18"wheels=slow m3

[m3f_SleepRM3]

My wheel recommendation (and the ones I bought for my car) are BBS RK 17x8 running a balanced 235/40 tire all around (16 pounds per wheel). Plus the wheels are lighter (than the same wheel in 18s), the wheels are cheaper (than the same wheel in 18s) the tires are cheaper than 18s also.Most of the BMW CCA E36 M3 club racers I know, run 9 x 17, 45-mm offset SSR Comps with 245/40-17 Hoosier R3S03s (R3S04s now), all around. Comps weigh 15.5-16 lbs each.



From the reading I've done on this forum, perhaps 9 x 17, 42-mm offset BBS RG-R with 245/40-17 road tires (all around) would be a hot setup for stock suspensioned E36 M3s for spirited roadwork? RG-R, 9 x 17, 42 ET weighs 17.5 lbs each. That has to be lighter than the stock M double spoke 8.5 x 17, 41-mm offset rear?

[m3f_jboat]

Does anyone know if the convert with the top down is as equally balanced as a hard top? Seems like I might get a little better traction with the extra weight sitting over the rear end.

[m3f_PurpleM3Pursuit]

The possibility of the rotational mass affecting acceleration is hardly absurd. 5lbs/wheel is 20 per car, and it's further from the center. Don't forget the tire is further too.



i think u need to go and take some engineering classes.. or put urself on a fully rotatable stool.. first have ur arms out and have someone spin u.. then do the same thing with the arms out.. but bring them in.. u will notice an increase (very noticable increase) in ur speed.. hence why when a skater has the arms out and then brings them in.. the are able to speed up.. this is due to the mass be more towards the center of the rotating shaft.. u throw an 18 on a car (regardsless of weight) the mass will be towards the outter rim.. this sis why the guys are noticing the decreased acceleration.. its all physics and mechanics..

[m3f_PurpleM3Pursuit]

The convert is heavier because it lacks a roof and needs additional structural reinforcement. However, the 0-60 times between the coupe and convert are negligible. A very minor sacrifice in order to enjoy the open roads IMO.



can i add that it has "serious" structural improvements to the cabin because there are no cross members available through the cabin to support the system.. in a coupe.. u are able to distribute the forces through the roof and pillars.. also u have all the mechanics to the top (motors, members, etc)..