2 cents from some one who Stage Rallied that setup and had it in the top 5 a couple times at Reginal open class rallyies.

---- Off Topic ----

You are going to want to roll your fenders no matter what with a rally car. Driving on a flat tire can catch that lip and rip your fender off costing you alot more then it should.

I also may have a set of used DMS suspension for sale early spring. I am going to the RS&SP http://www.rallispec.com/prod_rssp.htm

[I Like It Sideways]

Hey A-
Check this thread (http://specialstage.com/forums/showthread.php?t=28517&highlight=tire+size) for some useful information as well.


RS&SP...holy crap... veddy veddy nice

[Dynapar]

I am going to the RS&SP

:Drool:.... I know someone who ran RSSPs on his car it was awesome. the whole car was awesome. then he sold it :-(

[409industries]

Yeah the RSSP's are pretty ridiculous, id love to have em!

Starting to think that the 15x6 is probably going to be the way to go. The car is going to need to get those wheels goin with what little it has. Yes, a mix of mostly rallycross for now with one stage event next year (if all goes well). Should the car be pushed into open class in the future with more power, then id want a different dimension wheel anyway, and at that point id re-evaluate getting the speedlines.

For now, im quite on the budget tip. I can afford spares with the TD's

[I Like It Sideways]

Have you checked out http://www.randyzimmer.com/ as well?
He has a pretty good manual about building a GC rally car on budget. ($200 for it though)
He also has some excellent footage too.

[409industries]

Yeah, Randy's book i have heard from numerous sources is pretty much the bible for rallying on a budget. I am planning on buying it soon.

[Sub-T]

15x6 = narrow tires = smaller contact patch = better dirt/gravel grip.

A wide tire on gravel is going to be like driving on marbles. The narrow tires dig deeper past the gravel to the grippy surface below the gravel.

A narrow tire also weighs less :wink:

[I Like It Sideways]

Yeah I forgot about that. Gravel tires are HEAVY. Good point.

[98obster]

I've always thought for an underpowered car, a narrower tire is more likely to be used, easier to spin.
I rallyxed on 195/65/15 Silverstones, and had a good amount of luck with getting the tires to spin when I needed them to.
I'd personally go with a 15 x 6, +40 if thats what is needed to clear the DMS50s.

what color will you be going with? Kickassness anyhow, these are going to rock on the RS

I just got winterforces mounted on 6 spoke 15" Lego wheels (Enkei) they had 215/60r15s in stock so I went for it. So, my question is: what really is the major difference in the two sizes below? and if traction is more important into and out of corners than speed, wouldn't the 215 have a marginal advantage?

Specification Sidewall Radius Diameter Circumference Revs/Mile Difference
195/65-15 5.0in 12.5in 25.0in 78.5in 807 0.0%
215/60-15 5.1in 12.6in 25.2in 79.0in 802 0.7%

http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalcold.html

Also, are alloys generally preferred over steelies? breaking the bead on alloys are harder or easier than steel rims?