Whisper

Mostly for track days for my SE. Not sure if the advantage is worth the hassle. Thinking 15x7 with 205s front and 15x8 with 215s rear. I guess a bit of extra beef in the back is good on the circuit, but on the other hand mismatching wheels and tires seem like a pain. Can't rotate, same brand of rubber might not offer both sizes - so mismatched sets, and most importantly I already have a full set of 205s in decent shape that I could mount onto whatever wheels I get for this car, thus money saved.

Maybe I'll just get 15x7s all around, mount my 205s on them and call it a day. What do you guys think? Or should I go for 15x8 in the back and stretch 205s on them but still have the option of a wider tire later?

elwood

iTrader: (1)

Hard to answer that for you. Suspension setup, how much a little extra speed is worth, how important tire rotation is to you, etc.

I have 205/50s on 15X7 front and 225/50s on 15X7 rear. I had similar concerns with being able to swap / replace wheels. So although I can't rotate tires (even front to rear on the same side), I can use any wheel at any corner if I remount tires. There's some small benefit there.

If you're going staggered, I'd go with 225/45s on 15X8 in the rear. It's more rubber, it maintains the original wheel radius so your speedo will read correctly, and it will typically fit if you roll the rear quarters. The downside is fewer brands available.

Directfreak

iTrader: (2)

I run 205's in the front (Toyo Proxies) and
225's in the rear (BFG Drag Radials)

All on 15 x 6.5 Vert Wheels.

I've been very happy with this setup, and I just bought a new pair of each to
mount in the spring.

j9fd3s

iTrader: (3)

depends on the power level IMO. if you've got big power or a turbo, then do it, if its a stock port/nikki then run matching.

also, and this is neither here nor there, but a 225/45/15 works great on a 15x7 wheel, and fits the FB, this is what i'm running.

if i upgrade i'm going to run 245's on a 15x8, i have room in the rear for sure, the front will be TIGHT

Whisper

Tire rotation is pretty good for getting the most out of what's already there. Suspension is stock and will probably stay that way for a while. Extra speed is irrelevant since I'm not competing, it's probably more about keeping the rear end from breaking loose in turns, though that could probably be done just by using sticker compound in the back.

And yeah, I'm also concerned with sheer availability of tire sizes. I'm not going with race compound, but still. Looking at Hankook R-S3s, for example, their smallest size is 225, so I'd have to pick some other brand for the front. If I'm going to use the 205s that I have, I'd rather use all 4, otherwise I'm selling them as a set.

Whisper

Sounds like 15x7 with matching rubber should be fine for me. I'm only slightly above stock - mild street port and exhaust (on, and it's FI) - and I doubt I'll be pushing beyond that any time soon.

j9fd3s

iTrader: (3)

my first track **** car was a gsl-se (everybody had a turn..) its a GREAT car to get your feet wet in, they are FUN and really reliable, like you don't have to open the hood reliable.

it actually ran decent times too, alex pfieffer got it down to a 2.25 at thunderhill, on 400 treadware tires!

so anyways, i ran 205/60/14's, and if its stock suspension that's all you might be able to fit. negative camber in the front increases grip, and it moves the tire away from the fender too.

btw the camber plates should be your next mod

Whisper

Right on.

Kentetsu

13x10 Diamond Racing wheels with 255 Hoosiers. Lower center of gravity, lower gear ratio, lots of gains to be had.




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DivinDriver

iTrader: (15)

Never tried staggered on my 1st gen, but I love the extra rear grab it gives my 350Z - - and it needs it: be uncareful with that throttle with traction control off and you're going for a very wild ride.