What size wheels for track days?

[geordie56]

Hi, as per the title what is in peoples opinion the best size rim and tyre for track days? I currentley have 235/35/19s fitted, but see a lot of people use 18s for track days. What is best and what size tyre amnd i best going in for? cheers.

[RedRobin]

....

Most people say that the ideal size (for our mk5 GTI's) is 17". But many of us stay with our 18's, perhaps for practical reasons. Unless you are going to be driving pretty hard and close to the limit, I don't think it matters that much.

Weight of wheels makes a difference: More driver feedback and less unladen weight.

[Janner_Sy]

it all depends on how heavy your alloys are in the first place.  Alot of the touring cars and DTM etc all use 19" wheels.  Its all about the weight of the alloy.

Id bet a lightweight set PR1.2s in 19" would be as good as if not better than a set of OEM 18" alloys. 

The main reason id steer clear of using 19" alloys on track is the cost of replacing the tyres

[geordie56]

Im currentley using VMR 710s and like them but arent sure if they are going to be very practical. Just wanna know opinions before i buy 19" tyres as opposed to a new set of rims and tyres in a different size. What width would you tend to go for aswell?

[gazbutS3]

if you could get TD's in 19"s we'd all be runnin um

you have to take into account brake clearance which usually means 18" if your runnin any type of BBK although some will fit behind the 17". Not sure them rascals you have Geordie will fit behind 17's

[geordie56]

No thats my concern aswell Gaz them bloody rascals i doubt will fit behind any 17"s that i can think of! What would be the best option in 18"s?

[gazbutS3]

depends what your budget is pal, TD 1.2's are great for the money and they give plenty of brake clearance and are pretty lightweight, in fact you have to pay a lot more to get anything lighter not the best looking whel but very strong and functional

[geordie56]

And what size tyre would be best, 225 or 235 and what profile 40 or 35?

[Teutonic_Tamer]

Weight of wheels makes a difference: More driver feedback and less unladen weight.

I think you meant to say less unsprung weight!  

Halve the unsprung weight, and the benefit then equals the square of the conventional 'sprung' weight.

[gazbutS3]

most people run a 225/40/18 with the 18x8" ET45 rim with no clearance issues on the mk5 but I think the Sirocco has much more clearance so you may get away with wider/bigger tyres, so not sure really

[geordie56]

So just to confirm are thes in this link a good choice? Ans what rubber would be best i was looking at R1Rs or R888s?

http://www.wheelheaven.co.uk/wheel_Pro-Race-1.2-alloy-wheels-by-Team-Dynamics_24_0_index.php

[RedRobin]

No thats my concern aswell Gaz them bloody rascals i doubt will fit behind any 17"s that i can think of! What would be the best option in 18"s?

^ OZ Alleggerita 18" = 8.03kg each.

[geordie56]

Im still concerned red as have you seen the size of my calipers compared to them Aps and im running 350mm discs so could be tight on them OZs

[gillm]

i use 18" TD1.2 for track and they clear my vwr brake kit with ease .