Anyone Putting Power Down with 205s?

[venturaII]

Originally Posted by DarkPira7e

A lot of people give me shit for defending the Azenis, but I've had them intermittently for about 10 years on at least 8 different cars. I always go back to them. They've gotten far better as time has passed, too.
.

They're certainly at the top of the bang-for-your-buck list, although there are many options that will ultimately outperform them. Nothing you'd notice on the street though.

[Stang70Fastback]

Originally Posted by DarkPira7e

Oh I guess I neglected some important information. They're heavy 23lb XXR wheels. I had wheels that were a 17x8 previously that were 22lbs a wheel (5zigen wheels) and responded extremely well.

Those are all pretty heavy. My DD wheels are slightly larger than yours (18x9), but only weigh 20 lb. The 17x9 wheels I use for autocross weigh 17.6 lb. So they are 1" wider than your previous 17x8s, but weigh significantly less. STOP BUYING HEAVY WHEELS!!!

[DarkPira7e]

Originally Posted by Stang70Fastback

Those are all pretty heavy. My DD wheels are slightly larger than yours (18x9), but only weigh 20 lb. The 17x9 wheels I use for autocross weigh 17.6 lb. So they are 1" wider than your previous 17x8s, but weigh significantly less. STOP BUYING HEAVY WHEELS!!!

Haha that's the point of this thread. I am either using wheels I already own that are small and 17lbs a piece, or getting a set that's under 20lbs a wheel.

[StraightOuttaCanadaEh]

How much heavier is an 18" tire than a 17" one in equivalent spec?

[RayRay88]

Originally Posted by DarkPira7e

The car isn't driven very hard and it's my DD, I've found that the last set of 200tw tires I had lasted for two years before I voluntarily parted with them, they still had 70% life- I will take what you've asked literally and confirm that I don't drift and will have junk tires for autocross if I partake. I will admit an r compound would be a huge waste! I also want to confirm that I'm looking for increased turn in response compared to the 245s. I like a super stiff sidewall and solid tread blocks. It honestly could be that I had the wrong tires in this size and am scarred because it gave me a perceived lack of turn in. They are Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2.




From my NA Miata days I came to love the Falken Azenis, and it is definitely apparent that the 200tw segment has great size variety in a 16" wheel. I admit, I'm also hoping the increased profile makes life better on our roads.

Can't comment on what tires have stiff sidewalls, but I get what you're after. Maybe a more commonly known stiff sidewall 225 on a lightweight 17x9 might give you enough stretch/stiffness to bring back that crisp turn in?

[DarkPira7e]

Originally Posted by RayRay88

Can't comment on what tires have stiff sidewalls, but I get what you're after. Maybe a more commonly known stiff sidewall 225 on a lightweight 17x9 might give you enough stretch/stiffness to bring back that crisp turn in?

That'd be a nice treat! God knows if I had the boss' permission I'd have 17x9 RPF1s or some OZs

[Stang70Fastback]

Originally Posted by StraightOuttaCanadaEh

How much heavier is an 18" tire than a 17" one in equivalent spec?

Not QUITE the same width, but as far as the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S, a 255/35R18 tire is 23 lb, whereas a 245/40R17 tire is 22 lb. So the weight difference is rather minimal.

However, both are significantly heavier than the OEM 215/45R17 size, which is only 19 lb.

Originally Posted by RayRay88

Maybe a more commonly known stiff sidewall 225 on a lightweight 17x9 might give you enough stretch/stiffness to bring back that crisp turn in?

If you're only going to run a 225 tire size, then don't use a 9" wheel. Use something narrower that won't stretch the tire.

[Leonardo]

Originally Posted by Stang70Fastback

If you're only going to run a 225 tire size, then don't use a 9" wheel. Use something narrower that won't stretch the tire.

Why? Some race teams use 18x9 with 225/40s.

