Magazine article I'd like to see.

[68Formula]

I am curious how rim width affects handling and standing-start acceleration.

I'm thinking same tires using max average and min rim width. Keep the offset such that the scrub radius is not affected and vary the tire pressures to see if it improves depending on the width. (I've heard tires with smallest rim size like more pressure for maximum tread contact at least for acceleration).

Testing could include skidpad, stopping, and 0-60mph or 1/8th mile. Sounds like fun for some editor.

[rohrt]

Would you only change the back rim size since the fronts are so limited?

Sounds like a good test to me.

[68Formula]

I'd do fronts and back. The popular 245/45R18 shows 7.5 to 9 inch. So it doesn't work out perfect but you could do a custom offset to get 8.25 or bias it an extra .25" in one direction.