squared vs staggered
 

i dont know if anyone else is having this debate, and i was unsure if i should put this here or fi section or what, but since its about what tires/wheels to put on based on power setup i defaulted here

my question is basically about balance...i agree that a square setup best embodies the spirit of this car since a staggered setup produces more understeer, HOWEVER,

If an individual was planning on going a FI route that was going to increase his/her power significantly, around what HP #'s 250,260,300..etc. would that understeer become more "control" and that square setup become too "loose"?

Im looking to go FI shortly down the road but for somewhat modest gains 250-300 range and would like to visit the somewhat local road course once or twice a year so the balance of this car is important...with the added HP in the future im wondering if the staggered setup will be better for control and still allow for decent oversteer or with my modest HP goals is the square setup more than sufficient?

Sorry for long question, but your feedback is appreciated

@King Tut

I believe no matter what power level, a square setup will always be better.

Having said that, think long and hard about your goals. If you want to track your car say 3 times a year, is it really worth compromising?

wat? Maintaining a square setup eliminates understeer as it provides more front end grip.

Mention didn't work. :(

Since this car comes with a square setup from the factory you can fit about the same size tire in the rear as you can in the front, so if you want to run a staggered setup then you are most likely leaving some front tire width on the table. The question is does leaving that tire width on the table really matter for the kind of driving you plan to do.

If you run a square setup you will be able to rotate your tires too, which may greatly increase treadlife if you go FI...

Yep. You get a 30,000 mile warranty when you run a square MPSS setup.

how much tire do you think you need even at 300hp? i cant see needing more than whatever would fit under the front fenders so i cant think of a reason to stagger from a performance perspective. either way, im not fast enough to make use of the 215s so it doesnt really matter

This is a great question. I went 225/40/18 Michelin, square to retain the car's balanced and neutral handling. But I fear when I go FI in the near future those 225 rear's wont handle the 250+ whp I seek. @Sportsguy83 & @King Tut , what do you think?

Just make good use of those tires, when the time comes, upgrade to 255's

You will probably struggle with traction in first and second gear with 225s. I went with 245s and then upgraded to 265s but had rubbing issues with the 265s. I would probably stick with the 255s when you go forced induction.

I speak from experience running a double staggered setup with the mr2. Can't rotate at all which is why I am hard set on going square with my FRS.

Had staggered 235f 255r, and then switched to square, 255 all around with same tire. Square has my vote by a long shot.

How did the car feel when square and staggered? I'm running 235 square for my track days and I'm curious what benefits going staggered to a 265 rear would get me. I'm using Achilles 123s for track. As of now, at 270whp, powering out of corners makes the rear step out easily than when I was NA.

thanks for the input, i think square is going to be the way to go and if i need a little more traction when i go FI ill just use a wider tire... @King Tut u think 255s square will fit up front with no rub?