REVERSE STAGGERED WHEELS????

So I was looking through the Japanese magazine Hyper Rev. and noticed that some of the featured race cars would run say Front: 17x8.5 Rear: 17x8, or Front: 18x8.5 Rear: 18x8 etc. , but the tire sizes would be the same like say a 245 or 255!

Now do they no know something that we don't? Does it help turn in better? Does it help with understeer? Does just having a wider wheel (without changing the tire size) make enough of a difference that a lot of those cars would have that?



whats's your theory?

 

What types of cars? front wheel drive?

 

Some Japanese guys run 17x9 in the front and 17x8.5 in the rear. I think it's just for handling purposes, since the tendency for AWD to under steer is possible, then they have to compensate some how by having a larger patch of rubber to grab the road. *shrugs* That's just my theory.

 

I've seen this on some FF race cars as well. Always been curious about it.

 

yeah, it would be for reducing understeer by giving the front of the car more grip. it all depends on what the handling problem is that they're trying to solve. It could also have a side effect of increasing the front track width.

 

Imprezas

 

Damn, there's an old issue of Sport Compact that discussed this. I think it was a Cusco Evo and STi with staggered wheels, if I remember rightly. Can't remember the exact explanation why though.


**EDIT**

Found it!

http://www.sportcompactcarweb.com/fe...vo_subaru_sti/

But it doesnt have the full article online.

 

Thanks Huck,

Actually , I think I may have that issue, I'll double check when I get home and re-read it.

 

i have that article at home. the narrower rear wheel made the tire " rounder " increasing oversteer and turn in

 

maybe you were reading it backwards cuz it's japanese and they read the other way...




juuuust kidding

 

https://www.i-club.com/forums/wheel-tire-59/different-size-rim-widths-114647/

 

Domo arigato smart A$$! (playin)

Nice find Lowball!

I guess for the budget minded it wouldn't be as practical when rotating the tires! Plus there are still other tricks to get tighter turn ins/less understeer/ etc!