Track tire size

[WVAsphalt]

Hey guys, I've searched for the answer to this to no avail. I'm sure some on that is because of personal preference/skill. I'm planning on doing quite a few track days next season, and I'm trying to decide if I should save for wheels and 200tw 245s, or if 200tw 215s or 225s on the stock wheels will be okay. So far I have KW V3s, camber bolts, hp+'s, lines, rbf600, and will have rear lca's very soon. I did one track day last season with the car completely stock, and I do a good bit of spirited driving here in the mountains of WV. I also make a yearly trip to the tail of the dragon. I just want to hear some opinions that you guys who have had one or both of those setups.

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[Jamestl]

I was in similar shoes a month ago. Just came back from a track weekend and had a blast. I think it def comes down to personal skills. 245s are definitely not "necessary" to be pretty fast on track, but if you're reasonably experienced and can take the car to cornering speeds to utilize them then you should get them.

For example there were two corners that I was afraid to take at high speeds but the instructor told me the car could take it (and I did bring up the speed throughout the weekend) and I'm on 225s. So I think it's totally your call based on experience levels. Have fun and be safe out there!

[DarkSunrise]

I wouldn't overthink it for casual HPDE's... 215 - 245 width tires are fine.

[Shark_Bait88]

17x8s with 225s is a great combo for stock, or near stock, power levels.

[JazzleSAURUS]

Going to a 225 200tw will be a massive upgrade from your stock tires.

Even a stickier summer tire like a PSS/S-04 in 225 will be a big upgrade.

I definitely don't think you have to, but you have a lot of the bits that can help you make use of even more. It will likely be fun to learn on some 225 200tw's, and upgrade wheels and tires at a later date, then you can put some more conservative tires on the stock wheels for DD if you want.

[lutfy]

Originally Posted by JazzleSAURUS

Going to a 225 200tw will be a massive upgrade from your stock tires.

Even a stickier summer tire like a PSS/S-04 in 225 will be a big upgrade.

I definitely don't think you have to, but you have a lot of the bits that can help you make use of even more. It will likely be fun to learn on some 225 200tw's, and upgrade wheels and tires at a later date, then you can put some more conservative tires on the stock wheels for DD if you want.

+1

OP as others have said, if its DE's slapping 215-225 on stock wheels are plenty. I ran Azenis+ (newer compound) and with 700 track miles and 7K street miles, I'll likely get a weekend out of them (coming up) at Summit Point. I have them on stock wheels. They are not the best tires in the rain FYI.

For competition, I'll be running a diff setup but then I am chasing time. But for DE and spirited driving, I'd suggest getting either the Michelin PSS or Bridgestone S04 variety. Excellent in the rain, plenty quick on the track and best of all, comes with 30K odd wear warranty from Costco.

Lutfy

[stevesnj]

I got myself some Nitto NT01, stock power and sized them at 215/45/17

[strat61caster]

I say stick with stock size and wheels, you're not chasing lap times you are learning, and after one track day there's still a lot to learn. Blowing a bunch of money on big tires/wheels is only going to slow down the learning process per most people's beliefs.

215's are cheaper than 225's and will have better responsiveness on 7" wheels, you don't need the extra grip from the 225's but may notice the lack of responsiveness if you choose them.

I put 215-45-17 Dunlop ZII Star Specs on my OE wheels, did 3x track days on them, then decided to focus on autocross. They were fantastic, I drove them on the street for nearly 2 years, didn't have to swap tires at the track, a nice straightforward upgrade. Switched to MPSS for a daily tire that would survive track/autox abuse and have a set of autox wheels now.

Either a max performance summer (if you prioritize daily life) or extreme performance summer will likely serve you well (provided it has a good reputation)

[WVAsphalt]

Thanks for all the feedback guys. My wallet will appreciate the decision to stick with the stock size for sure. I'll focus on rounding out the suspension setup after tires, then maybe get a set of wheels after next season's track days.

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[Silver Supra]

Originally Posted by WVAsphalt

Thanks for all the feedback guys. My wallet will appreciate the decision to stick with the stock size for sure. I'll focus on rounding out the suspension setup after tires, then maybe get a set of wheels after next season's track days.

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Good plan for this year. You will learn more on stock tires. They squeal a lot.

Once you can drive them to their limits consistently, you can consider different tire compounds and maybe different wheels.

If you are driving at multiple tracks, the time to switch will be later, since you need to learn the courses pretty well to come close to maxing out the tires (consistently).

[WVAsphalt]

Originally Posted by Silver Supra

Good plan for this year. You will learn more on stock tires. They squeal a lot.

Once you can drive them to their limits consistently, you can consider different tire compounds and maybe different wheels.

If you are driving at multiple tracks, the time to switch will be later, since you need to learn the courses pretty well to come close to maxing out the tires (consistently).

The stock tires are almost shot. I'll have to buy a new set soon. I'm at about 3/32", so I'll be upgrading when these are dead.

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[WVAsphalt]

What's the opinion of the group on hubcebtric spacers with stock wheels?

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[CSG Mike]

Wider tires are better for learning, skinnier tend to be faster for lap times.

[CSG Mike]

Originally Posted by WVAsphalt

What's the opinion of the group on hubcebtric spacers with stock wheels?

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no need.