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What's up, this is my first post in this forum. After my accident (see member's rides section), I've decided I should at least upgrade my tires, and possibly get rims, too.

Ok. I don't really know anything about wheels. I've heard of people upgrading their wheels and then getting slower 1/4 times. How does this happen? I definately don't want to become any slower than I already am, so how do I make sure the rims I get won't slow me down? And then, if I keep the same 15" size thatmy stock wheels are, is there a way to get wheels that will increase my time? I would assume that aluminum rims would weigh less than the steel stock wheels, so would that make a difference in speed (lighter wheels require less force to turn, or something?).

Thanks for the help.

IronFist

 
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I'm no expert, but I guess that yeah lighter rims will increase your times. I guess they should be lighter than stock also, and those steelies aren't light either. Fatter tires give you more grip = better times. Fatter tires also = better handling on corners, but strut and sway bars can contribute to that also. Wheels can be compared to shoes... Big heavy shoes, harder to run and turn... Track shoes, light and agile...If you have the money, get some forged aluminum wheels...

 
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You've already identified that to go faster you use small rims. That's 1 step ahead of the game.
To keep 15's and go faster, you need to go lighter and wider. Lighter to reduce rotating mass (which makes the engine work less to turn the wheels and more to move the car), and wider to put more rubber on the pavement. More tire=more traction=faster starts. If you want to reduce the gearing, then get tires smaller than stock... you'll accelerate faster, but lose top end speed (If you're running 1/4's, it shouldn't top out anyway).
And there are tons of VERY light 15's. Everything from Konig (who has a few around 10 lbs), all the way to Volks, Advans, Spoonies, etc....

 
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check out the tire calc link at top.