Best Wheel/Tire setup for a Road Course

[Hobbes =^.^=]

I'm going to go buy a set of wheels and tires very soon from and I would like to know what would be best set up for road racing. What Rim size would do best on a road course? This isn't really part of it, but what offset for our cars? Tires size, width, everything. Thanks for helping me out.

=^.^=

 

[Luke@tirerack]

Here are a few possibilities in the order I would recommend them

Option #1
Better steering response and handling along with a light weight, durable wheel perfect for track use
4-17X7.5 5-114 ET42 SSR COMP 375.00
4-225/45ZR17 MI PILOT SPORT CUP 227.00
Total 2,408.00

Option #2
Same wheel and tire as option #1 but in a 16" size
4-225/50ZR16 MI PILOT SPORT CUP 207.00
4-16X7.5 5-114 ET42 SSR COMP 325.00
Total 2,128.00

Option #3
16" package which is more cost effective but, will yield slower lap times but, it would still be a very good choice
4-16X7.5 5-114 ET43 K1<RACING# 159.00
4 225/50WR16 KU ECSTA V700 128.00
Total 1,148.00

 

[RocketDSM]

This is very dependant on what mods you plan to do. With your stock car, stick to 16". If you are adding power at the same time, consider 17". I agree with Luke's recommendations for rims and tires. My only consideration with the tires would be the track conditions. IF it is a very well maintained track you MAY be able to safely run a tire one grade lower profile to reduce tire roll in tight corners. BUT you had better make sure the track is smooth and "crap" can't get kicked onto it from the fringe. The lower profiles will help in the corners, but burst MUCH easier when subjected to abuse. Overall, stick with what Luke said. If your into risky (like me)...up to you.

 

[Rx3]

I'm in the same boat, but I would like to run 8" wide rims if at all possible.

Just curious.... what benefits/drawbacks could be had from running an 18x8 or 18x8.5 in width rim/ tire as opposed to 7.5?

Has anyone found a 17x8 lightweight rim?

I guess my optimal wish would be a 17x8 lightweight rim, but if not, I'd run an 18x8 or even 8.5... but finding these combinations are hard.


I was thinking. Volk TE-37 (or LE37 variant) or OZ Superlegga for the rims. Volks are approx. 14lbs for the 18s. OZs are 16 lbs(?) I think...

Anyone care to comment?

 

[turboholic]

-As far as tires, I recommend Azenis Sport, I'm using this tire now until the rain comes, this tires are awesome, very sticky for the price, http://www.grmotorsports.com/ have a test in the print version, the Azenis have the same track time as the BFGoodridge(more expensive), but these tire sucks on wet pavement.

 

[1LE]

I really like the 16x7.5's on my car on a road course. Can run 245s which are plenty. I like the Michelin Pilot Sport, decent grip, wear is VERY good, downside is big $$$. Living in "the frozen north" our road courses get kinda rough. Low profile=not good around here.

 

[cdup]

This is the best option... 17" Velox PG5's 12.5;lbs... unbeilevable I can get them for $325.00 a peice anyone interested?

You must be logged in to view this image or video.

 

[turboholic]

-1LE, what off set do you have on your rear wheel, I only have 1/4" clearance from the trailing arm with 225/50/16 on stock rim.

 

[Rx3]

Originally posted by cdup
This is the best option... 17" Velox PG5's 12.5;lbs... unbeilevable I can get them for $325.00 a peice anyone interested?

You must be logged in to view this image or video.

Sounds good... 1.5 lbs lighter than the CP-035 and 2 lbs lighter than the Volk TE-37. and $100 less or so.


What are the full specs on these? Forged Aluminum or Cast? What is the width available? (7? 7.5? 8 perhaphs?!)

Also what is the size of the lip (looks like 2 inch) and is it a one piece or multi-piece rim?

 

[Rx3]

Nevermind, PG-5's are 4-lug only. There goes that idea

 

[1LE]

Originally posted by turboholic
-1LE, what off set do you have on your rear wheel, I only have 1/4" clearance from the trailing arm with 225/50/16 on stock rim.

Good question... I don't know... They came with the car and are not marked on the wheel. I think they are "TSW Trophy Sports" or something like that. Note that I've got a 2g, with coilovers too. There's tons of room all around...

 

[turboholic]

Originally posted by 1LE
Note that I've got a 2g, with coilovers too. There's tons of room all around...

-Ok, the 2G probably has double 'A' arm set up then. thanks.

 

[dsmgst]

hey Luke@tirerack

i have a 99 gst/gsx thinking about going with a 18x7.5 rim how wide can i go with jic coilovers???? i was thinking of going with ssr gt3 with say a 245,45,zr18 like a dunlop sp8000......any info would be greatly appreciated....

 

[nutshot]

Uh, check the site, they are available in 5X114.3

 

[Luke@tirerack]

Originally posted by dsmgst
hey Luke@tirerack

i have a 99 gst/gsx thinking about going with a 18x7.5 rim how wide can i go with jic coilovers???? i was thinking of going with ssr gt3 with say a 245,45,zr18 like a dunlop sp8000......any info would be greatly appreciated....

The 245/45-18 is 26.7" in diameter and you car uses a 25" diameter so, I would not recommend that size. The 245/35-18 would have the right diameter but, will not fit the 7.5" wheel so, in reality the best size would be the 225/40-18 and maybe a 235/40-18

 

[Kinesis Design]

Would anyone be interested in Volk TE 37's at $465 each for 17x7.5?

