Track Rims

[mikeyG]

Im looking at getting a 2nd set of rims for track use, Iv got an R34 gtt and was wondering if 16” rims for the track is a silly idea, I am thinking about 16” mainly for the cost of tires as id like to keep getting good rubber and the smaller the rim the cheaper.

The R34 came with 17” stock but i am wondering if there is any benefit in getting the 17” over the 16”

Looking for opinions and advice

Cheers

[MrStabby]

Im looking at getting a 2nd set of rims for track use, Iv got an R34 gtt and was wondering if 16” rims for the track is a silly idea, I am thinking about 16” mainly for the cost of tires as id like to keep getting good rubber and the smaller the rim the cheaper.

The R34 came with 17” stock but i am wondering if there is any benefit in getting the 17” over the 16”

Umm - i think the R32 Vspec's went to 17s to fit over the 324mm rotors, 16's over your 310mm's might be tight so make sure you check the clearance before you outlay the cash. I'm guessing you'll have a better range of tyres at wider sizes in 17s. 16 are pretty old skool.

[BHDave]

I managed to fit stock 32gtst rims over r34 calipers but i had to remove some alloy from the caliper to do it. There was bugger all clearance to anything when they were fitted up.

Ideally, get some cheap second hand jap 17's.

[mikeyG]

I did not even think about the brakes in this equation.

Sounds like 17" is the better idea and should be no hassles.

ta

[Beer Baron]

32 GTR rims should fit fine over your brakes.

[Omurru]

Another downside of smaller rims is your gonna have to use a higher profile tyre which will mean more sidewall flex which inturn decreases handling....

[R32gts-t]

What are the widest tyres available for a 16 inch wheel?

Do re55's come in anything wider than a 225? ie: 235 50 16?

if yes, then they could make a good combo with r32 gtr wheels...

[maccattack]

As people on here have already said - the choices of semi's available in 16" is far less than going 17".

You will find it hard getting tyres you want in a 16" range - very limited

[scathing]

Another downside of smaller rims is your gonna have to use a higher profile tyre which will mean more sidewall flex which inturn decreases handling....

R-Comp tyres inevitably have reinforced sidewalls, so the difference isn't as marked as with street rubber. And, unlike with street tyres, its not as easy to say if the higher unsprung weight and rotational inertia from a bigger rim offsets the extra sidewall flex in terms of pace.

Personally, I'd stick with 17". If you're going to track more often you'll want to do a brake upgrade, and a reasonable upgrade is getting used Brembos off a GT-R or Z33 / V35. They tend to get sold for a reasonable price, bolt on with a minimum amount of fuss, and are from a reputable manufacturer with OEM reliability. You need 17" rims to clear those brakes.

As for tyre choice, there are quite a few racing series' that use 16" and 17" as the control sizes. I'm not sure if 17" does have a greater range of tyre types than 16", but I am sure that availability in either size will not be an issue. Either diameter will give you plenty of opportunity to go to a State Championship round and pick up used tyres off the racers, if you're on a budget.

[djr81]

Well rather than speculating have a look at the price list to Toyo's.

With regard to brakes the Brembos fitted to Nissans are generally regarded as being excellent. Like alot of things that people venerate they are over priced & over hyped. There isn't too much wrong with the GT-T brakes. Get some pads, fluids & pay some attention to the cooling. They will be fine for the most part. Whne you reach the point where they are holding you back you will want something better than the povvo pack Brembo fitted to the GT-R's.

[Trust33]

I managed to fit stock 32gtst rims over r34 calipers but i had to remove some alloy from the caliper to do it. There was bugger all clearance to anything when they were fitted up.

Ideally, get some cheap second hand jap 17's.

Did you file the calliper down?Damn. 17's ftw!!only downside is extra cost.but i think the added performance certainly outweighs that.

[BHDave]

yeah, there were a couple of high points on the top front of the caliper that fouled.

:laughing-smiley-014: forgot how funny it looked. Old photo too, still on the compliance tyres....

[Trust33]

DAMNNNN son!