How bad is it to track w/ 19" wheels?

[BiscottiGelato]

I am running bone stock right now. Itching to get some new rims, but leaning on the 19" side for the looks... That said, I do hit the track 3/4 times a year. How bad will it be to track with 19" rims compared to the stock rims w/ RFTs (what I got right now)? Thinking of either going forged VS8.2 or Alufelgen SF-71 w/ Michelin Pilot Super Sports. Thanks!

[int2str]

I wouldn't do it.

Track tires can get expensive to replace - much more so for 19" than for 18"'s or 17"s. Smaller rims & less rubber = less rotational mass, too.

Get some nice 19"s for show, sell your stock rims and get some light weight 17's or 18's for the track.

You're welcome!

[syenisch]

Also I don't think the tire would allow enough lateral flex due to the smaller sidewall. I definitely would not do it.

[Focusedintntions]

Well it'll really depend on the rest of your setup. My biggest worry would be if you're running a stock setup that you get so much rollover with the 19's that you damage the rim edge. Depending what run group you're in and how aggressive you are you may not have an issue tracking the car with a 19" setup, but like he said up above. Tire cost plays a big factor for me. If you plan to continue to track your car i'd stick with 18's or get a separate set of 17's for the track. Just my .02

[SkinnyVT]

Originally Posted by syenisch

Also I don't think the tire would allow enough lateral flex due to the smaller sidewall. I definitely would not do it.

Why the hell would you want lateral flex? More flex means more time before the tire actually reacts to your input.

19's = $$$, that is the only real downside

[pixelblue]

Originally Posted by SkinnyVT

Why the hell would you want lateral flex?

a little flex will help with grip but lose a little steering feel

[Focusedintntions]

Skinny,
I've always heard that you want some sidewall flex b/c that in fact does help get maximum grip. Its why race teams don't use tires with a 1 inch sidewall. Not that this is really a direct comparison, but look at formula 1 how tall the tires are there and le-mans cars. I could be completely off here but just throwing out what I think I read/heard long ago in similar discussions on other forums.

[SkinnyVT]

F1 has ridiculously sized wheels because Bernie is a dictator, that was one of the big negotiating points when they were going to switch tire manufacturers.

[BiscottiGelato]

Considering that I don't track that much (track 3/4 times a year, autoX maybe 2/3 times a year, max), i guess cost isn't a huge consideration...

How big of a deal is side wall flex 18" vs 19". How likely is it fo 19" to roll over to the rims if I got correct tire pressure compensating for the effects?

Considering how infrequent I hit the track, I don't think I can justify dedicated track tires. Nor do I have storage for a set of Winters and also a set of track tires...

[int2str]

Originally Posted by BiscottiGelato

Considering that I don't track that much (track 3/4 times a year, autoX maybe 2/3 times a year, max), i guess cost isn't a huge consideration...

Fair enough - though you should autocross more
It's fun and usually fairly local. Go for it!

How big of a deal is side wall flex 18" vs 19". How likely is it fo 19" to roll over to the rims if I got correct tire pressure compensating for the effects?

I wouldn't worry too much about it. As you said, keep an eye on your tire pressure and I'm sure you'll be fine.

Even if cost is no issue, I'd still choose something like the Hankook RS-3 or Dunlop Direzza Z1's over the Michelin tires... Even for daily driver + autox duties I think that's a more sensible choice.

[BiscottiGelato]

I guess another question is, anybody with experience on HPDE with 19" wheels? Positive experiences? Negative experiences? I did more research and is seeing people saying wheels getting damaged going over those Red/White curbs on the track.

More I look, more the 19" looks awesome... but if they won't work at all, then I don't think I can go that route as I can't justify getting dedicated track wheels...