Question regarding track wheels & tires - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

Rallistas · 17th June 2002, 03:37

Can you use 17" wheels? Whats the up and downs if you could? what size tires gould you use?

I have some 17" wheels from my old 850. Just wondering if you could.

Thanks

Rallistas

Teutonaddict · 17th June 2002, 03:48

I run Borbet Type E's in 17x8.5 and 17x9.5 for my track set-up. I've had NO brake clearance problems with these wheels, although there ain't much space to spare!

There really are no downsides. If you're running track tires, the sidewalls are pretty stiff to begin with, so an additional inch in rim diameter doesn't buy you much.

On the other hand, you now have access to a MUCH wider range of track rubber (245/45-17 and 275/40-17). I happen to run Yokohama A032R road racing tires with rain grooves, b/c they allow me to drive to a local track on my track tires, should I choose (and I often do). I may go with Hoosiers when it's time for new track treads, however, as a trackside tire swap is no big deal.

Hope that helps!

Rallistas · 17th June 2002, 03:55

Quote:

Originally posted by Teutonaddict
I run Borbet Type E's in 17x8.5 and 17x9.5 for my track set-up. I've had NO brake clearance problems with these wheels, although there ain't much space to spare!

There really are no downsides. If you're running track tires, the sidewalls are pretty stiff to begin with, so an additional inch in rim diameter doesn't buy you much.

On the other hand, you now have access to a MUCH wider range of track rubber (245/45-17 and 275/40-17). I happen to run Yokohama A032R road racing tires with rain grooves, b/c they allow me to drive to a local track on my track tires, should I choose (and I often do). I may go with Hoosiers when it's time for new track treads, however, as a trackside tire swap is no big deal.

Hope that helps!

Its sure does.

Thanks

Isn't this board awsome?

Rallistas · 17th June 2002, 04:00

I just went in to my garage and measured the rims.
They are 17x9 and 17x10.5. Will these sizes fit? and what size tires will I use?

Thanks in advance.

Rallistas

Teutonaddict · 17th June 2002, 04:05

....if and only if the offset measurements are compatible.

On that topic, I'm going to have to defer to someone with more direct experience.

Dave Z, are you 'listening'?

Stealthne · 17th June 2002, 04:35

If you have never driven on the track with R-compound tires, go slowly. You won't get any feedback that the tires are about to break until it's too late.

Don't rush it.

Teutonaddict · 17th June 2002, 16:18

Quote:

Originally posted by efontana
If you have never driven on the track with R-compound tires, go slowly. You won't get any feedback that the tires are about to break until it's too late.

Don't rush it.

You are absolutely correct! I definitely would advise against starting off your track experiences on anything other than street tires. [Rallistas, if you're new to tracking, I'd advise you install some inexpensive street rubber (Kumho Ecstas, for example) on your 17" 8er wheels--presuming they fit.]

That being said, the Yoko A032R's are pretty progressive near the edge, and do let you know (both audibly and through feel) you're approaching their limit of adhesion.

I am certain that a switch to Hoosiers or Kumho slicks will require another level of attentiveness, for the very reason efontana states.

stever · 17th June 2002, 18:59

do a search on previous posts for wheel dims and offsets -- i don't think 10.5 wheels will fit

i agree that you shouldn't put on sticky tires until you have some track experience with the car