 

[focusedrage]

Luke: about your 2nd and 3rd options... well if this is for a road race set up most likely the guy will upgrade his breaks. Even the AEMs and 12.5 require 17s and then it just gets rediculus with other companys. Just a heads up.

 

[focusedrage]

oh and another thing.... this may be one of those "I watch too much CART" sugestions but i understand that the tires abosrbe most of the shock in open wheel racers and i woudl imagine that one would want the most amount of tire thickness? it doesnt seem to mmake snese to have little low pro tires in a road race

 

[Wikkedson]

Cp-035s are good, my brother has them in a 16". I am runing the te37s and i love them.

If your on a budget i would say to get the OZ leggeras or SSR comps.
SSR are a really good deal for the weight.

Also the wider the wheel you get the more it weighs and then on top of that the more the tires your get for them weigh.
Just something to think about, might not matter to you at all.

Also the falken azenis tire is a pretty decent tire for the money. Has very stiff thick sidewalls for cornering. Will help you out alot.

 

[20gst]

FALKEN FK series on 17s]

 

[GaRn]

Originally posted by focusedrage
oh and another thing.... this may be one of those "I watch too much CART" sugestions but i understand that the tires abosrbe most of the shock in open wheel racers and i woudl imagine that one would want the most amount of tire thickness? it doesnt seem to mmake snese to have little low pro tires in a road race

exactly.. low profiles dont necessarily make you faster.. you dont see race cars( any serioes) with low profiles on, same for autox.. do you see any serious autox'ers out there with low profiles on? no, most run 15-16" wheels, usually 15", with bigger series tires..

 

[eclipse13]

Originally posted by Luke@tirerack
Here are a few possibilities in the order I would recommend them

Option #1
Better steering response and handling along with a light weight, durable wheel perfect for track use
4-17X7.5 5-114 ET42 SSR COMP 375.00
4-225/45ZR17 MI PILOT SPORT CUP 227.00
Total 2,408.00

Option #2
Same wheel and tire as option #1 but in a 16" size
4-225/50ZR16 MI PILOT SPORT CUP 207.00
4-16X7.5 5-114 ET42 SSR COMP 325.00
Total 2,128.00

Option #3
16" package which is more cost effective but, will yield slower lap times but, it would still be a very good choice
4-16X7.5 5-114 ET43 K1<RACING# 159.00
4 225/50WR16 KU ECSTA V700 128.00
Total 1,148.00

my stock rs has 14's with 195 size tires. what would it do if i put 16's on it with 205 size tires. wouldn't it make the speedometer wrong. if so how can i fix that please help.

 

[eclipse13]

Originally posted by Luke@tirerack
Here are a few possibilities in the order I would recommend them

Option #1
Better steering response and handling along with a light weight, durable wheel perfect for track use
4-17X7.5 5-114 ET42 SSR COMP 375.00
4-225/45ZR17 MI PILOT SPORT CUP 227.00
Total 2,408.00

Option #2
Same wheel and tire as option #1 but in a 16" size
4-225/50ZR16 MI PILOT SPORT CUP 207.00
4-16X7.5 5-114 ET42 SSR COMP 325.00
Total 2,128.00

Option #3
16" package which is more cost effective but, will yield slower lap times but, it would still be a very good choice
4-16X7.5 5-114 ET43 K1<RACING# 159.00
4 225/50WR16 KU ECSTA V700 128.00
Total 1,148.00

i have a stock eclipse rs with 14's and 195 sized tires. what would happen if i put 16's or 17's with 205 sized tires. wouldn't it make the speedometer wrong? if so how can i fix it?

 

[Luke@tirerack]

Plus sizing your wheels and tires is the best way to improve both the performance and appearance of your vehicle. By using a larger diameter wheel with a lower profile tire it's possible to properly maintain the overall diameter of the tire, keeping odometer and speedometer changes negligible. By using a tire with a shorter sidewall, you gain quickness in steering response and better lateral stability. The visual appeal is obvious.

here are the facts ... for your RS with 14" tires

OE tire size
195/70-14 = 24.7" diameter
205/60-15 = 24.7" diameter
205/55-16 = 24.9" diameter
225/50-16 = 24.9" diameter
215/45-17 = 24.6" diameter

non of these sizes woulf effect the speedo at all.

here is a pic that will illustrate the plus size info

You must be logged in to view this image or video.

 

[eclipse13]

Originally posted by Luke@tirerack
Plus sizing your wheels and tires is the best way to improve both the performance and appearance of your vehicle. By using a larger diameter wheel with a lower profile tire it's possible to properly maintain the overall diameter of the tire, keeping odometer and speedometer changes negligible. By using a tire with a shorter sidewall, you gain quickness in steering response and better lateral stability. The visual appeal is obvious.

here are the facts ... for your RS with 14" tires

OE tire size
195/70-14 = 24.7" diameter
205/60-15 = 24.7" diameter
205/55-16 = 24.9" diameter
225/50-16 = 24.9" diameter
215/45-17 = 24.6" diameter

non of these sizes woulf effect the speedo at all.

so are you saying that i can put up to 225mm sized tires with 16's on my car and the speedo or odometer will not mess up at all?