Skinny tires for NASA PTE?
 

(Forgive me if this has been asked before - I did try to search)

I've been spending some quality time with the NASA classification calculator. The short version is that I have a bone-stock BRZ Premium with no options except the rear spoiler. That means that if I run 215/40R17 Yoko AD08's, I will be at -1 points and can drop from PTD to PTE.

Is that a good idea? Will I be competitive with the Miatas and other folks in PTE, or are those just too skinny to work well with our cars?

This is assuming a decent mid-level driver (which I am not yet), but as I need new tires in any event, I'm thinking I may as well practice on the tires I'd eventually be using (hopefully in 2019 if all goes well).

Thanks!

Im no expert on NASA classing but running a skinny tire is a good tool for learning (which seems to be one of your goals along with being competitive). Skinny tires are easier to slide on and more forgiving at the limit (can sustain a higher slip angle). I will spare you the details but there is a video out there explaning the differences.

You can be competitive in TTE. I got the permission in past but you would need to remove the spoiler otherwise you wont be legal. If you want to be FAST in TTE, here is what I'd recommend (AD08r are OK at best FYI). Re71R if you can run them. Ticket setup (4 points). Camber plates and springs (2 points). Software flash and bingo!

So skinny tires = -7. You have 6 to play with. Add 4 for the tires and 2 for springs. Or throw in a set of TRD swaybars. In TTE I toyed with Azenis, TRD bars and TRD springs (I may have both springs and bars sitting around PM if it may work for you).

Hi Greg,

I will be running 215/17 Azenis on this FRS. If I deduct the points (-7) for the skinnier tires (from 245 TTD legal) I will be left with six points to spare (assuming I am downgraded to TTE). Then add 2 points for Azenis. 2 points for TRD springs (came with the car) with 2 points left (likely take spare wheels off) to come in around 2930. Stock FRS with springs except for the tires. I'd like to run it this way (granted there is no one in TTE at the moment, hardly) but I can get back to TT and see how the rules affect for next year.

Can I take the wing off? I thought if it came from the factory you had to leave it on.

The rule is that only parts that come on the base model don't cost points, so since there is a version without the spoiler it counts the same as a giant wing (dumb).

On most tracks at stock hp, a 225 is quicker than a 245 given the same tire. Compound matters more than width, so getting the stickiest 215 you can get will likely still be quicker than a 245 in the same tire.