KU 31 vs KU36

Wheels, Suspension, Brakes & Tyres questions and answers

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Apu
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Re: KU 31 vs KU36

Postby Apu » Tue May 01, 2012 10:37 pm

Well...there are always two sides to an argument, and in hindsight maybe I should have. At the same time, Works Engineering is targeting a more pragmatic consumer who is less dríven by image, but by functionality and value for money.

Are the extra dollars really worth it? It's like why pump nitrogen into your tyres (admittedly I did do that in my younger years) then high school science kicked in and we realized what a scam it is. So why have 2 valves on a wheel? But hey, if that's what the market wants...I can do that too (and before anyone says it, that is not a 949 innovation!)

The argument could be had for 15x9 wheels as well...but how many MX5s need more than 205 or 215?

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Re: KU 31 vs KU36

Postby gussy » Tue May 01, 2012 10:51 pm

zero00 wrote:Gussy

oops! I think your's is there from previous when you had to postpone thru that meeting


I'm going to have to wait and see Roger - I'm still waiting on parts from the UK to upgrade the supercharger cooling system. My electric water pump died, so I decided it was best to start from scratch and upgrade the whole system. Hopefully the parts can get here and fitted in time. I've been itching to get it out on track again.

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timk
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Re: KU 31 vs KU36

Postby timk » Tue May 01, 2012 10:56 pm

No point getting KU36 on a second set of rims when NT01 or R888 is so much stickier! If you have one set of rims then they make sense.

Apu
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Re: KU 31 vs KU36

Postby Apu » Tue May 01, 2012 11:06 pm

Well that's what I figured. I'll try and gain more time on the 36s, then get stickier rubber on the other set of wheels.

sailaholic
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Re: KU 31 vs KU36

Postby sailaholic » Tue May 01, 2012 11:11 pm

Apu
yes, but i would consider myself pragmatic and the suspension tuning stuff I've read (published before anyone else says anything) says that your best option is to fit the largest tire your budget or body work can fit (body work normally being fairly limiting) and then fit the widest RECOMMENDED rim according to the tire manufacturer. Not talking about hectic stretch. But for example 7.5 inch rims for 205.

So to me the extra 100 or 150 is worth it for lighter and wider in a 900 odd dollar purchase.

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Re: KU 31 vs KU36

Postby OurCognitiveSurplus » Tue May 01, 2012 11:22 pm

Is there any Australian supplier for 'works engineering' wheels? Google has failed me.

The width of the tyre relates to grip - does the width of the wheel have any impact (within reason)? I.e. if a certain width tyre will fit on a 7", 7.5" or 8" wheel - is there any point in having the 8" wheel? (and are there any tyres to suit 15" wheels that require an 8" or 8.5" wide wheel?)
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Re: KU 31 vs KU36

Postby sailaholic » Tue May 01, 2012 11:27 pm

]Is there any Australian supplier for 'works engineering' wheels? Google has failed me. - apu I believe.

The width of the tyre relates to grip - does the width of the wheel have any impact (within reason)? I.e. if a certain width tyre will fit on a 7", 7.5" or 8" wheel - is there any point in having the 8" wheel? - my suspension book says yes ( read above).

(and are there any tyres to suit 15" wheels that require an 8" or 8.5" wide wheel?) - yes 225 and above. 215 should fit on an 8 following the above info, but I'm not sure how available they are in the correct profile range.


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Re: KU 31 vs KU36

Postby Hjt » Tue May 01, 2012 11:35 pm

Bryan (Apu) is the Australian distributor of Works Engineering wheels.

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Re: KU 31 vs KU36

Postby Apu » Tue May 01, 2012 11:42 pm

OCS - yes I'm the Australian distributor of Works Engineering. The business is very new here and we are in the process of setting things up. The wheels were a limited run, so you won't find it on our website.

Sailaholic - I get your point, but I also subscribe to the view that if I'm going to run 205, then 6.5" wheel should do. Unless I go turbo, I don't think my car has enough power to need 225 tyre...I'd just go for a stickier compound. Of course I could be wrong.

But yes, looking at 8" wide wheels next since there is more demand for that, but I'd more likely go for 16" diameter and 5 stud pattern as the market for 4 stud is relatively small (plus competition, etc).

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Re: KU 31 vs KU36

Postby Hjt » Wed May 02, 2012 12:05 am

Irrelevant as it may be, but Deen runs a 225/45/r'15 on his 15x9 6ul wheels...but his power is similar to your power mate

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Re: KU 31 vs KU36

Postby Apu » Wed May 02, 2012 12:16 am

I'm not saying you can't, I'm just questioning the logic of it.

By going wider, you're also narrowing your track width. If you have more dish, then you're placing incrementally higher loads on your suspension.

So it's the issue of what trade off, and the cost associated with it.

The extreme example would have been your super wide wheels. What was the handling like?

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Re: KU 31 vs KU36

Postby Apu » Wed May 02, 2012 12:28 am

And for all the hot air about tyres and rim sizes...Guran's running stock :oops: :lol:

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Re: KU 31 vs KU36

Postby Hjt » Wed May 02, 2012 12:29 am

I didn't notice much change, then again I couldn't exactly drive fast enough to push it.

Deens wheels have a high offset though, +37?

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Re: KU 31 vs KU36

Postby sailaholic » Wed May 02, 2012 7:39 am

[quote="Apu"]

Sailaholic - I get your point, but I also subscribe to the view that if I'm going to run 205, then 6.5" wheel should do. Unless I go turbo, I don't think my car has enough power to need 225 tyre...I'd just go for a stickier compound. Of course I could be wrong. "

But why live with "should do" if wider with an appropriate offset is available for little extra cost. Its a bit like why put urethane bushes in when rubber should do. Sure it works to an extent but like sticker tires they will wear out quicker.

I know of a number of people who have said "wish there was a decent competitor to the 6ul due to style / everyone has them. But had product to beat on available sizes weight and price. Next alternative is rpf1 but that's only a 7 and has problems with bbk. Rp01 might work better?

Anyway at the end of the day what matters more, your thoughts on if wider is needed or the customer's?

Not having a go, starting a business isn't easy so just giving feedback.

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zero00
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Re: KU 31 vs KU36

Postby zero00 » Wed May 02, 2012 8:19 am

project

Mine is an NB8A, apart from suspension, alloys, tyres, rollbar etc, under the bonnet is total stock, not even 'cold air'!

Still not sure what you had your 36's on but like I said I can't fault them!

'justabitrusty' runs an NB8 with 15 x 8 and Toyo 888's [I will stand corrected on that - perhaps saboteur can confirm] and last Sunday at Lakeside got down to an incredible 1.02.85! Lift the bonnet on his and it's standard! Just the suspension etc and a driver with ability, a thing lots forget!
Roger D-SUNSHINE COAST
2000 NB8A-LP 69.1248|QR Clubman 71.9235|QR Sprint 68.1412
1989 NA6 B-SPEC #77|Toyota GTS86 MT


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