e36 17 versus 18 wheels for w2w

[Adam L.]

Since I can't replace my bent/broken 17x10.5 wheels this year I switched to 18" wheels and I'm going a little nuts trying to get quick laps

Set #1 Bronze
Apex 18x9.5" ET35 weighing 18.85 lbs
Discount continental #20268 245/45/18 EC-DR ST Slick, Section width: 10.6, Diameter: 26, Tread width: 9.1
Qualifying lap time: 1:38.3
General notes: overall lower grip slower mid-corner speed

Set #2 Silver
Apex SM-10 18x10.0" ET25 weighing 21 lbs
Discount continental #20536 265 650 18 G5500 Slick, Section width: 10.94, Diameter: 25.78, Tread width: 9.56
Qualifying lap time: 1:37.2
General notes: tire never full heats up, tire is tall enough that it bottoms out the shock (no bump stop installed), ABS needs to be disabled as it engages very early when braking with no apparent lockup. Understeer on corner-entry turn 3. Oversteer on corner entry turn 9.

Set #3 Red
Apex Arc-8 17x10.5 ET27 weighing 18.95 lbs
Hoosier R7 275/35/17 R7, Section width: 11", Diameter: 24.7", Tread width: 10.3", Circumference 77.7"
Qualifying lap time: 1.35.2

Couldn't get #20565 305/680/18 G6500 Slick, Section width: 12.5, Diameter: 26.76, Tread width: 10.63 to fit as it was rubbing - put the set on ebay for $199 and no one bought them.

Wondering if it is worth testing the Hoosier R7 285/30/18 R7, Section width:11.5" Diameter: 24.9", Tread width: 10.9", Circumference 78.1" as it seems that tire is as close to the 17" tire I can get..

3.91 gear ratio

not sure where to get weights for the hoosier tires so not sure at what level that factors in

I see lots of people running 18" wheels in gts2 but haven't paid close enough attention to see what sizes they've chosen.

Anyone know what 18" tire/wheel works best ?

[Pat533i]

Pretty sure that tire rack has the weight of the tires under specs.

I would think the conti is a bit slower than the r7. I know it’s the same carcass but I think the conti is a harder compound, more suited for the endurance racing.

Most gts2 cars running 18’s are on the 255 a7/r7 or 265 bfg r1s’s. The 255 Hoosier is wide as a 275 but not nearly as tall.

[Adam L.]

Pretty sure that tire rack has the weight of the tires under specs.

I would think the conti is a bit slower than the r7. I know it’s the same carcass but I think the conti is a harder compound, more suited for the endurance racing.

Most gts2 cars running 18’s are on the 255 a7/r7 or 265 bfg r1s’s. The 255 Hoosier is wide as a 275 but not nearly as tall.

I hadn't looked at that size, as I assumed it would be too small - but the specs are a near match of the 275/35/17 except in an 18" size. looks like a great option

Also got weights from tirerack

Thank you

I notice that that tire is more expensive and the 18" wheels are a little heavier - in general any suggestions on what is better 17 vs 18? width 9.5 vs 10 vs 10.5?

[ScotcH]

unless you have a crap load of power, anything wider than 275 or so is going to be a waste. Our s54 e36 (325 rwhp) was just as fast on 245/620/17 Pirelli as a 265/645/18 Pirelli. In fact, the 245 felt better. I think a 265/645/18, or possible a 285/645/18 will get you some serious lap times. Have you ever tried Pirelli DH? You can get them used, and for 4 sessions they will SPANK the hoosiers and contis. And new ones are simply mind blowing. I like the selection in 18" … especially in the true slicks. They do make a 305/645/18 Pirelli, which were great on our vette, but I think they will be way too much tire for the e36 … assuming you're not like 3200 lbs or something, lol