What is the effect of different wheel widths on same tire?

JP Schuster · 01-21-2016, 12:09 AM

Hey guys, I was wondering what the reasoning is for running different wheel widths on the same size tire.

For this question, what are the differences in running say a 12" vs. 14" wheel on a 14X32 slick? Is one superior over the other? How do you choose which wheel width given a tire size you would like to run?

Thanks,

JP

7423 · 01-21-2016, 11:01 AM

An inch or so wider than the tire has yielded the best results on all of my rides from super gas to slow bracket cars. Bigger footprint and higher psi equals more consistent 60's.

Myron Piatek · 01-21-2016, 12:42 PM

X2
Most Stockers that I know of use 10" rims with 9" slicks. Some even wider. Narrower rims are usually run due to wheelwell clearance. The ability to run more air pressure also prolongs sidewall life and performance.

Mike Taylor 3601 · 01-21-2016, 01:06 PM

narrower wheel will let tire grow more,wider wheel will not let tire grow as much,is one effect.
Mike Taylor 3601

Run to Rund · 01-21-2016, 01:14 PM

To expand on Myron's response, the narrower rim will decrease section width a little to help with wheelwell clearance. However, a rim of the same or greater width tends to give more directional stability, allow more tire pressure for best traction.

Dan Fahey · 01-21-2016, 05:13 PM

Using the same width Tire.
A 30 inch Slick has more contact surface than a 28 inch tall tire.
The taller the tire longer footprint, more contact area.

01-21-2016, 12:09 AM	#1
JP Schuster Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Posts: 54 Likes: 0 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts	What is the effect of different wheel widths on same tire? Hey guys, I was wondering what the reasoning is for running different wheel widths on the same size tire. For this question, what are the differences in running say a 12" vs. 14" wheel on a 14X32 slick? Is one superior over the other? How do you choose which wheel width given a tire size you would like to run? Thanks, JP

01-21-2016, 11:01 AM	#2
7423 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 639 Likes: 0 Liked 1 Time in 1 Post	Re: What is the effect of different wheel widths on same tir An inch or so wider than the tire has yielded the best results on all of my rides from super gas to slow bracket cars. Bigger footprint and higher psi equals more consistent 60's.

01-21-2016, 12:42 PM	#3
Myron Piatek VIP Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Florida Posts: 1,542 Likes: 34 Liked 138 Times in 51 Posts	Re: What is the effect of different wheel widths on same tir X2 Most Stockers that I know of use 10" rims with 9" slicks. Some even wider. Narrower rims are usually run due to wheelwell clearance. The ability to run more air pressure also prolongs sidewall life and performance. __________________ LOCOMOTION Racing

01-21-2016, 01:06 PM	#4
Mike Taylor 3601 VIP Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Somerset,Ky Posts: 1,350 Likes: 298 Liked 248 Times in 87 Posts	Re: What is the effect of different wheel widths on same tir narrower wheel will let tire grow more,wider wheel will not let tire grow as much,is one effect. Mike Taylor 3601

01-21-2016, 01:14 PM	#5
Run to Rund Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Henderson, NV Posts: 583 Likes: 8 Liked 54 Times in 27 Posts	Re: What is the effect of different wheel widths on same tir To expand on Myron's response, the narrower rim will decrease section width a little to help with wheelwell clearance. However, a rim of the same or greater width tends to give more directional stability, allow more tire pressure for best traction.

01-21-2016, 05:13 PM	#6
Dan Fahey VIP Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 2,126 Likes: 1,084 Liked 184 Times in 113 Posts	Re: What is the effect of different wheel widths on same tir Using the same width Tire. A 30 inch Slick has more contact surface than a 28 inch tall tire. The taller the tire longer footprint, more contact area.