Speaking to some of the Corolla RWD crowd yesterday at Kirkistown; they suggested trying out some wide 13" wheels. They went on about this improving gearing, and being very useful for short sprint circuits. Anyone care to explain what they were talking about; I do recall seeing a lot of autotesting Corollas here with what seem like ridiculously small wheels. Has anyone tried this, or will the disc brakes foul things up? (5/01)

Well, it would lower the gearing, if you have smaller overall diameter wheels/tyres. That would mean you have a slower max in each gear, but quicker acceleration and you'd be higher up the power curve for any given speed in any given gear. So you'd probably be a bit quicker on circuits where you don't get near max speed (which lets face it is most of them) Potentially lower unsprung weight might improve handling slightly. The brake discs nowhere near fill the wheels, so that shouldn't be a problem, at least on 1.6's. Might not have a very brilliant choice of tyres. Overall, might be worth a try, but I wouldn't want to spend money on it. (5/01)

. and you forgot it lowers the car while retaining stock geometry.. so lower centre of gravity with better geometry (compared to lowering springs) gives higher cornering ability. (5/01)