i've heard some conflicting information regarding AX, and wheel size.

For those of you that do AX, do you prefer larger wheel diameter, or smaller?

 

moved...

 

It depends on your budget and what class you want to run.

If you're in a stock class, you must use a stock size wheel.

If you're in a mod class, then you have more options (check the rulebook). Bigger wheels = really expensive race tires.

I find that small light wheel with a lot of tire is better than big wheel with rubberbands. The really fast modified guys run 13x8's with a really wide tire. Looks goofy, but it's faster!

Pick up a set of 15x7s and put some race rubber on them and you'll be set.

I couldn't autox on street tires again. But if you must, the Falken Azenis (?) is really good.

 

so then, from a performance point, is a smaller wheel better because it is smaller, and theoretically lighter?

or is it because the smaller wheel diameter allows for sharper handling/turning?

 

Smaller wheel is lighter (lighter=faster), and there are more tire sizes available. And by smaller, I mean stock size. There's no reason to run 17's or bigger autocrossing, unless you have a capable car (Vette, etc). Bigger wheels with fat sticky tires will slow you down if you don't have the power to support them. Plus they mess with your gearing, and your low end will suffer.

You need sidewall for traction and response. Not too much, but enough. There's a balance to be had, but in my experience, 50 series worked well for me (215/50/14 BFG R1's on 14x6 AR-24s, Dodge Neon, E-Prepared class)