tire size

[teebes]

I'm gonna be heading to the mid ohio track soon to follow a two day class to get my scca license. Anyway, i'm gonna be learning on my car, and i need new tires on my 16".
1) what tire size should i get for the stock 16 inches?
2) what kind of tires would you guys recommend? i heard that a bunch of autox guys recommend kumos, which one exactly though? looking for ok tires but not too expensive either, coz i know that after the weekend they'll be pretty worn :p

thanks guys,

-- Teebes

Edit: damn i /used/ to be Senior Member. I don't post for a few months and I get bumped back to Member *cry* (;))

[NoCones]

I assume your looking for a DOT "competition" tire?

The 2 Kumho choices are Victoracer V700 and Ecsta V700.

The Victo is the older model...proven to be a great tire, especially for a beginner...relatively inexpensive, very grippy, and great longevity.

The new Ecsta is supposed to be better in performance, worse in longevity, and priced the same, but the jury is out so far (at least in the autox community). I have the Ecsta's (205/50R15) and am pleased.

As for 16" sizes, looks like tirerack only has the Victo in 225/50R16. Ecsta in 205/45 or 225/50. I would tend toward the 205 for better gearing, but I'm sure there are others who would say that the extra width of the 225 is worth the gearing penalty.

Bryan

[teebes]

Thanks for the info NoCones

Would 225/50 fit the stock GTS rim though? Looks like tirerack doesn't have EcstaV700, thinking about getting the VictoV700 heat cycled...

[NoCones]

It'll fit...no problem...it's just a taller tire than oem. Folks use 225/50R15 and 225/45R15 on the 15 inch alloys all the time.

Why do you say tirerack doesn't have the Ecsta?
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/Sizes.jsp?make=Kumho&model=Ecsta+V700

I personally don't usually go for the heat cycling...I just do my own home version...drive 'em on the interstate for 20-30 mins to heat them up, then take 'em off and let them sit for at least 24 hours before using...

Bryan

[autxr]

What SCCA license are you going to get in your car? Do you have the minimum safety equipment for even a Solo 1 event? That would be at least a roll bar, fire estinguisher, SFI approved harness, fire suit for you, etc.

Regardless, what is your track experience? That determines the tire suggestions. If you have little experience, then get some cheap street tires, the Bridgestone RE730 or Kuhmo Ecsta 712 come to mind. You might even want to get those shaved if they are dedicated track tires.

If you are concerned about lap times, then look into the Kuhmo Ecsta V700, or old V700 Kuhmo.

The Escta V700 in the 205/45-16 size would be cool. Again, consider getting it shaved, the full tread Escta V700 might be a bit prone to overheating with it's large tread blocks.

225/50-16 will fit (I've seen it done).

If you really care about winning, get the Hoosier R3S03 in 205/45-16, both of the 205/45-16 options (Kuhmo and Hoosier) will likely give you close to 5mph higher top speed due to the better gearing. They are also both much lighter then the 225/50-16 options, so they will give secondary gains there.

Scott

[Sacha@edgeracing.com]

You guys may also want to consider the falken azenis rs as a great autocross/street tire. Available in 16" in 205/55/16 and 215/45/16 $78 and $98 respectively.

[autxr]

Do you have the Falkens in stock and can you get them? If so, you need to advertize that all over, most folks have them on back order indefinately.

Will the 215/45 squeeze onto a 6.5 inch width rim?

Scott

[Sacha@edgeracing.com]

Here is what I have available in the azenis rs currently and pricing

205/50/15 $65
205/55/16 $78
215/45/16 $98
225/45/17 $107

The 215/45/16 will squeeze on the 5.5 wheel.