Tire & wheel dilemma

[CaliforniaDistraught]

I am currently running 18X8 Rota Torques on my 03 WRX, with Kumho Ecsta SPT tires; size 235, 40. The rest of my suspension is stock, for now.

Lately I have been participating in more Autox and track days.

I realize that high performance / competition tires are expensive in the 18" size. The 18" wheels are also heavy.

I am considering a few options

1) use my OEM 16x6.5 wheels for autox/track use

I would squeeze a 225 Falken RT615, michelin pilot sport cup, or other sticky tire on there

this combination would provide a greater bang for the buck than the kumho SPTs I currently run on the rotas combined with a weight savings.


2) trade my 18" rotas for some 17x7.5 or 17X8 rotas

This would lighten up the 4 corners of the car a little bit

I could also run a 235 or 245+ tire, but at a slightly higher cost and weight

I would most likely end up with the RT615s on a 17" wheel, instead of a better tire such as the pilot cups or ecsta v710s on the 16"


My question is:

Will I miss the width of a 235+ tire if I go with the OEM 16" wheels & run a 225 tire?

Will the 17" diameter provide an advantage over the 16"?

I am not concerned with the effect aftermarket wheels have on the SCCA/ NASA classification of my car.

Also, what effect does a changing wheel diameter have on a suspension setup?

If I had lowering springs or coilovers, would a change from 16" to 18" wheels in between events have a negative effect on the setup?

If other info is needed to help answer my question please let me know.

Thank you

-A

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[Uncle Scotty]

.....17 x 8........245/40 or 255/40 will almost certainly be the cheapest/easiest/lightest combination....there are several good, light 17 x 8 wheels that are available

http://www.edgeracing.com/wheel/1859/

....but the stock suspension is pure garbage and you will see that once you start to upgrade it