Steel wheels for auto-crossing?

[j00tel]

I'm going to start auto-crossing soon and was thinking of just picking up a set of 15" steel wheels to mount my auto-cross tires on. I'm not hoping to be really competitive, at least not initially, I just want to get out and have fun, learn car control techniques, etc.

Do you know if using steel wheels in auto-crossing works well or not?

Also, would using these wheels change the class that my car is in, considering that the car is otherwise 100% factory-spec and the stock wheels are 15" alloys (2000 Integra GS-R sedan)?

--Dan

[BIG_Truck_Driver]

will not change your class as long as the wheel size is the same.

[j00tel]

Thanks for the info.

Do you have an opinion on actually using steel wheels? The only reason I even thought to use them was simply because they are so inexpensive.

--Dan

[BIG_Truck_Driver]

shouldn't make any difference other than weight. as long as the pavement is smooth that shouldn't have too much of an effect.

[Leonard]

Actually, they can change your class. If you are running a Stock class, they wheels must be factory OEM and an available option on your make/model to be permitted in a stock class. Not that I think anyone will protest you running steelies in a stock diameter and width. (If you have any doubt, check the rulebook -- STOCK is STOCK -- only wear items replaced -- oil, filters, pads, shocks, struts and tires)

Also, what kind of tires are you planning on running? If you're looking to truly learn car control, I would recommend starting off on street tires. The tires won't have as much capability, so you'll be able to reach the edge of the vehicle's total handling ability at far lower (and safer) speeds. Once you feel comfortable with handling the car at the limits of available traction, then it's time to move the bar up. :) Just my .02.

[j00tel]

Leonard,

That's actually a really good idea, running street tires that is. I had planned on running something to the effect of DOT approved Kumho's but perhaps I will hold off on those for just a little while...

Where's the best place to pick up 15" steel wheels (4x100 bolt pattern) that'll take a 205 width tire? I figure I should be able to pick up 4 of them for less than $100.

--Dan

[Leonard]

Yeah, I'm actually going back to street tires for a few events with the new suspension under the Cobra.

As far as where to get the wheels for your car, I'm not sure. If it were me, I'd hold off on the second set of wheels until I felt I was ready to make the jump to soft compound tires. (Actually, that's what I did.. :) ).

[shadowboy]

i had the second set of wheels already when i started.. but i am with leonard on this one.

the general guideline is to drive on your street tires for your first full season, then move up to R tires on your second (i just moved up to R tires at the end of my 2nd full season.. but that was more of a timing/money issue--been ready for R tires for quite some time now)

[j00tel]

Thanks for the advice.

--Dan

[VideoNasty]

I am in total agreement with waiting a while til you buy R comps.

I autoxed the past 2 seasons on street tires, which are VERY forgiving and tend to be cheaper in the long run(if you flat spot a 50 dollar Dunlop, its easier to replace than a 120 dollar V700 :) )

I just purchased a pretty decent set of Motegi MR-7's(in gunmetal, clad in Nittos) for street use(as they are 16s) gonna get a set of Kuhmo's to put on the stock SE-R Alloys to keep in the running in GS. when I start winning consistantly in Stock class, thats when suspension and engine mods start. :D

[j00tel]

New question and please do forgive my ignorance.

I mentioned this idea of getting steel wheels for auto-x to my friend and he said to make sure they are forged and not cast. Is this an issue?

If so, are most of them cast or forged? Can you easily tell the difference?

--Dan

[Leonard]

steelies aren't either. They are stamped out of thick (1/4"?) steel in a press.

You don't get into forged/cast until you start getting into lightweight alloy wheels.

Presonally, I wouldn't use steelies for my purposes. They aren't as strong and do flex more. Combine that with a 3600 lb car and sticky R compound race tires, and it's not an intelligent mix.

Honestly, before you go out and spend ANY money on wheels or tires or other equipment, I would HIGHLY recommend that you come out and participate in an event on your stock street tires. You're not going to wear the tires a signifigant amount on your first event because you won't be driving your car anywhere near the limits of what it can do. Keep your money in your pocket until you decide where you want to go with the car...

[j00tel]

Leonard,

I've been thinking the same thing, partly because I can get out to an auto-x with my existing setup faster than I can get the money for wheels and tires and partly to see what other people are using.

FYI, I'm driving a 2000 Integra GS-R sedan, should be less than 3,000 lbs including me, a tank of gas, etc.

Thanks again for the good advice.

--Dan

[PseudoRealityX]

correction to Leonard,

For STOCK classes, you can use ANY wheel that is the OEM SIZE, diameter and width, and the offset must be within 1/4".

Steelies are fine if they otherwise match size of the oem wheels

[Tits McGee]

Originally posted by "j00tel"

Leonard,

I've been thinking the same thing, partly because I can get out to an auto-x with my existing setup faster than I can get the money for wheels and tires and partly to see what other people are using.

FYI, I'm driving a 2000 Integra GS-R sedan, should be less than 3,000 lbs including me, a tank of gas, etc.

Thanks again for the good advice.

--Dan

No need to autox with a full tank of gas anyways......have as little in the gas tank as you can....especially with a heavy ass car like a 4 door Integra ( I have one too, so I feel your pain). I tried to have mine under a quarter tank when I autox-ed the sedan.

[0HP930]

Originally posted by "MinGreyCobra"

Presonally, I wouldn't use steelies for my purposes. They aren't as strong and do flex more. Combine that with a 3600 lb car and sticky R compound race tires, and it's not an intelligent mix.

I would have to say it depends. Some steelies will flex less than some lightweight forged or cast alloy wheels depending on their design.

Even on a big car experiencing nothing more than tire friction (no curbs for examle) most steelies would never deflect more than a millimeter or two.

Its all moot when you concider that its usually much less than the deflection most people will get from their suspension bushings and chassis flex.

Steelies just ain't as pretty as nice alloy wheels and don't come in all the same neat sizes.

If you can find a good set that will work good for you, more power to ya.

I will be putting my own alternate wheels on tomorrow for the z-hills auto-x this weekend.

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