Okay my question is this: Will running 17" rims or 18" rims affect your 1/4 times or trap speeds? I read a thread a while back about a guy with a camaro who picked up a few mph by switching from 18s back to his stock 16" rims.
Well think of it this way.. a full turn in a smaller wheel does not go as far as a bigger wheel. Depending on your setup, smaller wheels will accelerate quicker but have a lower top speed. Bigger wheels are better for top speeds but of course will not accelerate as quick. I dont know if that will help or not.
well now thats not neccessarily true, a 16 inch rim or 18 inch rim, you will likely have the same overall tire size. Which means the weight or the rim is the concern not rim diameter. right?
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Generally speaking, a smaller wheel, and a higher profile drag tire is what will hook up well on the 1/4. This will leave you with similar overall diameter than stock set. The tires are soft so when launching, the sidewall will flex and allow the tire to hold traction better and "launch" you off the line. This is a much simplified description, but can watch a drag race and see what I mean.
his rims were probly a little lighter, so thats why he gained a few mph. usually if you have a bigger rim, your gonna have a smaller profile tire, the overall diameter of the whole thing will be around the same
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Question about 1/4 mile racing and rim size - 
