OK, I am trying to figure out the best wheel size / tires for my FD. I sold my 97 M3 that I previously used for AX and Track days. I also just sold my old set of 235/45/17 A032R's from the M3, which I was thinking of using on the FD, but I could not pass up the opportunity to sell the old ones and get new ones. I am willing to buy new wheels and tires, but I need to stay within about a $1000-$1200 budget.

My setup:
93 base
Single GT35/40R
3mm seals
PowerFC
DMS coilovers
M2 competition trailing arms
M2 competition toe links
M2 Wilwood big brakes
Everything else is polyurethane

OK, should I just get another set of stock wheels, or should I be looking for set of 17-18" wheels? I would like to buy tires that I can use for AX and track. I will probably be doing 1-2 track days this year and 4-5 AX's, so I would like to get a set of tires that will hold up for about 2 seasons. Right now I'm leaning towards Kumho victoracers or V700/V710's, but I am still unsure about the size I need. On the street I run:
Front: 18X8.5 with 235/40/18 Kumho MX
Rear: 18X9.5 with 265/35/18 Kumho MX

What do you guys think?

 

I was looking on Tirerack.com at a set of 16X8.5 Kosei K1's. They are only $179 each. The cost of tires to go up to a 17" isn't very much, so should I spend the extra for 17" wheels?

 

Honestly, you should only upp the wheel size to clear any larger brakes. Or, if a particular race rubber is only available in the 17'' variety. Everyone has different takes on this, however, in a pure performance aspect, keep in mind the sprung/unsprung weight issue.

 

Well, If I stick with a set of stock wheels, that will save me some funds to put towards rubber. I was thinking that the smaller sidewall on a 17" tire would be better than the 16"

 

It all comes down to money. If you want to win at racing then money is no object. If you want to have fun racing and autoxing but keep the price down then that is different. First decide which is more important, money or winning, then we can help you with your request.

Spank