14x7 vs 15x7 wheels?

[Richy Gonzalez]

So, since no one seems to post here anymore, let me start something. Now having a choice to run 14s or 15s, which would a ITA CRX best be with. Not taking availability into account since Tom from OPMAutosports.com was able to get Team Dynamics to make a 14x7 wheel, would it be faster or slower? handling track versus a high speed track? Any thoughts?

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Richy Gonzalez
GB Racing - #24 ITA CRX For Sale $8300
LAMIN-X Protective Films

[Catch22]

Well, back in my Solo I days I used to have 2 sets of wheels and tires. One 14x7 panasport (app 11 pounds) and one 15x7 Kosei K1 (app 13 pounds). I ran 225/50/14 on the panasport and 225/45/15 on the Kosei.

I found no real difference between the two. I suppose the 15" setup provided a slightly better turn-in due to reduced sidewall flex, but the 14" setup probably made up for this by being a couple of pounds lighter.
Lap times with each wheel/tire combo were pretty much identical.

If I were building an ITA car right now (and I wish I was) I'd go with the 14x7. The new TDs are light, look great, and give you the option of running the Toyo (which doesn't come in a 225/45/15).

Just my opinion.

[racer-025]

FYI,

For 2005, Toyo is building a 225/45R15 Proxes RA-1, inwhich will have an overall dia of 23.0".
In comparison:
205/55R14: 22.9"
225/50R14: 22.9"
205/50R15: 23.0"

IMO, I'd rather use the 15" wheels. They maybe slightly heavier, but I'd think there will be an advantage in handling with the lower side-wall of the 45 series tire.

[spnkzss]

I'm going to continue running 13" in ITC just so I can keep my 20.7" diameter. Cheaper than a gear.

The only thing I would consider going larger on is if we where allowed a 7" Rim. The 6" adds limitations to ITC going to 15". I would think a 15x6 would be kinda pointless either way.

[Richy Gonzalez]

I would have to imagine that side wall flex would be improved. Also, I wonder if there's any better cooling aspects in having more area around the brakes.

As a side note, the Hoosier tech at the ARRC told me all the testing they have done, the lightest 15 wheels with a hoosier tire is still one pound heavier than a 14.

spnkzss - I have to agree with you, 15x6 would be pointless.



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Richy Gonzalez
GB Racing - #24 ITA CRX For Sale $8300
LAMIN-X Protective Films

[itaintegra31]

This last weekend I ran a set of 15 inch wheels with 225/50/15 Toyo's on my 91 Integra as a test in a Honda challange race at thunder hill, the week before I ran an SCCA race at thunder hill on 225/50/14 inch hoozier's times won't tell any thing because we ran a different track layout, but just seat of the pants, I liked the feel of the car with the Toyos on better then the Hoozier's. So I am going to run 15 inch wheels in both ITA and H/4. I have run all year in H/C on 225/50/14 Toyos, the 15's felt a lot better.

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Ron Carroll
REC Motorsports Inc.
#52 ITA integra

[This message has been edited by itaintegra31 (edited November 16, 2004).]

[R2 Racing]

I'd be happy to buy anyone's old 14x7 Panasports if you're going to 15's.

I really should get some rain wheels one of these days (err, seasons).

[racer-025]

Richy,

How come your CRX hasn't sold yet? That's a decent price. It seems race cars are a tuff sell these days and we just about have to give them away to get rid of them. There are several decent Civics & CRX race cars forsale in our region going cheap, but no one biting. Seems new racers are not getting into this sport these days.

[Richy Gonzalez]

Originally posted by racer-025:
Richy,

How come your CRX hasn't sold yet? That's a decent price. It seems race cars are a tuff sell these days and we just about have to give them away to get rid of them. There are several decent Civics & CRX race cars forsale in our region going cheap, but no one biting. Seems new racers are not getting into this sport these days.

You know, I'm at a lost on this one. I believe that I'm selling my car for a very good and attractive price but the market for IT is dead, really dead. I've been contacted by a few people but nothing serious yet. So, I'll keep racing it until it sells.

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Richy Gonzalez
GB Racing - #24 ITA CRX For Sale $8300
LAMIN-X Protective Films

[Knestis]

There are too many variables to make general statements, since some people are going to make their tire choice based on economy rather than outright speed. The tire decision may limit the wheel size options, which are then in turn constrained by the offerings in those sizes. None of this happens without considering price either, of course...

K