I want Big 18x9.5 and some 295/275 rubber for racing.. I've found these 2 wheels and want to get the 'expert' opinion on which would be better (5.75 v 5.25 backspace is only difference). I probably will go same on all 4 corners.

OPTION A: BS 5.25 with 0 offset
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/sum-1438961gmml0

OPTION B: BS 5.75 with +12mm offset
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/sum-1438961gmml1

thoughts??

 

For racing what class?
If ur just doing hpde why not some 18x10.5 all the way around?

 

SCCA CAM class, Classic American Muscle and I want to put 295 in the back and 275 up front. I've been told that I can go with 315 in the back, but I want to try the 295 first.

The options for 16 and 17" tires are getting smaller, but these 18r 35 aspect options are very nice, lots of good choices.

I will also upgrade the brakes and run some pro-touring events with these once on the new rubber.
the 18x10 are MUCH MUCH more money, i found these 18x9.5 on summitt while doing a search and found them to be 30% of the cost of the bigger ones.

 

you def want option A 0 offset. the +12 will bring the wheel in more. i have 0 all the way around

 

First time i have seen those wheels - as long as they are quality, a steal for the price.

0 offset brings the wheels out as much as possible without sticking out of the factory fenders in a 9.5" wheel.

I would suggest using a 275-35 (or 40) all around: you can rotate; the car will not have tire induced understeer to fight against, and there is a better selection of 275 tires than 295 on the market. Now you can fit a 295 all around on the right wheels, but there is the problem of budget - you will want a 10.5" wheel for a 295, 9.5" is too narrow.

 

Thanks Paul! I really would prefer to buy wheels from you or another quality vendor. I'm going to hold off and keep looking for some 10 inch wide for 295 in the rear. I heard that 315 is possible with the right rim (10.5)..

So I am still looking, but YES that is a good price

 

Paul, since are a wheel guru, i would like you to estimate what your 18" wheels would weigh (ballpark) when then come to market.

The reason I am asking is that I called summitt to ask about these wheels and I asked them about the weight. They said the shipping weight is 27 pounds each. WOAH! so I told them "no thanks!". I was expecting something more like 21, but perhaps my calibration is off. DO the bigger wheels weigh THAT much more?

 

Probably 22lbs or 23lbs in a 9.5" width. IT all comes down to weight from a larger wheel barrel, spokes, and sometimes thicker spokes.

I dont think 27lbs is all that bad - considering the Ronals that everyone swoons over weigh 26lbs in 17" x 9.5". Would be 29 or 30lbs in 18".

Weight comes from design - materials, offset, style, and technology used.

 

They are inexpensive cast wheels, they are going to be heavy to be strong enough. If u want a lightweight wheel, its going to cost you.

Could do corvette mag wheels and adapters, but again, kinda spendy.

 

For that kind of money I'd go with used vette wheels. They're going to be stronger and probably lighter. Just sucks trying to avoid a staggered set. Thats the main complication as far as I can tell. I got no interest in 17x8.5 fronts...