How SMALL a wheel ....?

[GordonD]

Mine's a Mk2 Ph2 172, which got delivered in this country (Australia) with 15x7 wheels and 195/50 tyres.

Does anyone know how much smaller diameter wheels will physically fit?

I'm asking for track day use where smaller rolling diameter tyres would be better. They'd lower the car and lower the gearing. The lower the better on the track. And you don't use the top speed on the track, so losing a bit of that (oe having to wind right out to the rev limit) and getting a bit better acceleration would be an improvement.

The racing tyre manufacturers talk low profile, but it seems like to actually get a smaller rolling diameter tyre you need to go to a smaller diameter wheel. A 14" or even a 13". The question is whether they would fit over a 172's brakes.

 

[Graham Gooch]

Mk2 Ph2 over here came with 16s as standard, most people use 15s as their small wheel!

IIRC its the smallest that will go, that will clear the caliper.

 

[Djw John]

Yeah nothing smaller than 15s go over the brakes. TBH 195/50/15 is a great tyre size, good compromise between outright speed, acceleration, handling and grip

 

[Griffyn]

Hi Gordon

As stated above, a 15 is the smallest wheel that will fit.

There are a number of semi-slick tyres in the correct size for the 15s, and more options for wheels in this size too. The Clio taking part in the PTCC is running 15s, as are most who track their 172s.

 

[Peperami]

Can run 205/50 15's on coilovers with no clearance problems too. Plenty of cheap tyres in that size if you plan on a few sets for track use.