Autocross Wheel Questions

[Ghost]

Currently I have the stock bottlecap 14x6 alloys on my car. If I was to "upgrade" to 15x7 basketweaves off an iX or iS would it bump me up in class?

If I got different 15x7 wheels would that bump me up in class (say Fliks or Koseis)?

Consider all the other items on the car are stock pieces.

Thanks.

[E(30)XTASY]

i dont believe it matters what wheel size you have. i dont think that it will bump you in class unless the tires you wrap them with are "r" compounds or something similar in performance. If wheel size does add points to your car... its not enough to bump you a whole class

[asubimmer]

it should put you in STS but they prob would never know. I told the teck people bluntly 3 times that i had bav auto springs before they would change my class. I wanted to be honest bout it. haha my rears even have camber and they didn't believe me that i had aftermarket springs. its your call.

[iflytii]

What class are you running currently?

Technically changing wheel size from what was originally offered on the car model will bump you from a stock class. You will have to run SP or one of the other class' like STS if your chapter is strict with the rules. Most chapters rely on the honor system for classifying cars so unless someone protests you could probably run basketweaves without much notice. A more radical aftermarket wheel would probably attract some attention and increase the possibility of a confrontation.

[Ghost]

What class are you running currently?

Technically changing wheel size from what was originally offered on the car model will bump you from a stock class. You will have to run SP or one of the other class' like STS if your chapter is strict with the rules. Most chapters rely on the honor system for classifying cars so unless someone protests you could probably run basketweaves without much notice. A more radical aftermarket wheel would probably attract some attention and increase the possibility of a confrontation.

No class right now, coming out of karting - I had been looking at upgrading my wheels and tires since that is generally considered the best starting point for upgrading the car and I really do not want to do anything with the engine or suspension as I want to be able to drive the car the best I can, then look at upgrades in those areas.

[iflytii]

What class are you running currently?

Technically changing wheel size from what was originally offered on the car model will bump you from a stock class. You will have to run SP or one of the other class' like STS if your chapter is strict with the rules. Most chapters rely on the honor system for classifying cars so unless someone protests you could probably run basketweaves without much notice. A more radical aftermarket wheel would probably attract some attention and increase the possibility of a confrontation.

No class right now, coming out of karting - I had been looking at upgrading my wheels and tires since that is generally considered the best starting point for upgrading the car and I really do not want to do anything with the engine or suspension as I want to be able to drive the car the best I can, then look at upgrades in those areas.

I would find a class that you feel comfortable in before making any purchases that eliminate being able to run a lower class. Perhaps show up as you are and get a feel for things. You can decide to run stock or bump up to sp or a street tire class after that. I really doubt anyone will give you much grief over a slightly larger wheel but you never know with larger turnouts. People can get ultra competitive and undoubtedly if you start doing well, someone might complain.

[DaveCN]

Depends on the sanctioning body. Also, some late model e30s were offered with Type 10 wheels which were 15x7 IIRC.

[iflytii]

Depends on the sanctioning body. Also, some late model e30s were offered with Type 10 wheels which were 15x7 IIRC. Very true. I am assuming SCCA but it could be very different if your running with the BMW crowd. My interpretation of the rules (SCCA) are that you have to look at the exact model of your car and if it was offered on the same year/make but different model then you have to upgrade to the entire package offered with that model. For example, there is a guy running H stock in his honda accord dx in my chapter. It has no sway bars at all but the ex model does. Same car, same year but according to the SCCA rules he would have to swap the entire trim package, including, all the power assesories, sunroof, etc, which is obviously not feasably possible (since the DH has no sunroof) to reman stock. You could make a stong case if you could show your car to be the exact trim package as the one offered with 15"x7" wheels to stay in stock but again, I really doubt anyone will care as long as your not beating them.

[E(30)XTASY]

i stand corrected...

[Doug Hitchcock]

I use the 14 by 6.5-inch weaves for SCCA autocross with R-comps.

I run in DSP, which is a good class for E30s. (In fact, local autocrossers hereabouts are arguing that e30s oughta be moved into BSP, which is the home of M3s ... ).

I've been under the impression that weaves were an option on my 325i, no? And as such, an e30 driver could run them in D Stock under SCCA rules.

Also, in SCCA, R-compound tires DO NOT bump you out of stock category. They are legal in stock categories because these so-called "race tires" are actually DOT approved, therefore street legal in the broadest interpretation.

Anyway, my $0.02.

D. Hitchcock

[superj]

my wife's 325is came stock with the 14" weaves. i got some for my regular i model because i could get a little wider tire and a wider stance. i test them next week.

[iflytii]

Also, in SCCA, R-compound tires DO NOT bump you out of stock category. They are legal in stock categories because these so-called "race tires" are actually DOT approved, therefore street legal in the broadest interpretation.


True, as long as there is a non-zero measurable tread depth. Most r-comps have wear bars in them so that really isn't an issue - if it is totally slick, it is not legal. On the other hand, "racing tires" are explicitly disallowed, section 13.3 E - No racing tire or recap (on any casing) may be used. Moving up to the Touring catagory you start dealing with min tread wear ratings which greatly affect your tire choice.

[Silverhks]

Ghost in the SCCA if the baskets were offered on your car (1987 325es) as standard or factory option you may run a 15x7. Of importance is that it does not have to be the factory wheel mearly the factory size.
Conversly if your car only came with the bottle caps your stuck with 14x6 wheels.

Keep in mind this is for stock class, the wheel rules become much more open for all other classes.

[superj]

what year were weaves first offered? i know they were out by the time my wife's and my cars were out. but when were they first out on an e30?

[M-technik-3]

Rules vary from chapter to chapter. If you are just starting do you plan on running solo I or II or local chapter auto X.

I run strictly chapter auto X right now just due to time issues.

[superj]

we run soloII because that is all they offer here.