[Cat_On_Tren]

I’m trying to decide between these two wheels. I’d like to get a dedicated set of track wheels and tires (305/45 MT street R’s wrapped around them). I would like to get the most traction that I can from the tire and figure the extra inch in sidewall from a 17 would be great as opposed to the 18, or is the difference not that big?

My main concern with the 17” wheel is if it won’t fit without interfering with the sway bar end links. I figure the 18” BT’s seem to be popular and clear with no issue?



Both wheels have their pros and cons.

17” D5 Pros- weighing at 17 lbs. per wheel as opposed to 18” BT’s weighing more at 25 lbs. per wheel.

-Extra sidewall

-May look aesthetically better than the BT’s. Performance should always come first before caring about what looks aesthetically pleasing to the eye in this case but this is somewhat important to me as well. Not sure how they will look on my NB Challenger?



Cons- The D5’s are more expensive than the BT’s, not really a major factor but cheaper is always better, sometimes.

- Having to deal with fitment and interfering with sway bar links issue. Don’t feel like having to deal with fitment issues again as I had to with my 20x10.5 PK auto replica wheels with a 305-35-20 tire around them.



18” BT’s Pros- Nice looking wheel and looks good on a Challenger as I seen them on it before.

- Not sure but I believe they fit great and easily plops on without fitment issues or interfering with sway bar links?

- They are cheap and have been the bang for buck for many drag racers at the track.



18” BT’s Cons- Less sidewall as opposed to the D5’s, little less traction?

- Heavier than the 17 lb. D5’s weighing around 25 lbs. each.



With all of the Pros and cons I listed. Which wheel do you recommend I go with? Has anyone by chance had these 17x10 D5’s and didn’t have any issues? Did you have to do anything in regards to the sway bar links? Does the extra sidewall from the 17” wheel make a bigger difference in traction than the 18” wheel or not by much? I look forward in hearing everyone’s responses as this would be very helpful, thank you.

Links below to the wheels I'm looking at....

Forgestar D5 Gloss Black Wheel w/Machined Lip 17x10 +30 5x115BC - F09170071P30

SAVE with Drag Racing Wheels on Forgestar D5 Gloss Black Wheel w/Machined Lip + Dual Knurling 17x10 +30 5x115BC for Charger, Challenger, Magnum, 300 #1710D5BLKMC305115 F09170071P30.

dragracingwheels.com

Bravado Wheels TB80515205 Bravado Tribute Matte Black Wheels | Summit Racing

Free Shipping - Bravado Tribute Matte Black Wheels with qualifying orders of $99. Shop Wheels at Summit Racing.

www.summitracing.com

 

[OldMoparGuy]

Never mind the weight and the cost, just swap out the sway bar end links, which aren't absolutely necessary, and go with the 17's. But both are very popular. From what I've gathered the end links only become an issue depending on how the car is jacked up when swapping wheels. I've resigned myself to 17's, but am just waiting for a nice pair to come along.

 

[Ron b]

Main consideration should be your rear,
2.62 go with 17s, 3.09 use 18s. I wouldn't use the bavados, get 18" welds or Vox's, you get what you pay for.

 

[Doublewide]

FYI, it's a common misconception that the 305 45 17 has an extra 1" of sidewall vs the 305 45 18. Both tires have the same 5.4" of sidewall. Have to take in to consideration that the 18" is 1" taller in overall diameter. Ultimately, I say get what you think looks best.

 

[Ron b]

You are correct sir, and tire height and gear ratio makes a big difference in how you car will preform off the line and down the track.

 

[Cat_On_Tren]

Thank you all so far for the responses, it is helpful.

 

[Cat_On_Tren]

Main consideration should be your rear,
2.62 go with 17s, 3.09 use 18s. I wouldn't use the bavados, get 18" welds or Vox's, you get what you pay for.

I have the regular 2.62 on my stock powered Cat. Hmmm welds are nice but I think are kinda pricey, very true on what you get is what you pay for. Just curious why not BT’s? Cheap cast wheels?

 

[Cat_On_Tren]

FYI, it's a common misconception that the 305 45 17 has an extra 1" of sidewall vs the 305 45 18. Both tires have the same 5.4" of sidewall. Have to take in to consideration that the 18" is 1" taller in overall diameter. Ultimately, I say get what you think looks best.

Hmm you brought up a good point. According to discount tires website the 305/45/17 shows 27.8” in diameter while the 305/45/18 shows 29.02” in diameter. Honestly I might have to consider the 18 now because I do like a taller tire to fill up that rear end gap that I hate so much. So while I’m at the track for that short period of time, might as well enjoy the taller tire filling in the gap better plus as mentioned tire height makes a big difference off the line? Or maybe there is a different size MT street r that will still have that taller height with a 17”?

 

[Ron b]

I have the regular 2.62 on my stock powered Cat. Hmmm welds are nice but I think are kinda pricey, very true on what you get is what you pay for. Just curious why not BT’s? Cheap cast wheels?

With 2.62 your perfect size is the 17 with the 305/45/17 mt et r and Forgestar is the cheaper best way to go. Good build and dual knurled beads to keep that tire from slipping. The smaller tire also helps with gearing and acceleration off the line.

You'll shift sooner at the end and be closer to peak power crossing the traps, 5500 rpm vs 5000 rpm.

Welds are a little lighter and stronger but much more expensive and for stock or close power not really necessary, unless you like the looks.

With 18" wheels your choices are fewer and the difference between wheels greater. BTs are ok for street use but not so much with drag radials on prepped track. I had them and the tires would spin on the rims a lot.

 

[Fullstrutt]

I have the BT’s wrapped in nitto’s and work great for me. I’m on stock power and they hook great, with smooth road handling. Hard to spend 700-800 on rims just to play around with.

 

[Ron b]

Playing on the street and actually racing on a strip are 2 different things, agreed BTs are fine for the street.

 

[Cat_On_Tren]

With 2.62 your perfect size is the 17 with the 305/45/17 mt et r and Forgestar is the cheaper best way to go. Good build and dual knurled beads to keep that tire from slipping. The smaller tire also helps with gearing and acceleration off the line.

You'll shift sooner at the end and be closer to peak power crossing the traps, 5500 rpm vs 5000 rpm.

Welds are a little lighter and stronger but much more expensive and for stock or close power not really necessary, unless you like the looks.

With 18" wheels your choices are fewer and the difference between wheels greater. BTs are ok for street use but not so much with drag radials on prepped track. I had them and the tires would spin on the rims a lot.

Ok so it looks like I’ll have to rethink the 18 and go back to the idea of the 17 with the little bit of the edge it will give me with gearing and off the line acceleration. I wish the tire it will be on it had taller overall diameter though like with the 18's. What do you think of the VMS wheels?

STREET DRAG RACE REAR V-STAR WHEEL 17x10 (30 OFFSET) 5x115 FOR 2006-20

VMS Racing Street/Drag Race V-Star 17x10" 5x115 with 30 offset wheel is currently available in black milling, or black milling with a polished lip. This wheel was designed specifically for the Hellcat NARROW body cars. You can use this wheel on a wide body car, but the wheel will be 1...

www.vmsracing.com

 

[Ron b]

I had the Forgestar F14 17x10s and they fit perfectly without having to shorten the links, don't know why they say you have to with those.