17x8 or 17x9 for Autocross

[Slush Box]

Hello everyone i need to know what wheel size would be best for fit, price for tires and everything. I will be using these wheels for my Autocross events and i was looking whatever 17x8 or 17x9. I will be doing some hard cornering with it and don't want any rub. I want the correct tire size that i need for the wheels. Which would be cheaper when looking for tires for then 17x8 or 17x9. I want the black bullit wheels you can get off ebay for around 400 bucks. Then some Kumho tires or Falken tires. If 17x8;s fit good and all and tires for that size are good that would rule but also would 17x9's be worth it to have that extra inch wider. I have 15x7 so either way there gonna be wider.

 

[james t]

it really doesnt matter. both will do fine. just go with a 17x8 with a 255/60 tire.

 

[Slush Box]

is that the right size tire that will keep it at the stock tire diameter. Thanks for the advice.

 

[Alec]

Yes, pretty close.

 

[Black Magic]

Won't that give you too much side wall roll? Just asking.

 

[james t]

actually, its been proven that on heavier vehicles a smaller wheel with more sidewall handles better. this is obviously within reason. basically, 17-18 with normal stock height tires will outhandle anything else. the sport truck specific tires have a much much stronger carcass and resist rolling alot better than a conventional tire with the same height sidewall.

and yes, a 255/60/17 will be the same height as your stock tires (depending on exactly what came on it).

 

[SteedaExplorer]

If your really going to get into handling why wouldnt you go with 18's ??? I think they handle 50 times better than my old 17x9's ...

 

[jimbo74]

a bigger rim is going to mean a stiffer tire as it will then need to be lower profile to be the same diameter.....

kumhos and falkens arent the best road race tire out there.... i would go with some bridgestone s03s or something like a michelin pilots sport or something along those lines....

 

[Slush Box]

The wheels and tires are just for Autocross so nothing special so whats size wheel would that tire size fit. I think a 17x8 would be fine i guess just wanted to know the right tire size. I have a feeling a 9 wide wheel might rub the front when i'm doing hard cornering. With the tires i need something that can perform yet be a good price.

 

[SteedaExplorer]

17X9 Rims will Deff rub ... I had them before these, but if you put steering limiters on they shouldnt be a problem.

 

[james t]

they only rub at full lock, which is not something you would be doing at speed....only in parking lots.

 

[Slush Box]

So 255/60 R17 is what you run with your 17x8's James T

 

[james t]

i have 17x8's on the front, and 17x9.5's on the rear. the fronts are 255/60's and the rears are 275/55's. both are the exact same height.

 

[mhn3773]

are u going to autoX ur sport =)...thats gunna be sweet i didnt think they let suvs race get alot of pics

 

[Slush Box]

Yeah man there is a post in the Sport Trucks section its called Autocross. Yeah i had permission since its lowered and have plans for alot more suspension work. Oh yeah and i was thinking of Steeda Sway bars but screw them they say they don't have one for my 2001 and i know for a fact the frames didn't change its the same as any from atleast 1998-2001. So i will be going with a good friends at Explorer Express. Thanks James T i will use those number's when i look i just want a good deal on any kind of 17" Mustang wheel and plan to just spray them black for the track.

 

[5.0Dad]

For what you're doing I'd think 17x8 would be best. 17x9 will only increase unsprung weight. It may not be much but why add to it. I'm very happy with my 255/60/17 Toyo Proxis ST's

 

[explodr04]

tire

what kind of tire would you run if you had the ee lowering kit with the 17x8's

 

[Slush Box]

5.0Dad is that what you run on your 17x8's i found out i can run a tire that fits a 17x9 so i could still have the wide tire i want. What do you think about that idea.

 

[5.0Dad]

Yeh, that's what I'm running. How wide are you wanting to go? I'd run it by one of the more expert tire guys but I think you're good on the 8's upwards of 275.

I've never run an autocross... but I'm not sure about the benefits of the wider wheel unless you gain increased track. I'm also wondering if you can increase traction to a point where handling will get unpredictable at the limit.

On the other hand, will 9's provide more side wall stability? Does that really matter?

BTW, Yes I have been accused of having too much time on my hands.

 

[Slush Box]

Yeah i was told that it should be fine by a friend with the 17x8's runing 275's. I just don't want to have to get like a steering limiter if i run 17x9's so i hear the 17x8's don't rub so that would be what i want. Being able to run the 275's would give me the same width on the gound as a 17x9 but i would be lighter. The 275's can fit a rim i think 7.5-9.5 wide so i'm covered there and it should fine since 8 is right in the middle the tire will come real close ot being straight up and down. I need some expert advice on this though lol.