[churchx]

Yes, it's possible with stretch, but as for 9" wide wheels in general case minimum is 235, ideal 245-255, max 265, it might be outside optimum what tire/wheel are designed for. From gains - reduced sidewall flex, from losses - increased chance of tire debeading from rim, risky if happens due high speed/side-g turn, and also slight loss of competitiveness via carrying unnecessary wheel weight. Why they choose to run with 225? Most probably of certain class rules regarding tire limits. Why they keep using heavier wheels and overstretch? Who knows actual reasons. Maybe subjective handling feel change inspiring extra confidence in particular driver due sharper steering feel. Or that wheel needed to clear some specific BBK. Or that is some specific non generic tire used, eg. some race slick that might be used on wider width range. Or they keep using same wheels with different tires depending on weather or class regulations. However, in generic case with generic tires on generic wheels, overstretching imho is not optimal. It may have it's use in past for illegal street racers / drifters using stretching as hack to enhance somewhat handling by reducing sidewall flex of then worse performance tire selection or cheap non performance tire usage due tight budget, but these days with much better tire offering for reasonable prices or better cars/better suspension, imho not needed.

[Colin86]

Edelbrock supercharged on e85 here. Dynoed at roughly 330whp. Currently on 215/45/17 mpss on stock wheels.

If conditions are right on the street I've gently rolled into first and maintained a decent amount of traction, although there's almost always a little slip. If conditions aren't right first gear will completely break away. Second can be rowdy, but it's uncommon to completely light the tires up the way first occasionally does. Things are drama free in third gear and above, but the car continues to pull hard.

Honestly I feel like if I swapped to a 3.7 FD traction wouldn't be half bad, first is just so short with this power level and stock gearing. For what it's worth I'm wanting to go with a 17x9 and run 255's although most of that is for the road course.

Hope this helps!

[RayRay88]

Originally Posted by Stang70Fastback

Not QUITE the same width, but as far as the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S, a 255/35R18 tire is 23 lb, whereas a 245/40R17 tire is 22 lb. So the weight difference is rather minimal.

However, both are significantly heavier than the OEM 215/45R17 size, which is only 19 lb.



If you're only going to run a 225 tire size, then don't use a 9" wheel. Use something narrower that won't stretch the tire.

Most R-Comps are wider than the stated 225, I'm willing to bet he could pull it off with very minor, if any, stretch. That minor stretch/undersquare shoulder might give him some steering feel and sharpness back.

[Trueweltall]

Originally Posted by Colin86

Edelbrock supercharged on e85 here. Dynoed at roughly 330whp. Currently on 215/45/17 mpss on stock wheels.

If conditions are right on the street I've gently rolled into first and maintained a decent amount of traction, although there's almost always a little slip. If conditions aren't right first gear will completely break away. Second can be rowdy, but it's uncommon to completely light the tires up the way first occasionally does. Things are drama free in third gear and above, but the car continues to pull hard.

Honestly I feel like if I swapped to a 3.7 FD traction wouldn't be half bad, first is just so short with this power level and stock gearing. For what it's worth I'm wanting to go with a 17x9 and run 255's although most of that is for the road course.

Hope this helps!

But but but this goes against what most internet car forum guys think! Impossible! Putting 330whp down with stock tire size!!!!11!!!

Glad to see your post man. Most people will just say you need 245 or higher because of X while being factually wrong.

[RayRay88]

Originally Posted by Trueweltall

But but but this goes against what most internet car forum guys think! Impossible! Putting 330whp down with stock tire size!!!!11!!!

Glad to see your post man. Most people will just say you need 245 or higher because of X while being factually wrong.

You could put that power down with a 165. But lets see how greasy/overheated your tires get after a few hard pulls, or sustained abuse like on a track.

[Colin86]

Originally Posted by RayRay88

You could put that power down with a 165. But lets see how greasy/overheated your tires get after a few hard pulls, or sustained abuse like on a track.

For what it's worth my 215 MPSS's have handled many 20 minute HPDE sessions without complaining or getting greasy (65-80 degree ambient). Had to air out as they gained something like 15+psi, but otherwise they performed admirably for what they are.

MPSS's don't offer the grip of a more track focused tire, but traction never fell off.