215/45-17 Yok A052, on 17x9 or 17x7.5?
 

I blistered the outside tread of the outside front at Palmer MA in a few places last weekend. I'd like to replace a couple of tires before heading to Thompson CT next weekend. Unfortunately the only size A052 I could run that's available (at Tire Rack anyway) is 215/45-17. I don't mind running this size at the back of the car, question is which wheels, factory 17x7.5, or 17x9 track wheels.

I normally run 235/45-17 or 245/40-17 on 17x9. 225/45-17 I'd have no qualms running on 9" width. 215/45-17s and I'm on the fence here...

A052s do like a little bit of stretch, I'm guessing 215 on 9" might be beneficial for grip and lap times. But it is an inch wider than max recommended...

Opinions?

215 on a 9' wheel is pushin it

Yeah, I'm totally comfortable with 225/45-17 on 9", not so much 215...

I may hold out, I do have other options with totally worn-slick set of 235s, could mount the best of those and rotate the outside front throughout the event to forestall/minimize blistering...

Hopefully the set of 245/40-17 RE71RS I ordered way back when will actually show up for this event, then I'd be A-OK...

Maybe get some Nankangs instead?

Look at some cheaper 660s

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New RE71RS are supposed to arrive at Tire Rack's CT warehouse tomorrow, fingers crossed... Nankang CR-1/CR-S or Falken RT660 are good recommendations but I'd like to stick with A052s for known-awesome wet lap times in addition to dry.

If you needed something in a pinch. Dry and optimal conditions they are pretty close. BTW be sure to post your thoughts on the new RS's

215's on a 9" wheel (IMO) is nuts. That's 'stancy boi' stretch. I ran 225/45/17's on the stock 7.5" PP wheels and they're just about square as can be. A052, RT660, and RE-71. For a 9" wheel, it's 245's all the way.

If it boils down to not being able to get A052's, I'd rather be using a 245 RT660 vs a 215 A052.

For sure I'd run 225/45-17 on 9", but yeah, I decided that if I was to get a couple of 215/45-17s they'd go on the factory 17x7.5 wheels.

Was on the fence about that. I'd get a weight break with the 215s on one end of the car and not have to add as much ballast. And also I do want the much greater wet grip of the A052s vs. the RT660.

But I just got notification that brand new 245/40-17 RE71RS are at the warehouse in CT :D So I'm totally good for Friday/Saturday at Thompson :thumbup:

Definitely go with the 17x7.5 wheels. I would not want improperly fitting tires on a car seeing any track use.