CTW Motorsports 17" wheel review for 3rd Gens - F-Body Road Racing and Autocross Forums

Well, I completed my first weekend of racing on CTW's new 17" rims on my third gen and I can say it wasn't what I expected...it was even better than I could have hoped. (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

The weekend started out with 40 degree temps on Saturday with a very damp track as a result of massive flooding type rain only days before. The track was cold, green and slippery but I could immediately tell a difference. It was GRIP! Although I didn't set any personal records that day, I could tell that the car was handling substantially better. It was more comfortable to drive and definately felt like it had more to give.

The following day found slightly warmer temps in the high forties and very low fifties and it had dried more. With qualifying cut short due to an accident, I had little time on my new rims and tires for the race. But once the race started, I could tell the new rims and tires had transformed my third gen into a whole new car. The car was more stable in the turns and definately gave me substantially more grip in braking. When the race was over, I had managed to snag a third place and, at my home track, I had beat my fastest lap time by nearly one whole second. Not only was my fastest lap faster, but in 6 of 20 laps, I had beat my best time ever!

I know there was a lot of debate about whether the extra weight of these larger tires were worth the benefit of the wider tire, but now I can tell you, the debate is over. If you don't believe the lap times, I can tell you my traqmate data proved it as well. G loads left, right and under braking all increased. I've attached the data.

2012 on 16"

(IMG:http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l295/wastntim/2012autobahn_zps4d328c9c.jpg)

2013 on 17"

(IMG:http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l295/wastntim/2013_zpscbccd646.jpg)

I have to thank Paul from CTW for getting these wheels manufactured. They are going to let the third gens actually give the fourth gens a run for their money. Plus, they look awesome as well.

(IMG:http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l295/wastntim/IMG_8888_zpsebdd63c2.jpg)

(IMG:http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l295/wastntim/photo4_zps001873a7.jpg)

wastntim View Member Profile	Apr 27 2013, 02:57 AM Post #1
newbie Group: Members Posts: 24 Joined: 13-September 10 Member No.: 20,845	Well, I completed my first weekend of racing on CTW's new 17" rims on my third gen and I can say it wasn't what I expected...it was even better than I could have hoped. (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) The weekend started out with 40 degree temps on Saturday with a very damp track as a result of massive flooding type rain only days before. The track was cold, green and slippery but I could immediately tell a difference. It was GRIP! Although I didn't set any personal records that day, I could tell that the car was handling substantially better. It was more comfortable to drive and definately felt like it had more to give. The following day found slightly warmer temps in the high forties and very low fifties and it had dried more. With qualifying cut short due to an accident, I had little time on my new rims and tires for the race. But once the race started, I could tell the new rims and tires had transformed my third gen into a whole new car. The car was more stable in the turns and definately gave me substantially more grip in braking. When the race was over, I had managed to snag a third place and, at my home track, I had beat my fastest lap time by nearly one whole second. Not only was my fastest lap faster, but in 6 of 20 laps, I had beat my best time ever! I know there was a lot of debate about whether the extra weight of these larger tires were worth the benefit of the wider tire, but now I can tell you, the debate is over. If you don't believe the lap times, I can tell you my traqmate data proved it as well. G loads left, right and under braking all increased. I've attached the data. 2012 on 16" (IMG:http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l295/wastntim/2012autobahn_zps4d328c9c.jpg) 2013 on 17" (IMG:http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l295/wastntim/2013_zpscbccd646.jpg) I have to thank Paul from CTW for getting these wheels manufactured. They are going to let the third gens actually give the fourth gens a run for their money. Plus, they look awesome as well. (IMG:http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l295/wastntim/IMG_8888_zpsebdd63c2.jpg) (IMG:http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l295/wastntim/photo4_zps001873a7.jpg)

Paul Huryk View Member Profile	Apr 27 2013, 11:49 AM Post #2
Member Group: Advanced Members Posts: 55 Joined: 20-March 09 From: Central NJ Member No.: 4,458	Robert, the data definitely shows better braking, handling, and acceleration around the track - which was the theory of the wider tire advantages from the get go. For everyone's FYI is the fact that the car was using 255-50-16 spec tires on 8" TA lace wheels prior, moving to 275-40-17 on the 9.5" wide CTW Motorsports wheels (6lbs weight increase per corner). 6lbs will have an impact on acceleration, obviously - but the extra grip afforded is more than enough to compensate. A car on 245-50-16 street tires moving up to a 275-40-17 with a more aggressive pattern would pick up even more in grip - which is a good thing. Sweet!