CTW Motorsports 17" wheel review for 3rd Gens Options

[wastntim]

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]

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!

[mr.beachcomber]

Great data - great post. Thanks!!

[Doug Phillips]

Any more data on the rims?

Specifications including offset. Is this a square setup, same front to back?

Supplier contact info?

Pricing?

These are 9.5? Can you get wider to fit?

[wastntim]

Any more data on the rims?

Specifications including offset. Is this a square setup, same front to back?

Supplier contact info?

Pricing?

These are 9.5? Can you get wider to fit?

You can find all of the information on CTW's website.

CTW Motorsports website:



17' x 9.5" size, 5.25" backspacing to fit 1982 to 1992 F-Bodies (Chevrolet Camaro & Pontiac Firebird) without spacers



Weight of each wheel with center cap: 20lbs 4.4oz; center cap is 1.6oz



Suitable tire fitment: 245, 255, 265, 275, and 285mm section widths. 40, 45, and 50 series sidewall profiles



Will clear almost all big brake kits with 13" and 13.5" rotors; will clear the monstrous Baer 14" 6 piston Extreme Plus system - has been verified in our shop, other kits may not fit due to bridge bolts on the calipers hitting the wheel barrel



Moves the rear wheel track 1.75" further out than stock wheels with 245-50-16 tires, front track remains the same. Wider track in the rear corrects the factory use of different offset wheels that actually make the rear track smaller than the front. Handling and power application with the rear wheels will improve

[Paul Huryk]

Any more data on the rims?

Specifications including offset. Is this a square setup, same front to back?

Supplier contact info?

Pricing?

These are 9.5? Can you get wider to fit?

Doug,

5.25" BS

Square setup

Pricing: CTW Motorsports pricing

We don't offer wider than 9.5" - but you can have the wheels widened with a reputable wheel widening specialist.